Been using the improved clinch knot since I started fishing years ago.  For braid to leader I use the Crazy Alberto. Not saying these are best, but very easy for me to tie.

2 hours ago, islandbass said:

Just curious, what is it about the palomar you find hard

1. Avoiding crossing of the line over itself during the initial stages

2. Making the loop big enough for the lure to pass through

3. Avoiding contorting the knot whilst putting the lure through the loop

7 minutes ago, LrgmouthShad said:

1. Avoiding crossing of the line over itself during the initial stages

2. Making the loop big enough for the lure to pass through

3. Avoiding contorting the knot whilst putting the lure through the loop

The most critical part of tying the Palomar exactly right is #1 when doubling though the eye. 
Sitting here I can’t guarantee you I do it right every time either. 
 

As far as #2, it’s just giving yourself enough line to work with which you would have to do with any knot 

 

#3 I’m a little confused about as all you have is the overhand which you hold between your fingers. 

 

Anyway, All that said the best knot is the one YOU have confidence in. 
 

 

 

 

Mike
 

 

11 minutes ago, Mike L said:

Anyway, All that said the best knot is the one YOU have confidence in. 

If I get it right, I am 100% confident in the palomar. So I continue to tie it.

 

thanks for your help!

38 minutes ago, LrgmouthShad said:

1. Avoiding crossing of the line over itself during the initial stages

2. Making the loop big enough for the lure to pass through

3. Avoiding contorting the knot whilst putting the lure through the loop

Ah, indeed. I know what you’re talking about now and I’m with you in those cases. When a lure is too large (even worse when there are trebles involved), I will use the improved clinch in those cases as it avoid what you described. Come to think of it as it’s winter, I think my primary use of the palomar is when drop shotting.  ?

58 minutes ago, LrgmouthShad said:

1. Avoiding crossing of the line over itself during the initial stages

2. Making the loop big enough for the lure to pass through

3. Avoiding contorting the knot whilst putting the lure through the loop

I think I’ve had the most issues tying a Palomar with getting the line caught at the end of the hook eye when tightening. If you’re not careful, that can nick the line and cause the knot to fail. 
 

It’s a knot I’ll use 100% of the time if I’m fishing a dropshot, but other than that, I’m an IC guy. 

anyone use a loop knot other than RGTFM?