The double strand versus single strand uni knot question is whether doubling the braid over before tying a double uni to fluorocarbon makes a stronger connection than running a single strand of braid through it. My partner Rich Tudor doubles his braid, which gives his knots a fuzzy look, while I tie a clean single strand. I always wondered which was actually stronger, so on this How 2 Tuesday we tied several of each on 20 pound braid to 40 pound fluorocarbon and tested them.
Listen now: press play in the player above and follow along.
In our test, yes, but only a little. Tying a double uni from 20 pound braid to 40 pound fluorocarbon, Rich Tudor's version with the braid doubled over averaged 15.3 pounds, and my single-strand version averaged 14.92, so doubling the braid before tying made a small but real difference, right around half a pound. It was not the result I expected; I really thought the single strand would be stronger. Both came in better than several other braid-to-fluorocarbon knots we have tested, so both are solid, but the doubled line won.
Rich doubles the braid over first, not a bimini, just folding the braid back on itself, and then ties the double uni with that doubled braid to a single strand of fluorocarbon, so it is double strand of braid against single strand of fluorocarbon. That doubling is why his knots always looked fuzzy to me, with little tag ends of braid flaring out. I used to think it was dull scissors or cutting with pliers, but it is the doubled braid. Once I watched him tie it, I understood what was giving the knot that look.
We used 20 pound J Braid by Daiwa connected to 40 pound J Fluoro by Daiwa, so 20 pound braid to 40 pound fluorocarbon. The breaking strength we were looking for is somewhere in the 20 pound range. We have tested knots that go over the line's rating and others that test way under it. Both uni versions here came in respectably: the doubled-over double uni at 15.3 pounds and the single strand at 14.92, so right around 15 pounds for both.
Almost certainly. If we tied a bimini in the braid and then tied the uni, it would not surprise me at all if that knot were way, way stronger, but that is not what this test was about. We were comparing simply doubling the braid over against running a single strand through, with no bimini, to isolate that one variable. Doubling alone made it a little stronger, 15.3 to 14.92, and a bimini would be a separate step that likely adds more strength on top of that.
Because it is one more controllable factor in your favor. Fishing is about controlling the controllable, understanding your tackle and your knots so you can pick the strongest one for the situation. A small, repeatable edge like doubling the braid is exactly the kind of detail a good angler stacks up. The single strand does make a cleaner-looking knot when you trim it, without the fuzzy flared braid ends, but if raw strength is the goal in this matchup, the doubled-over version had it.
Rich Tudor and I do plenty the same and plenty different, and one difference is how he ties his knots. He ties a double uni on almost everything, but his always looked fuzzy, with little tag ends flaring out, and I figured it was dull scissors. Then I watched him tie and realized he doubles the braid over first, then ties the double uni with that doubled braid to single-strand fluorocarbon. I had to know if that was stronger. I tell the story in the episode, so press play in the player above.
Here are the steps I walk through in this How 2 Tuesday. I cover the detail behind each one in the episode.
I unpack each of these in the episode. Press play in the player above.
I will be honest, I did not want the doubled line to win, because my single strand makes a cleaner knot, but the numbers are the numbers: Rich's doubled-over double uni averaged 15.3 pounds and my single strand 14.92. That doubling step actually makes a little difference. Both beat several other braid-to-fluoro knots we have tried, so both are good, but the doubled version edged it. I read the averages in the episode, so press play in the player above.
This is what the testing is all about: understanding our tackle and our knots so we can make the best choice for the situation and pick the strongest knot we know. A doubled braid is a small, repeatable edge, exactly the kind of thing a good angler stacks in his favor. Add a bimini and it would likely be stronger still, but that is another test. I explain the mindset in the episode, so press play in the player above.
Not what I thought would happen. I really expected the single strand to win, but doubling the braid over took it, 15.3 to 14.92, a small but real edge.
That is how a good angler performs: control the controllable, understand your knots, and put every factor you can in your favor. That is one way you become a better fisherman. Press play in the player above.
How 2 Tuesday is my weekly series where I break down one fishing skill at a time, from knots and casting to gear, tactics, and the habits that make you a better angler. Watch and listen to every How 2 Tuesday episode from Tom Rowland.
double uni knot · Rich Tudor · J Braid · J Fluoro · Daiwa · braid to fluorocarbon · bimini twist · Knot Wars · How 2 Tuesday · Saltwater Experience
I'm Tom Rowland, a professional fishing guide based in the Florida Keys, host of the Tom Rowland Podcast, and the longtime host of the Saltwater Experience television show. On the podcast's How 2 Tuesday series I break down one practical skill or lesson at a time, from fishing technique and gear to the habits that make you a better angler, in short, focused episodes you can put to use right away.
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