Tom Rowland | Steve Huff Double Figure 8 Knot - Tie & Test! | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 752

In How to Tuesday episode 752, Tom Rowland demonstrates the Steve Huff double figure eight knot, a fishing knot known for its strength and reliability in the field. This isn't just another knot tutorial—Tom walks through each step carefully while testing the knot under pressure to prove its real-world performance. You'll learn the exact technique professional fishermen use worldwide, discover why each wrap matters for holding power, and see firsthand how this knot holds up when it counts. If you've ever lost a fish to knot failure, this episode shows you how to tie it right.

Creating the Initial Loop Structure

The foundation of the Steve Huff double figure eight starts with creating a precise loop and crossing the working end over the main line. Tom demonstrates how to position your line and make that first critical cross that sets up everything that follows. The way you form this initial structure determines whether your knot will hold or fail under load. Tom brings the line around and through the first loop with deliberate precision, showing exactly where your fingers should be and how much line to leave for the subsequent wraps. This isn't guesswork—it's a system that professional anglers have refined through thousands of connections. The complete step-by-step tying process begins at the start of the episode.

The Second Cross That Doubles the Strength

After the first loop, Tom demonstrates the critical second cross—the move that transforms a standard figure eight into the double version Steve Huff is known for. This is where the knot earns its reputation for holding under extreme pressure. Tom crosses again and brings the line through the second loop, explaining why this double structure creates redundancy that single wraps can't match. The positioning of this second cross isn't arbitrary; it's engineered to distribute load across multiple contact points. Watch how Tom manipulates the line to ensure both loops seat properly against each other. The technique for the second cross and loop is demonstrated throughout the tying sequence.

Tightening Technique and Load Testing

Tying the knot correctly is only half the battle—Tom emphasizes that tightening carefully determines whether your knot performs or fails. He shows how to work the wraps tight systematically, ensuring each loop seats against the other without gaps or twists. Then comes the real test: Tom gives the knot a hard tug to verify it's solid and ready for fishing conditions. This testing phase isn't optional; it's how you know the knot is tied correctly before you're fighting a fish. Tom explains what to look for as you tighten and how the knot should feel when it's properly set. The key is making sure each wrap is tight and secure before you trust it on the water. The tightening process and strength test are shown in the demonstration.

Building Muscle Memory for Quick Field Ties

Tom stresses that mastering this knot requires practice—tying it several times until you can do it quickly and smoothly without thinking. The goal is building muscle memory so you can tie the Steve Huff double figure eight knot in low light, on a rocking boat, or when a feeding frenzy demands speed. Tom explains that once this knot is part of your fishing skill set, it becomes automatic. Professional fishermen don't hesitate when re-rigging because they've practiced these movements hundreds of times. The difference between knowing how to tie a knot and being able to tie it under pressure is repetition. Tom encourages you to practice until the motions flow naturally, transforming this knowledge into instinct. Tom's advice on practice and mastery is woven throughout episode 752.

Final Thoughts from Tom

The Steve Huff double figure eight is one of those knots that separates anglers who just tie something that looks right from anglers who tie connections they can trust. I've seen too many people lose fish because they rushed through their knots or never tested them under real pressure. This knot has earned its reputation with professional fishermen for a reason.

What I love about this knot is that once you practice it a few times, it becomes second nature. You're not fumbling with complicated wraps or trying to remember which direction to cross. It's clean, it's strong, and it holds. The key is doing exactly what we show in this episode—making sure each wrap is tight, testing it before you fish, and building that muscle memory through repetition.

If you want to add a proven, reliable knot to your arsenal, watch this whole episode and practice along with me. Tie it a few times until you can do it smoothly, then test it hard. Once you've mastered the Steve Huff double figure eight, you'll have confidence in your connections when it matters most. This one's worth learning.