Usage
Used in fishing, the San Diego Jam Knot is one of the strongest terminal knots for tying on a lure or fly.
History
The San Diego Jam is thought to have originated with Tuna fisherman in the sport fishing capital of San Diego, California.
Also known as
- Reverse Clinch Knot
- Heiliger Knot
Structure
The San Diego Jam knot is a derivative of the
Pitzen Knot and they are nearly identical; The only difference between them being that the San Diego Jam runs the tag end through the bottom loop whilst the Pitzen omits that step. When tightening the San Diego Jam Knot, make sure the turns form a neat, even spiral without overlapping.
Strength/Reliability
Because the San Diego Jam uses wraps around both the tag end and standing line, the knot is stronger than
clinch knots, which wrap only one strand. The knot is simple and strong and can be used with many kinds of line including mono-filament, fluorocarbon, and braided fishing line. Its high breaking strength makes it ideal for targeting strong, fast fish.
Note
As with most fishing knots, remember to lubricate the knot while tightening. Lubricating the knot, typically with water or saliva, reduces friction as the knot is tightened, preventing heat buildup that can weaken the line. This is particularly important for monofilament and fluorocarbon lines, which can be damaged by the heat generated during knot tightening. Proper lubrication allows the knot to cinch smoothly and evenly, preserving the line’s strength and ensuring a more reliable knot.
