In episode 847 of How To Tuesday, host Tom Rowland puts Instagram fishing knots to the ultimate test on his knot-testing machine. Using 15-pound Daiwa J-Fluoro, Tom tests a knot from the Instagram account "Fishing Minutes" that claims high strength—but delivers something far more impressive. The knot not only holds but tests at over 100% strength, breaking in the line rather than at the knot itself, making it the first truly 100% Instagram knot Tom has verified. This discovery challenges the common assumption that Instagram knots are all hype and no substance, and reveals a hook-tying method that actually outperforms the line it's tied with.
What Makes a Fishing Knot Test at Over 100% Strength?
A fishing knot tests at over 100% strength when the line breaks before the knot fails. In Tom Rowland's test of an Instagram knot from Fishing Minutes using 15-pound Daiwa J-Fluoro, the knot held past 15 pounds and the line broke away from the knot, proving the knot structure is stronger than the line's rated breaking strength.
Who is Tom Rowland?
Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast and How To Tuesday, a fishing content series where he tests knots, techniques, and gear on camera. He uses a knot-testing machine to verify the strength claims of popular fishing knots found on social media and shares the results with his audience.
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Testing Instagram Knots: Separating Hype from Reality
Tom Rowland has tested dozens of knots showcased on Instagram, and the pattern is clear: most look impressive in a 60-second video but fail to deliver when subjected to real testing. The common thread? Instagram knot videos show you how to tie the knot beautifully, then make bold claims about strength—"this is a 99% knot" or "very strong knot"—without ever proving it. Tom's mission with this series is to put those claims to the test on his knot-testing machine, using actual fishing line and real-world conditions. Some knots surprise him. Most don't. But this one from Fishing Minutes? It's in a category of its own. Tom's full reaction and testing methodology starts at 1:27.
The Knot That Broke the Line, Not the Knot
When Tom tied the knot exactly as shown in the Fishing Minutes video and loaded it onto his testing machine with 15-pound Daiwa J-Fluoro, he wasn't expecting much. The knot didn't even have a proper name—just "knotting method"—and the tying process looked almost too simple. But the results stunned him. The knot held past the line's 15-pound rating, and when failure finally came, it wasn't in the knot at all. The line broke cleanly away from the knot structure, which remained intact. That means the knot itself is stronger than the line, a rare achievement that earns it an over-100% rating. Tom had never seen an Instagram knot perform this way before. The moment the line breaks and Tom's reaction happens at 2:47.
Watch Tom test this knot in real time and see the line break for yourself.
How the Knot Is Tied: A Uni Knot Variation
The knot from Fishing Minutes uses a technique that Tom describes as "kinda like a uni knot but slightly different." You pass the line through the hook eye twice, then wrap it up the standing line in a specific pattern that creates exceptional holding power. The double pass through the hook eye and the wrapping sequence combine to distribute pressure across the knot structure in a way that prevents slippage and concentrates strength where it matters most. Tom tied it exactly as shown in the video, and the result was a knot that didn't just hold—it exceeded the line's rated capacity. For anglers looking for a reliable hook knot that won't be the weak point in their setup, this method deserves serious attention. Tom walks through the tying process and explains why it works at 2:18.
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SubscribeThe Grading: An A+ Instagram Knot
After testing hundreds of knots over the years, Tom Rowland doesn't hand out A+ grades lightly. But this nameless knot from Fishing Minutes earned it. Testing over 100% means the knot is no longer the limiting factor in your terminal tackle—the line itself becomes the weak point. That's the gold standard for any fishing knot. The video from Fishing Minutes has racked up 245,000 plays on Instagram, and for once, the hype is justified. Tom admits he thought this one wouldn't perform, but the testing machine doesn't lie. Whether you'll add it to your own knot arsenal is another question, and Tom wants to hear from you in the comments. Tom delivers the final grade and asks for your take at 3:03.
Don't miss this one.
The first Instagram knot to test at over 100% strength.
