Strongest Knot for Braided Line

When to Tie Braided Line Knots

You may already be aware of the advantages of using braided line, specifically when freshwater fishing or inshore saltwater fishing. Braid can help you achieve greater distance when casting, gives you the ability to hold more line on your reel due to smaller line diameter, and little to no stretch for solid hooksets. However, you may also know that tying knots with braided line can be a challenge if you aren't using the best braided line knots.

While braided line can be more visible to fish in clear water conditions, there are certain times when you will be fishing in areas of heavy cover or during periods of low light, when braid can also provide a distinct advantage in pulling fish out of thick vegetation.

Braided Line Knots for Terminal Connections

You might be wondering why you should learn how to tie braided line as a terminal connection. If you are learning how to fish, it may be helpful to remember that tying braided line directly to a hook or jig can help you achieve a quick, firm hookset. This means less of a chance that fish will throw the hook.

If you want to tie braid directly to a hook, swivel, or lure; learn how to tie the strongest knot for braided line. Although, be sure to practice a few other knots that are also strong and effective for use with braided line. Practice is particularly important when learning how to tie braided line knots -- if not tied correctly, there is a good chance that they will slip due to the texture of the line.

Palomar Knot: Because the line is doubled over when passed through the eye of the hook, the Palomar knot is often considered to be the best terminal knot to use with braided line.

Double Palomar Knot: The double palomar knot can provide you the added assurance that your knot will hold due to the fact that this knot is tied with two overhand knots versus just one. Just like the original Palomar knot, the double palomar is also easy to tie.

San Diego jam knot: The San Diego jam knot was popularized in San Diego by tuna anglers who needed a strong knot for heavy jigs. This knot is relatively easy to tie and it is suitable for braided fishing line, monofilament, and fluorocarbon -- making a versatile knot that you can use as a terminal connection in a number of freshwater and saltwater fishing scenarios.

How to Tie the San Diego Jam Knot

Once you know how to tie the strongest knot for braided line, the palomar knot or the double palomar knot, learn how to tie the San Diego jam knot by following these steps:
 

1. Pass the line through the eye of your hook, lure, or swivel.
2. Wrap the tag end around the double line six times.
3. Pass the tag end through the double line, and then back up through the first wrap.
4. Pull and adjust to tighten the knot.
5. Trim the tag end.

If you practice these steps, you will learn how tie the San Diego jam knot quickly while on the water. Tying strong braided line knots isn't hard once you practice them a few times.