I've been breaking off a lot recently and don't know why but there it always a little curve at the end of my line where the line breaks, so I figured that it was my knot (improved clinch knot) it has never broke before but just started breaking and lost confidence in it, if respooled line and it keeps breaking so now I'm using the san deigo jam knot and heard tons of good things about it, just wondering what y'all think

My recommendation is the Palomar Knot.  Very easy to tie and very strong.

I tie an improved clinch knot on my mono and fluoro lines. No issues, but if you have a bend at the end is it possible your line is slipping at the knot? If it is slipping you're doing something wrong when tying it that you weren't doing before.

 

Palomar on my braid.

 

Never tried a san diego jam, so I can't give you any feedback on it.

I like the san Diego jam for treble hook baits with my copolymer. Single hook baits I use a Palomar. Could also look at the double san Diego jam for lines under 15lb test. After that it gets to be a cumbersome knot. 

It is a great knot and one of the most reliable and easy to tie, which means you are less likely to make a mistake.

 

Any knot if tied properly will be fine.

 

There is a lot out there about the "improved" versions which basically means going through the eye twice and an few extra wraps.

 

With all that said, if you learn the Uni, it is the only knots you will need......for terminal tackle and joining lines.

 

As far as your problem, I believe it could be in the line as your knot is a reliable one.

Love the SDJ knot. so simple to tie

I always use the San Diego knot for everything but braid line. Its just easier for me to tie. 

 

Braid, I use the palmor knot 

Depending on the line I'll tie palomar knot, San deigo jam, or your standard clinch knot. 

3 hours ago, Burke said:

I always use the San Diego knot for everything but braid line. Its just easier for me to tie. 

 

Braid, I use the palmor knot 

 

Same here.

Some lines have more of a tendency to slip than others. Go with a palomar or uni, problem solved. I'm always concerned about getting hypnotized the spinning lure when I tie a SDJ.

Always use this knot. Have had issues in the past with Floro breaking until using this. If tying and there is a problem with this knot and you cinch it you will know, the line will break. 

Just one thing to remember with FC......try not to overlap or twist the line going in the same direction.  That is the main reason the Palomar will pop. The SGJ and uni don't have that problem as long as you are using a single strand

The San Diego Jam is my favorite knot and I use it for everything including braid. However, if you are breaking off on an improved clinch knot I have a feeling you are not wetting your line when cinching the knot. The improved clinch knot is a very strong knot and should not break if tied properly.

Palomar for single hooks.

Pitzen (also know as 16/ 20 and Duncan knot) for treble hook lures.

 

As NHBull stated, "Any knot will work if properly tied", but remember this:

If it ain't perfect, it ain't good enough.

 

If the line is curved like that it probably means the knot slipped and burned the line when you were tying it. Which would weaken it and cause it to break. I personally have never had issues with the improved clinch but I use San Diego Jam for everything except braid now. I find it's a little less prone to burning the line. Make sure you are wetting the line properly though no matter what you end up sticking with.

17 hours ago, Burke said:

I always use the San Diego knot for everything but braid line. Its just easier for me to tie. 

 

Braid, I use the palmor knot 

 

Ditto

The only difference is I tie the double SDJ for all bottom contact presentations.

 

 

 

 

Mike

Sdj for everything.

 

Never ever failed on me.  Quick and easy and doesnt leave a long tag end of wasted line.

No knot can cure bad line.

I use the SD jam knot for the majority of my FC line applications except tieing hooks for drop shot I use the Palomar knot. Mono I use the Palomar knot for hooks and clips, SD jam knot for larger lures tied direct like swimbaits, spinnerbaits, etc.

Practice tieing knots so it's like tieing your shoe laces in the dark. Always check your finished knots for signs of flatten main line, flatten tag ends are no problem. Wet all mono/FC knots before clinching tight to prevent over heating and line damage.

Tom

 

I use the SDJ for fluoro, Palomar for everything else. SDJ is a great knot and easy to tie, but you have to make sure to wet the line well when cinching it down or you'll burn your line and weaken it badly. 

I always use the SDJ. I find it easy and fast to tie and have more confidence in it than other knots. It takes some practice at first to figure out how best to position your fingers but then it becomes second nature. I usually go around 6 times. Always wet before tightening.

Another thing to remember is to not cinch it down fast or tightly.  The knot should be able to slide BACK up the line if tied properly.