The Ultimate Guide on How to Tie a San Diego Jam Knot

Also known as the Reverse Clinch Knot, the San Diego Jam Knot was first made popular in San Diego by long-range tuna fishermen looking for a simple, strong, and versatile knot. The San Diego Jam checks all of those boxes for tuna and bass anglers alike. Suitable for fluorocarbon, monofilament, and braided lines, the knot is easy to tie and allows anglers to be optimally rigged for any scenario or presentation.

Guide your line through the eye of the hook or lure to create a generous 6–10 inch tag end which affords you the necessary length for the following steps.

Next, bring your tag end up and behind the mainline to create a 3-inch loop, pinching said loop between your pointer finger and thumb.

Insert your pinky finger into the loop just above the hook eye to open up the loop and make it easier to ensure you achieve even and uniform wraps.

Use your other fingers to wrap the tag end around the main loop 6–8 times starting at the top and working back down toward the eye of the hook. Exercise caution to not allow your wraps to cross over each other or become too loose.

Feed the tag end between the opening in the lines nearest the eye of the hook.

Bring the tag end up and pass it through the loop created by your previous wraps and being held by your thumb and pointer finger.

Moisten your line to prevent it from burning and begin tightening the knot, making sure your wraps are uniform and even.

Grasp the tag end, mainline, and base of the loop and pull to tighten the knot, once again ensuring your wraps remain tight and even.

Once the knot is tightened, grasp the hook or bait and pull the mainline to cinch the knot and ensure it's fully tight to the hook eye or lure/split ring. Complete the knot by cutting the tag end off, and there you have it...you've tied a San Diego Jam Knot!