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Episode Show Notes
Tom Rowland tests two of the most popular loop knots in fishing—the Steve Huff double figure eight and the non slip mono loop—in a head-to-head strength comparison using 15 pound J Fluoro by Daiwa. In this How 2 Tuesday episode, Tom reveals which knot broke at 13.04 pounds and which one failed at just 8.84 pounds, and more importantly, explains why the weaker knot might still be the better choice for certain applications. If you've been tying the wrong loop knot for your leader weight, this seven-minute test could save your next fish of a lifetime.
Which loop knot is stronger for light leader?
The non slip mono loop tested at 13.04 pounds on 15 pound J Fluoro by Daiwa, significantly outperforming the Steve Huff double figure eight which broke at 8.84 pounds. However, Tom Rowland explains that the Steve Huff double figure eight pulls straighter on heavier leader material, making it ideal for tarpon flies with shock tippet, while the non slip mono loop is better suited for bonefish, permit, and redfish applications with light leader.
Who is Tom Rowland?
Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast and a fishing expert who tests knots, gear, and techniques to help anglers improve their skills. In this episode, Tom uses the Next Tech Force Tester to conduct controlled strength tests on loop knots, demonstrating his commitment to providing data-driven fishing education through his How 2 Tuesday series.
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Visit Star brite →The Loop Knot Battle: Two Favorites Enter, One Data Point Emerges
Tom sets up the ultimate loop knot showdown between two knots he's used extensively but never for the same purpose. The Steve Huff double figure eight has earned its place in his tarpon kit because it pulls straighter than any other loop knot he's seen, while Lefty Cray's non slip mono loop has a reputation for testing close to 100% strength. But when both knots are tied with identical 15 pound J Fluoro by Daiwa and pulled on the Next Tech Force Tester, the results reveal a strength gap that's larger than most anglers would expect—and a lesson about matching knots to applications that goes beyond just pound test numbers. Watch both knots get tested starting at 0:01:48.
Why the Steve Huff Double Figure Eight Isn't Designed for Light Leader
When Tom pulls the Steve Huff double figure eight on the force tester, it breaks at 8.84 pounds—substantially lower than the non slip mono loop's 13.04 pounds. But here's where the knot selection gets interesting: Tom reveals he's always avoided tying the Steve Huff double figure eight on light leader because he assumed it wasn't as strong, and now he has the data to confirm it. The real value of this knot lies in heavier applications—30, 40, or 60 pound shock tippet for tarpon and other fish with rough mouths—where the knot's ability to pull perfectly straight matters more than squeezing out every ounce of breaking strength. Tom explains why straight pull matters for tarpon flies at 0:04:48.
See both knots break on camera and learn which one to tie for your next trip
The Non Slip Mono Loop Proves Lefty Cray Right
At 13.04 pounds on 15 pound line, the non slip mono loop delivers on its legendary reputation. Tom confirms this is the knot he reaches for when tying bonefish flies, permit flies, and redfish flies with light leader—situations where maximum strength is critical and the slight kink to the side doesn't compromise fly action. Lefty Cray claimed this knot tested close to 100%, and Tom's own extensive use backs up that confidence. The trade-off? On heavier leader, that same kink becomes more pronounced, which is exactly why Tom switches to the Steve Huff double figure eight when stepping up to tarpon gear. The non slip mono loop test results are revealed at 0:03:51.
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Tom makes a compelling case that testing your knots with a scale is one of the easiest ways to improve your fishing. If your knots are breaking light, you can either learn to tie them better with one more turn, switch to a knot you have more confidence in, or choose a better knot that's proven itself on the scale. The math is simple: stronger knots mean more landed fish, and landing more fish is ultimately what determines a good fisherman. Tom's approach is practical and data-driven—he tests the exact knots he uses in real fishing situations, with the same leader material, to remove guesswork from his rigging decisions. Tom's full case for testing your knots starts at 0:05:45.
