How-To Tie a San Diego Jam Knot

By Tackle Warehouse | Updated September 2023

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. It is a suitable knot for fluorocarbon, monofilament, and braided lines allowing the angler to be optimally rigged for any scenario or presentation. Additionally, it is an incredibly strong yet simple knot to tie on a hook, directly to your favorite lure, or a split ring/snap attachment. Don’t let a trophy fish slip away due to a knot failure ever again, follow along below to learn how to tie the effective and strong San Diego Jam Knot.

Step 1: Thread Line through Eye

First, simply guide your line through the eye of the hook creating a generous 6- to 10-inch tag end which affords you the necessary tag length for the steps that follow.

Step 2: Create Loop

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

Step 3: Open Loop

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

Step 4: Wrap Tag End

Use your unoccupied fingers to wrap the tag end around the main loop 6- to 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.

Step 5: Pass Tag End through Base of Knot

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

Step 6: Thread Tag End through Top of Knot

Bring the tag end back to the top of the wrap and pass it through the loop created by your wraps and being held by your thumb and pointer finger.

Step 7: Moisten Line

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

Step 8: Tighten Knot

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.

Step 9: Cinch Knot

Once the knot is tight, grasp the hook or bait and pull the mainline to cinch the knot down until it is tight to the hook eye or split ring. Complete by cutting the tag end off. There you have it, the San Diego Jam Knot.

A multi-species, multi-line type knot that is suitable for a number of techniques, the San Diego Jam knot is a versatile connection that every angler should have in their repertoire.