When using the larger swimbaits 2oz+ what is the best knot to use for mono, floro and braid? Also do you guys use snaps or swivels instead of directly tying them on? Id hate to lose a pricey bait just because of a simple error like that. I ask for all three because I haven't decided on which line Ill use yet, any input on that will be helpful to.

 

Thanks

I only trust the Palomar knot when throwing baits that cost 200+. Look around on swimbait underground and you will find the same answers

I use a palomar for braid, SD Jam on Fluoro.  I don't use mono.  I will add that since I fish waters with pike, and many of them, I always fish either a heavy fluoro leader or sometimes titanium leaders. 

Also if your bank fishing big baits there is going to be some point in time when you are going to get wet and go swimming. Not trying to scare you its just the name of the game unless you are cool with loosing a deps here and there. I've been fishing a deps got hung up it was late in the evening cut my line tied it off under the dock so I could come back first thing in the morning to rent a boat and go get my deps back lol. The idiotic things I do for swimbait fishing.

I use P-Line CXX for my bigbaits and I use a Palomar knot. Since I have first started fishing big baits I have tied line direct to bait. But at the advice and opinion of some big bait guy's who have the fish to show for it I am going to start using swivels.

I use a Palomar to #3 or #4 snap.  Direct, either a Uni or Improved Clinch.  No issues with 20/25# CXX.

Sandiego Jam or Uni. I think palomar is probably the least used. Duo locks are also fine to use if you want.

Improved clinch with 10 wraps. Never failed me and I can tie it blind folded in the dark!

I use a palomar for braid, SD Jam on Fluoro.  I don't use mono.  

X2.

Palomar knot is difficult to tie on large size lures, you need a big loop to put the lure through. If you use a snap like Berkley Cross Lock size 6 or 9, then a Palomar knot is OK for mono. The San Diego jam knot is good for FC and mono line and the braid knot for braid.

I use mono, 25 lb Big Game or Sunline Defier, with SD jam knot, tied direct onto the lure.

Tom

WRB knows what he's talking about except 25lb izor for me

I use mono, 25 lb Big Game or Sunline Defier, with SD jam knot, tied direct onto the lure.

Tom

Where do you get 25 lb defier? I can't find it on tackle warehouse. Defier is a little out of my price range for mono but I'd like to try it.

Where do you get 25 lb defier? I can't find it on tackle warehouse. Defier is a little out of my price range for mono but I'd like to try it.

TW has it! 165 yd spool of 25 lb is $18

Where do you get 25 lb defier? I can't find it on tackle warehouse. Defier is a little out of my price range for mono but I'd like to try it.

Its listed under defier armilo

Thanks guys. Ill check it out. I was thinking shooter defier.

Palomar for everything, "Palomar Nation"!!

Awesome thanks for all the replies! Def very helpful.

I use a Palomar to #3 or #4 snap.  Direct, either a Uni or Improved Clinch.  No issues with 20/25# CXX.

Ive seen a few guys post this, I see WRB suggested the snaps but only ties direct. Are there situations where one is better over the other or just a convenience thing? 

Snaps can limit or increase action on big baits. Depending on what the fish want I may tie to snap or split ring or I may tie direct.

Cool, got it. Thanks again guys. Hopefully Ill have a report soon on how i make out!

Ive used the Grigsby knot or Jimmy Houston knot or whoever else wants to claim its theirs.. with no knot failure.. but I always use a drop of superglue on it as well.

Doesnt superglue alter the integrity of the line?

(A good properly selected knot should need no aid/ glue)

I use the improved clinch. 20lb suffix siege on baits up to 4.5oz...No issues thus far, I just take extra care that the knot cinches down perfectly and I wet the knot as well. SD Jam seems to be very popular among the swimbait community 

I use the improved clinch. 20lb suffix siege on baits up to 4.5oz...No issues thus far, I just take extra care that the knot cinches down perfectly and I wet the knot as well. SD Jam seems to be very popular among the swimbait community

I can honestly say without reservation, YOUR USING A KNOWN INFERIOR KNOT, (and i can say that as someone who formerly fished that turd of a knot)

Sorry, dont hate me, LOL

Could someone explain why swimbaits need a special knot?

 

No snaps or swivels, I tie direct. If the bait comes with a split ring, I tie to that. If it doesn't come with one, well, I don't use a split ring then!

I can honestly say without reservation, YOUR USING A KNOWN INFERIOR KNOT, (and i can say that as someone who formerly fished that turd of a knot)

Sorry, dont hate me, LOL

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, and I have caught thousands and thousands of fish on it, using anything from 2lb test for trout up to 100lb on leaders for Amberjack. The only time I use a different knot is when I tie with braid (palomar). If my results change, I will change knots