4 Must-Know Fishing Knots for Every SoCal Saltwater Angler

Solid Knots = Solid Hookups

It doesn’t matter how good your rod, reel, or bait is—if your knot fails, the fish wins. For Southern California saltwater fishing, knowing a few key knots is essential to maximize your catch rate and avoid heartbreak at the rail.

1. Improved Clinch Knot
A go-to for tying hooks or lures to mono or fluoro. Simple, strong, and fast to tie, this knot is perfect for live bait hooks or small jigs.

2. Palomar Knot
A powerhouse for braided line, the Palomar offers incredible strength and is one of the easiest knots to master. Ideal when using leaders or fishing artificials.

3. Uni-to-Uni Knot (Double Uni)
Perfect for connecting your braid to fluorocarbon leader, this knot provides a smooth transition through guides and holds strong under pressure.

4. Loop Knot
This knot allows lures or jigs to move freely, giving them more natural action. It’s great for swimbaits or leadhead setups for calico bass and other gamefish.

Why It Matters at Dana Wharf

On any Dana Wharf trip—from half-day calico runs to offshore overnighters—knots are the difference between landing or losing a fish. Don’t rely on others to tie for you—spend a few minutes learning these techniques, and you’ll fish with more confidence.

Ask your deckhand on board if you’re unsure—they’ll often demo the best knots to use depending on the day’s rig.