In this knot-testing episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, host Tom Rowland puts two essential loop knots head-to-head: the Steve Huff Double Figure Eight versus the Homer Road. For anglers who need to tie a loop knot to give their lure or fly more action, understanding which knot maintains the highest breaking strength can mean the difference between landing a trophy fish and losing it at the boat. Tom demonstrates the exact tying process for both knots, then reveals the surprising test results that show one knot clearly outperforms the other. If you've ever wondered whether the extra complexity of the Double Figure Eight is worth it compared to the simpler Homer Road, this episode delivers the data you need.
Which Loop Knot Is Stronger: Steve Huff Double Figure Eight or Homer Road?
The Steve Huff Double Figure Eight edges out the Homer Road at 77.2% breaking strength versus 68.14%. Tom Rowland tested both loop knots on the Tom Rowland Podcast, demonstrating the complete tying process for each and revealing the test data that proves the Double Figure Eight maintains significantly higher line strength than the Homer Road.
Who is Tom Rowland?
Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast, a fishing authority who tests and breaks down fishing knots, techniques, and gear for anglers. He has tested every knot he can think of and compiled the results into a comprehensive knot guide available at tomrolandpodcast.com.
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The Steve Huff Double Figure Eight: Step-by-Step Precision
Tom begins by walking through the Steve Huff Double Figure Eight, a loop knot that requires multiple precise steps but delivers superior strength. The process starts with tying an overhand knot in the line, then passing the tag end through a second time to transform it into a figure eight. After threading through the hook eye, you navigate the tag end up one side of the figure eight and down the other. The final steps involve creating two additional wraps and pulling the figure eights together in a specific sequence. It sounds complex because it is—but there's a reason Steve Huff designed it this way. Watch Tom tie the complete Steve Huff Double Figure Eight starting at 1:55.
The Homer Road: Simplicity with a Trade-Off
In contrast, the Homer Road offers a significantly simpler tying process that many anglers prefer for speed and ease on the water. Tom demonstrates starting about six or seven inches from the end of the line, tying an overhand knot, passing through the hook eye, then threading back through that initial overhand and snugging it down. The loop size is determined by where you position the final overhand knot around the standing line. It's a knot you can tie quickly in low light or rough conditions, which makes it popular among guides and tournament anglers who value efficiency. But does that simplicity come at a cost? See the complete Homer Road tying sequence at 2:56.
See both knots demonstrated step-by-step and learn which one performs better under pressure
The Breaking Test Results That Settle the Debate
After demonstrating both tying methods, Tom reveals the critical data from his knot-breaking tests. The Steve Huff Double Figure Eight maintains 77.2% of the line's original breaking strength, while the Homer Road comes in at 68.14%. That nearly 10-percentage-point difference matters significantly when you're fighting fish that test your tackle to its limits. Tom has broken and tested every knot he can think of, compiling the results into data that anglers can actually use to make informed decisions about which knots to trust. The complexity of the Double Figure Eight clearly pays dividends in knot strength, though the Homer Road's simplicity still makes it a viable choice in certain situations. Get the exact test results and what they mean for your fishing at 3:46.
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Tom doesn't keep this valuable data locked away. He has put all of his knot test results into a convenient knot guide that you can download for free at tomrolandpodcast.com. The guide allows you to see which knot is the strongest for every application you encounter on the water, from loop knots to connection knots to leader-to-line knots. It's the culmination of extensive testing and real-world application, organized so you can quickly reference the best knot for any situation. Whether you're rigging for tarpon, permit, bonefish, or any other species, having data-backed knot choices eliminates guesswork and builds confidence in your terminal tackle. Tom explains where to get the complete knot guide at 3:59.
This How 2 Tuesday episode delivers actionable knot data you can use on your next trip.
Key Takeaways
- The Steve Huff Double Figure Eight maintains 77.2% breaking strength compared to the Homer Road's 68.14%—a significant difference when fighting trophy fish
- Loop knots are essential when you want to give your lure or fly more action in the water, and choosing the right one impacts both presentation and hookup reliability
- The Double Figure Eight requires multiple precise steps including passing through the figure eight and creating additional wraps, but the complexity delivers measurably better performance
- The Homer Road offers simplicity with its straightforward overhand knots and threading process, making it faster to tie but weaker under load
- Tom has tested every knot he can think of and compiled the results into a free downloadable guide available at tomrolandpodcast.com
- Understanding knot breaking strength percentages helps you make informed decisions about which connections to trust when your tackle is tested to its limits
Final Thoughts from Tom
Loop knots are one of those decisions where the right choice really matters. When you're presenting a fly to a permit or working a topwater plug for tarpon, that loop gives your offering the natural action that triggers strikes. But if your knot fails at 68% when it could have held at 77%, you've just lost a fish you should have landed.
I've put in the time to test these knots so you don't have to guess. The Double Figure Eight takes more time to learn, but once you've got it down, you're fishing with confidence knowing you've got one of the strongest loop knots available. The Homer Road still has its place when speed matters more than maximum strength, but now you know exactly what trade-off you're making.
This How 2 Tuesday breaks down both knots step-by-step so you can see exactly how to tie them and understand why one performs better than the other. If you tie loop knots in your fishing, this episode is worth your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the breaking strength of the Steve Huff Double Figure Eight knot?
The Steve Huff Double Figure Eight maintains 77.2% of the line's original breaking strength according to Tom Rowland's testing. This makes it one of the stronger loop knot options for situations where you need maximum knot strength while maintaining loop action.
How strong is the Homer Road loop knot?
The Homer Road loop knot tests at 68.14% breaking strength, which is nearly 10 percentage points lower than the Steve Huff Double Figure Eight. While it's simpler to tie, it sacrifices some strength for that ease of tying.
When should you use a loop knot instead of a direct connection?
According to Tom Rowland, you should tie a loop knot when you want to give your lure or fly more action in the water. The loop allows the offering to move more naturally rather than being rigidly connected to the line.
How do you tie the Steve Huff Double Figure Eight knot?
First tie an overhand knot and pass the tag end through twice to create a figure eight. Pass the tag end through the hook eye, then go up one side of the figure eight and down the other. Wrap around twice, pass through both loops, pull the figure eight tight, then pull the standing line to bring the two figure eights together.
Where can I find Tom Rowland's complete knot testing results?
Tom Rowland has compiled all of his knot test results into a free downloadable knot guide available at tomrolandpodcast.com. The guide shows which knot is strongest for every application you might encounter while fishing.
Related Episodes
Tom breaks down all the knot testing data he's compiled to help you choose the strongest connections for every fishing situation
Learn which knots top fly fishing guides rely on for tarpon, permit, and bonefish applications
Discover specific fishing scenarios where using a loop knot instead of a direct connection triggers more strikes
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Download the Tom Rowland Podcast Knot Guide with complete knot testing results for all the connections you need on the water.
About This Guest
Tom Rowland
Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast, where he shares fishing knowledge, techniques, and the disciplines that transfer across outdoor pursuits. He has extensively tested fishing knots to provide anglers with data-driven information about knot strength and reliability. Tom has compiled his testing results into a comprehensive knot guide available free at tomrolandpodcast.com, helping anglers make informed decisions about which knots to trust in critical fishing situations.
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