In this How 2 Tuesday episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, host Tom Rowland—professional fishing guide and saltwater fishing specialist—tests a knot variation that's been puzzling him for years. His fishing partner Rich Tudor uses a double strand uni knot technique that produces fuzzy-looking connections, while Tom prefers cleaner single strand unis. After tying and testing both methods using 20 pound J Braid to 40 pound J Fluoro by Daiwa, Tom discovers something unexpected about which technique actually produces stronger connections. The results challenge his assumptions about knot tying and reveal a performance advantage he didn't anticipate.
What is the difference between a double strand uni knot and single strand uni knot?
A double strand uni knot uses doubled-over braid connected to single strand fluorocarbon, creating a fuzzier appearance with tag ends that flare out. A single strand uni knot uses single strand braid to single strand fluorocarbon, producing a cleaner look when trimmed. Tom Rowland tested both using 20 pound J Braid to 40 pound J Fluoro, with the double strand method averaging 15.3 pounds breaking strength compared to 14.92 pounds for the single strand.
Who is Tom Rowland?
Tom Rowland is a professional fishing guide, outdoor media personality, and host of the Tom Rowland Podcast. He specializes in saltwater fishing, knot testing, and performance techniques for anglers and hunters. Tom focuses on helping fishermen control the controllable factors in their tackle and rigging to improve their success on the water.
This episode of How 2 Tuesday is brought to you by Star brite, the marine care products Tom relies on to keep his gear performing at peak levels. When you're testing knots and tackle like Tom does, you need equipment you can trust. Learn more about Star brite.
The Mystery Behind Rich Tudor's Fuzzy Knots
For years, Tom noticed something peculiar about his fishing partner Rich Tudor's knots—they always looked fuzzy with tag ends flaring out. Tom initially assumed Rich was using dull scissors or cutting with pliers, creating frayed ends that deteriorated over time. But when Tom actually watched Rich tie his knots, he discovered a completely different technique at work. Rich doubles over his braid before tying the uni knot, creating a double strand connection to single strand fluorocarbon. It's not a bimini twist, just a simple fold that changes the entire structure of the knot. This observation sparked Tom's curiosity about whether this technique actually provided any performance advantage or was just a stylistic difference. Tom explains exactly what he observed at 00:01:54.
Setting Up the Knot Test Protocol
Tom decided to run a controlled test comparing both methods head-to-head. He used identical materials for both knot styles: 20 pound J Braid by Daiwa connected to 40 pound J Fluoro by Daiwa. The testing setup was designed to eliminate variables and focus purely on the knot tying technique. He tied several examples of each style—his preferred single strand uni to uni double uni knots with their clean appearance, and Rich's double line double uni knots with the characteristic fuzzy look. The breaking strength target should theoretically be around 20 pounds, limited by the braid's rated strength. Tom had tested other knots with this same line combination before, with some performing over the breaking strength and others testing way under. The complete testing methodology starts at 00:03:48.
Watch Tom demonstrate the exact technique Rich uses to tie his double strand uni knots
The Unexpected Test Results
When Tom pulled the test results, he found something he didn't want to see—Rich's fuzzy double line method actually outperformed his cleaner single strand technique. The doubled over double uni knot that Rich ties averaged 15.3 pounds of breaking strength. Tom's single strand version came in at 14.92 pounds—right around 15 pounds but measurably weaker. Both knots tested pretty well compared to other uni knot variations Tom has evaluated, staying reasonably close to the 20 pound theoretical breaking point. The difference wasn't massive, but it was consistent enough to be meaningful. Tom admits he really thought his cleaner method would prove stronger, but the data told a different story. He speculates that if they tied a proper bimini twist before the uni knot, the strength advantage would likely be even more dramatic. Tom reveals his reaction to the results at 00:04:48.