Key Takeaways
- • Tom Rowland tests a nameless Instagram knot from Fishing Minutes that claims high strength—and it delivers the first verified over-100% result in his testing series.
- • Using 15-pound Daiwa J-Fluoro, the knot held past the line's rated capacity and broke in the line, not the knot, proving the knot structure is stronger than the line itself.
- • The knot uses a technique similar to a uni knot but with a double pass through the hook eye and a specific wrapping sequence that maximizes holding power.
- • Tom grades the knot an A+, the highest rating he gives, based on objective testing machine results that show it eliminates the knot as the weak point in terminal tackle.
- • The Fishing Minutes video has 245,000 plays on Instagram, and this is the first time Tom has verified an Instagram knot that lives up to its claimed strength.
- • Tom links to the original Fishing Minutes video in the episode description and invites viewers to try the knot themselves and report back in the comments.
Final Thoughts from Tom
I've tested a lot of knots that show up on Instagram, and I'll be honest—I go into most of them skeptical. The videos look great, the claims are bold, but when you put them on the machine, reality sets in fast. This one from Fishing Minutes? I thought it was going to be another letdown. No name, simple tying method, and a technique that looked almost too basic to deliver real strength. But the testing machine doesn't care about my assumptions.
When that line broke and the knot stayed intact, I knew we had something special. Over 100% strength means you've eliminated the knot as your weak point. That's the goal every time you tie terminal tackle, and this knot achieves it. The fact that it came from Instagram and actually delivered on its promise makes it even more impressive. I'm calling it an A+ because it earned it on the machine, not because of hype or marketing.
If you're looking for a reliable hook knot that won't let you down, this one deserves a spot in your rotation. Watch the full test, see the line break for yourself, and let me know if you're going to tie it. This episode is short, but the result is worth seeing. Give it a watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when a fishing knot tests at over 100% strength?
A knot tests at over 100% strength when the fishing line breaks before the knot fails. This means the knot structure is stronger than the line's rated breaking strength, eliminating the knot as the weak point in your terminal tackle setup.
How do you test fishing knot strength accurately?
Tom Rowland uses a knot-testing machine that applies gradually increasing force to tied knots using actual fishing line. The machine measures the exact force at which the knot or line fails, providing objective data about knot performance rather than relying on manufacturer claims or anecdotal evidence.
What line did Tom Rowland use to test the Instagram knot?
Tom used 15-pound Daiwa J-Fluoro fluorocarbon line to test the Instagram knot from Fishing Minutes. The knot held past the line's 15-pound rating and broke in the line rather than at the knot, proving its over-100% strength rating.
How is the Fishing Minutes Instagram knot similar to a uni knot?
Tom describes the Fishing Minutes knot as "kinda like a uni knot but slightly different." It uses a double pass through the hook eye followed by wrapping up the standing line in a pattern similar to a uni knot, but with variations in the wrapping sequence that create exceptional holding power.
Where can I find the original Fishing Minutes knot video?
Tom mentions the Fishing Minutes Instagram account and notes that the knot video has received 245,000 plays on Instagram. He links to the original video in the episode description so viewers can watch the tying method and try it themselves.
Related Episodes
Tom tests other popular knots from social media to see which ones actually deliver on their strength claims.
Learn how to build terminal tackle systems where the knot isn't the weak point.
Tom breaks down how to choose and tie fluorocarbon leaders for maximum strength and stealth.
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Free Resource
Download the Tom Rowland Podcast Knot Guide for detailed instructions on the strongest fishing knots tested and verified.
About this Guest
Tom Rowland
Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast and the How To Tuesday series, where he tests fishing knots, gear, and techniques using objective testing equipment. With a knot-testing machine and years of on-water experience, Tom provides anglers with verified data about knot strength and performance, cutting through marketing hype to deliver real results. His How To Tuesday episodes focus on practical skills and honest gear reviews that help anglers make informed decisions about their terminal tackle and fishing systems.
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