I've been using fc for a few yrs now, 17#, and always tied a palomar knot. I have yet to break one off, knock on wood, but this yr I have ventured into the finesse realm, using 7 lb sunline fc sniper on my spinning setup. In researching finesse fishing, I read that palomar is not recommended for fc, and instead it is recommended to use a san diego knot. Just curious what others are using for their knots, and your results...

clinch knot

Shaw Grigsby "no name" knot. There's a couple videos on YouTube showing how to tie it. I think it's easier to tie than the San Diego jam and it's never failed me.

I used to use the improved clinch with fluorocarbon and never lost a fish but recently switched over to the san diego jam knot for all my lures whether its fluoro, braid, or mono. I use it on my 12 lb baitcaster and 8 lb spinning gear without worries. Its easy to tie and has yet to fail.

I do use the palomar when I drop shot but that is the only time I use it b/c I don't think its the best but makes the hook stand out real well.

+1 for the san diego jam.

The knot I tie with fluorocarbon is the Pitzen. It's easy to tie, doesn't slip, and I have never, repeat never, had an issue with it on fluorocarbon.

The only experience I have with FC are FC leaders, and any leader material is different than the actual line. It is a bit more rigid and I think more difficult to get a good knot. I only use 40# FC leaders, which seems to be a good size for my target species, quite often I tie it 2 or 3 times until I'm happy with the knot, and prefer an ordinary clinch for hooks and a loopknot for lures. 40# is the max leader size I like to use, heavier leaders don't get a knot, they get crimped with a sleeve.

I just made the switch to the Reverse Clinch or also called the San Diego Jam for f/c.

I can tie that thing faster than the Palomar. and it HOLD'S.

Someone was kind enough to post a video somewhere on here on how to tie it. Do a search and try that one.

Mike

The knot I tie with fluorocarbon is the Pitzen. It's easy to tie, doesn't slip, and I have never, repeat never, had an issue with it on fluorocarbon.

The Pitzen is another real good knot for just about any type of line. It's almost identical to the jam knot with one extra step. When I am on the lake and it's poor conditions or I need to retie quickly I have been known to use the Pitzen b/c it's a hair simpler and quicker.

If you have a smartphone, get the knot wars app, this will list many different knots, how strong they hold, what type of line they are best for, and how to tie them. Check it out:)

A properly tied Palomar has yet to fail me for most of the fishing I do. I've experimented with other knots, and most of them have worked just fine. Whatever knot you end up using, spend the time and learn to tie it properly instead of worrying about what everybody else says you MUST use for this and that.

Thanks for the input all. I actually did get that app, pretty cool :-). Used the san diego jam today, definitely seems to tie smoother than the palomar...

A properly tied Palomar has yet to fail me for most of the fishing I do. I've experimented with other knots, and most of them have worked just fine. Whatever knot you end up using, spend the time and learn to tie it properly instead of worrying about what everybody else says you MUST use for this and that.

Yeah like I said, I have been using palomar for yrs with no issues. Just came across some articles that mentioned it could actually cut into the line, which worried me with 7lb test..

I'll put it to you this way, any knot can cut into itself if it's not lubricated, wrapped properly, and cinched slowly. You said you've used fluoro for many years, I'm going to assume you know that heat is the enemy of all things fluoro.

The knot I tie with fluorocarbon is the Pitzen. It's easy to tie, doesn't slip, and I have never, repeat never, had an issue with it on fluorocarbon.

Thanks for the info..I just tried it out a few times and it seems to be very easy and little friction when doing the knot. I'll have to try it out next time at the lake.

-brian

I use the San Diego with all my lines. I have never had an issue with it. It may not be the easiest to tie but I have pretty much mastered it now and don't see a reason to change.

I use the Eugene Bend knot. It is very simple and quick and rarely fails me

San Diego Jam, and the Shaw Grigsby special. There's also a knot similar to Shaw's that takes the wraps going up the line and then through the bottom loop; opposite of Shaw's it works decently also.

Just started with the San Diego Jam this year. Easy to tie and haven't broken a knot yet. I'm impressed with it.

another vote for the san diego jam it has never ever failed me and it takes about 7 seconds to tie