This one's a quick watch, but it'll change how you tie loop knots
Seven minutes that could save your next big fish
Key Takeaways
- • The non slip mono loop broke at 13.04 pounds on 15 pound J Fluoro, while the Steve Huff double figure eight broke at 8.84 pounds—but that doesn't make one knot universally better than the other
- • Tom uses the Steve Huff double figure eight for tarpon flies with heavy shock tippet because it pulls straighter than any other loop knot, preventing flies from swimming off to the side
- • The non slip mono loop is Tom's choice for bonefish, permit, and redfish flies with light leader where maximum breaking strength is critical
- • Lefty Cray's claim that the non slip mono loop tests close to 100% strength holds up in Tom's real-world testing with a force tester
- • Testing your own knots at home with a scale removes guesswork and helps you either improve your tying technique or switch to better knots for your applications
- • The right knot choice depends on your leader weight and target species—what works for bonefish on 15 pound leader might not be optimal for tarpon on 60 pound shock tippet
Final Thoughts from Tom
I've been tying both of these knots for years, but I've always kept them in separate lanes—the non slip mono loop for light leader situations and the Steve Huff double figure eight for heavy tarpon rigs. Now I have the data to back up what I've learned through experience. The numbers don't lie: one knot is significantly stronger, but that doesn't mean it's always the better choice.
What matters most is matching the right knot to your fishing situation. If you're targeting bonefish or permit with light leader, you need every ounce of breaking strength you can get. But if you're throwing tarpon flies on heavy shock tippet, a straight-pulling knot that keeps your fly tracking true is worth more than a few extra pounds of test strength. The force tester reveals the truth, but your fishing conditions determine the right call.
This is a quick seven-minute episode, but it's packed with actionable information that'll make you think differently about loop knots. And if you've never tested your own knots at home, this episode will convince you to start. It's one of the fastest ways to become a better fisherman, and it costs almost nothing to do. Watch the whole thing and see both knots break on camera—it's worth your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest loop knot for light leader?
The non slip mono loop is the strongest loop knot for light leader, testing at 13.04 pounds on 15 pound J Fluoro by Daiwa in Tom Rowland's comparison. This knot, favored by Lefty Cray, delivers close to 100% breaking strength and is ideal for bonefish, permit, and redfish flies.
When should you use the Steve Huff double figure eight knot?
Use the Steve Huff double figure eight when tying loop knots with heavier leader material, especially for tarpon flies with 30, 40, or 60 pound shock tippet. This knot pulls straighter than other loop knots, preventing flies from swimming off to the side, though it's not as strong as the non slip mono loop on light leader.
How much breaking strength did each knot test at?
On the Next Tech Force Tester with 15 pound J Fluoro by Daiwa, the non slip mono loop broke at 13.04 pounds while the Steve Huff double figure eight broke at 8.84 pounds. Both knots were tied identically for fair comparison in Tom Rowland's test.
Why does the non slip mono loop kink to the side on heavy leader?
The non slip mono loop tends to kink off to the side when tied with heavier leader material, which can affect fly presentation. This is why Tom Rowland prefers the Steve Huff double figure eight for tarpon applications despite its lower breaking strength—the straight pull is more important than maximum strength when using heavy shock tippet.
Should I test my fishing knots at home?
Yes, testing your knots at home with a scale is one of the easiest ways to improve your fishing. Tom Rowland explains that if your knots are breaking light, you can either improve your tying technique, choose a different knot, or add one more turn to increase strength. Stronger knots mean more landed fish.
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Visit HH InsurancePeople Mentioned
Steve Huff (originated the Steve Huff double figure eight loop knot), Lefty Cray (originated the non slip mono loop and claimed it tested close to 100% strength)
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About this Guest
Tom Rowland
Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast and a fishing expert dedicated to helping anglers improve through data-driven testing and practical instruction. In his How 2 Tuesday series, Tom uses tools like the Next Tech Force Tester to conduct controlled experiments on knots, gear, and techniques, providing actionable insights that translate directly to better fishing performance. His approach emphasizes testing everything at home before it matters on the water, ensuring anglers can fish with complete confidence in their equipment and skills.
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