San Diego Jam Vs. Double San Diego Jam ⎸ H2T Episode #910 | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 909

Whether you're fishing the flats of San Diego, the bass lakes of Tennessee, or the tuna grounds off the California coast, one knot has taken the fishing world by storm: the San Diego Jam. But here's the question that's been debated in tackle shops and boat ramps across America—is the single strand version strong enough, or do you need to double it? In this How 2 Tuesday episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, Tom puts both versions to the ultimate test using a controlled break test system. The results might surprise you, and they'll definitely change how you tie your terminal connections. If you've ever lost a fish to a broken knot, this episode is essential viewing.

Why the San Diego Jam Has Taken Over

Tom opens the episode by explaining the explosive popularity of this California-born knot. What started as a big game tuna knot in San Diego has spread across the entire country, with bass fishermen and saltwater anglers alike adopting it as their go-to terminal connection. The San Diego Jam offers exceptional strength and reliability, but there's a critical decision every angler faces: should you tie it with a single strand or double the line? Tom addresses this question head-on by conducting a scientific break test using 30-pound Daiwa Jade Braid. The knot's versatility makes it suitable for everything from swivels to lures, but only if you tie it correctly. Want to see exactly how strong each version is? Check the results at [05:21]

Tying the Single San Diego Jam

Tom breaks down the step-by-step process for tying the single strand version. Starting with the line through your swivel or lure, you hold the hardware in your right hand while creating a loop around your left middle finger. The key is wrapping the tag end around both strands approximately 10 times—Tom has found this number provides optimal strength. Then comes the distinctive San Diego Jam technique: passing the tag end through the loop at the swivel, removing your finger from the loop you created, and threading the tag end through that second loop. The tightening sequence is critical—pull with the standing line first, then use pliers to really cinch everything down tight before trimming the tag end flush. See Tom's complete tying demonstration at [01:59]

Tying the Double San Diego Jam

The double version starts with a fundamental difference—you're doubling the line over before passing it through your swivel or lure. Tom demonstrates how to switch hands and create the same middle finger loop, but this time you're wrapping doubled line around all four strands. The wrapping count remains around 10, but now you're working with twice the material. The same distinctive San Diego Jam finish applies: tag end through the loop at the swivel, remove your finger, thread through the created loop. The tightening sequence is even more critical with the double—Tom emphasizes pulling slowly with the standing line first, then grabbing both standing lines together and cinching everything down extremely tight with pliers. The extra material requires extra attention to achieve proper knot seating. Watch the complete double San Diego Jam tutorial starting at [03:24]

The Break Test Results

Tom conducted controlled break tests using Daiwa Jade Braid 30-pound test line tied directly to swivels with both knot variations. The single San Diego Jam broke at 26.91 pounds, achieving approximately 90% of the line's rated strength—already an impressive result that exceeds many popular fishing knots. But the double San Diego Jam delivered even more impressive numbers, breaking at 30.93 pounds. That's just over 100% of the line's rated breaking strength, meaning the knot was actually stronger than the line itself. This rare achievement in knot testing proves that doubling the line provides measurable additional strength. For anglers targeting big game fish or fishing at the absolute limits of their tackle, that extra 4 pounds of breaking strength could be the difference between landing and losing the fish of a lifetime. Get the complete test results and methodology at [05:21]

Key Takeaways

• Discover which San Diego Jam variation delivered over 100% breaking strength in controlled testing
• Learn the exact wrapping count Tom uses for optimal knot strength and reliability
• Find out why the middle finger loop technique is critical to tying this knot correctly
• See the specific tightening sequence that ensures proper knot seating with both versions
• Understand when the extra strength of the double version justifies the additional material and time
• Access the complete knot testing database with results from all How 2 Tuesday episodes
• Master the distinctive tag end threading technique that makes the San Diego Jam unique

Final Thoughts from Tom

The San Diego Jam has earned its reputation as one of the strongest and most reliable fishing knots available, and this test proves exactly why. I've been using this knot for years, from big tuna on the West Coast to everything I chase in the backcountry, and I trust it completely. But knowing the actual numbers—seeing that the double version can exceed 100% of the line's rated strength—gives me even more confidence when I'm hooked up to a fish that's testing my tackle to the absolute limit.

The choice between single and double comes down to your specific fishing situation. For most applications, the single San Diego Jam at nearly 90% strength is more than adequate and saves line. But when you're targeting fish that might push your gear to the breaking point, that extra 4 pounds of strength from the double version could make all the difference. The technique is the same, you're just working with doubled line, so there's no reason not to use the stronger version when the situation calls for it.

This is exactly why we do How 2 Tuesday—to take the guesswork out of knot selection and give you real data you can trust. I encourage you to practice both versions, understand the tightening sequence, and add these knots to your arsenal. And if you want to see all the other knot tests we've done and download the complete guide, make sure you listen to the whole thing and grab the free resource link below.

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