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SubscribeWhy Controlling the Controllable Matters
Tom emphasizes that this kind of testing represents exactly what separates good anglers from great ones—controlling the controllable factors. Understanding your tackle, understanding your knots, and making informed choices about your rigging puts the odds in your favor before you ever make a cast. By knowing which knot performs best for each specific situation, you can select the strongest option and fish with confidence. This isn't about obsessing over tiny details—it's about systematic improvement through testing and knowledge. Tom explains that good anglers put all the factors they can control in their favor, and knot selection is one of the most fundamental controllable elements in fishing. Whether you're targeting trophy fish or just trying to land more consistently, knowing your knots can make the difference between landing the fish and telling a story about the one that got away. Tom's full philosophy on performance improvement starts at 00:05:22.
Don't miss this practical knot testing episode.
Learn which uni knot variation actually performs better on the water.
Key Takeaways
- Tom's fishing partner Rich Tudor uses a double strand braid technique that creates fuzzy-looking knots—and it turns out there's a performance reason behind it
- Double strand uni knots averaged 15.3 pounds breaking strength while single strand versions tested at 14.92 pounds using 20 pound J Braid to 40 pound J Fluoro
- Doubling the braid over before tying the uni knot—without even tying a proper bimini—creates measurably stronger connections
- Tom admits the results weren't what he expected—he thought his cleaner single strand method would outperform the fuzzy double strand technique
- Understanding which knots perform best in controlled testing allows anglers to control the controllable and put every advantage in their favor
- Both knot styles tested relatively strong compared to other uni knot variations Tom has evaluated with the same line combination
- Adding a proper bimini twist before the uni knot would likely increase the strength advantage even more dramatically
Final Thoughts from Tom
I'll be honest—I didn't want these results. I've been tying my uni knots the single strand way for years, and I liked how clean they looked compared to Rich's fuzzy connections. I figured there was no way his method was actually stronger, maybe just easier for him or a habit he picked up somewhere along the way.
But the numbers don't lie. That doubled-over braid made a measurable difference—not a huge one, but enough that I can't ignore it. And that's exactly why we do these tests on How 2 Tuesday. It's not about being right or wrong. It's about finding out what actually works best so we can all fish with more confidence and land more fish.
If you're serious about improving your fishing, this is the kind of stuff that matters. Small advantages add up over time. And when that trophy fish finally eats and makes a run, you want to know your knot is going to hold. Give this episode a listen and see if it changes how you think about your rigging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a double strand uni knot?
A double strand uni knot involves doubling over the braid before tying a uni knot connection to single strand fluorocarbon. This creates a double line on the braid side while the fluorocarbon remains single strand. The technique produces a fuzzier appearance with tag ends that flare out compared to single strand connections.
Which is stronger: double strand or single strand uni knot?
Tom Rowland's testing showed double strand uni knots averaged 15.3 pounds breaking strength compared to 14.92 pounds for single strand uni knots when using 20 pound J Braid to 40 pound J Fluoro. The double strand method proved measurably stronger, though both performed relatively well compared to other uni knot variations.
Do you need a bimini twist for a double strand uni knot?
No, the double strand uni knot technique Tom tested simply involves doubling over the braid without tying a bimini twist. However, Tom speculates that adding a proper bimini twist before the uni knot would likely make the connection even stronger than just folding the line over.
What line did Tom Rowland use for his uni knot testing?
Tom used 20 pound J Braid by Daiwa connected to 40 pound J Fluoro by Daiwa for his uni knot comparison testing. This line combination provides a theoretical breaking strength around 20 pounds, limited by the braid's rated capacity.
Why do double strand uni knots look fuzzy?
Double strand uni knots appear fuzzy because the doubled braid creates tag ends that flare out after trimming. This is a characteristic appearance of the technique and not a sign of poor scissors or improper cutting. The fuzzy look is simply the result of the doubled line structure in the knot.
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Tom Rowland
Tom Rowland is a professional fishing guide, outdoor media personality, and host of the Tom Rowland Podcast. He specializes in saltwater fishing, knot testing, and performance techniques for anglers and hunters. Tom is dedicated to helping fishermen control the controllable factors in their tackle and rigging through systematic testing and knowledge sharing. His How 2 Tuesday series provides practical, data-driven insights on fishing techniques, knots, and gear that anglers can immediately apply on the water.
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