How To: Tie the San Diego Jam knot for heavy lures or jigs

Popularized in Southern California, the San Diego Jam knot is used primarily by fishermen. It's a great, sturdy knot aimed at success, and is gaining popularity everywhere, even in South America. If you're up for a new fishing knot, give this one a try. Watch the animation to learn how to tie it.

This knot is not particularly well known outside of the sport fishing capital of San Diego, California, this knot is an excellent choice for all line types: mono, fluorocarbon and braided. Originated as a quick and reliable way to tie the heavy "iron" jigs by the fishermen chasing tuna on the long range boats venturing into Mexican waters — it is fast and easy to tie.

Just let the lure hang down while making the wraps. Then hook the lure to the rail of the boat (skippers hate this!) and pull it tight. Make sure the knot is fully set by hooking the lure or jig to a fixed object and pulling hard. Use this knot or the Palomar when fishing with braided line.

The San Diego Jam knot is also now being used with braided lines and has become popular with fishers going after Peacock Bass in South America with 30-50 pound test braids. Can be tied with confidence in braided line, monofilament and fluorocarbon line.

1. Pass end of line through eye of hook or lure. Let a heavy lure hang down or pinch hook between little finger and palm of opposite hand.

2. Loop tag end over index finger and make 7 wraps around the double line down to the eye.

3. Feed tag end between double lines below last wrap and bring back to loop made by index finger. Ru through loop from below and remove finger.

4. Moisten lines and pull tag end tight. Slide the knot down to eye and tighten.