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Episode Show Notes
Tom Rowland tests a viral Instagram fishing knot that has racked up over 1.1 million views in this How 2 Tuesday episode. The knot is essentially a modified Lefty Kreh non-slip mono loop that uses a double overhand to start instead of a single overhand. But does adding that extra turn actually make the knot stronger? Tom puts it to the test on the machine using 15-pound Diawa J fluoro and the results are not what the viral video would have you believe. If you're one of the million-plus anglers who have seen this knot video and plan to use it, you need to hear what the actual breaking strength data reveals.
What is the viral Instagram fishing knot Tom Rowland tested?
The viral knot from @_ctrfishing is essentially a Lefty Kreh non-slip mono loop, but instead of a single overhand knot, you do a double overhand or go through the overhand twice, creating a figure eight pattern. The video has over 1.1 million plays on Instagram.
Who is Tom Rowland?
Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast, Saltwater Experience and How 2 Tuesday series, where he tests fishing knots, techniques, and gear. He is known for testing viral fishing content on actual machines to verify strength claims rather than accepting social media assertions at face value.
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Testing Viral Knots: The Only Way to Really Know
Tom is back at the tying bench going through Instagram videos and putting viral fishing knots to the real test. The problem with most of these viral knot videos is they show you how to tie the knot and claim it's very strong, but they never actually prove it. Tom's approach is different: control the controllable by testing knots on an actual machine. This episode focuses on a knot from @_ctrfishing that has accumulated over 1,173,221 plays. The video claims strength advantages, but does the data back it up? Tom tied this modified loop knot with 15-pound Diawa J fluoro and put it through rigorous machine testing. The full test results and methodology start at 1:49.
The Modified Lefty Kreh Non Slip Mono Loop: What Makes It Different
The knot in question takes the classic Lefty Kreh non-slip mono loop and adds a modification: instead of doing a single overhand knot, you go through the overhand twice. This creates what would be a figure eight if you pulled it tight, but in this application, you tie it like a double overhand. Tom explains that the Lefty Kreh non-slip mono loop is one of his favorite knots for bonefish flies and any light leader loop knot applications. The original version is known to be a 95 to 100% knot in terms of breaking strength efficiency. So the question becomes: does adding that extra turn in the overhand actually increase strength, or does it do something else entirely? Watch Tom demonstrate the exact tying method at 2:08.
See the exact breaking strength numbers and Tom's verdict
The Machine Test: 74% Breaking Strength
Tom tied the modified knot using 15-pound Diawa J fluoro and ran it through the testing machine. The results were definitive: the knot broke at 11.11 pounds, which equals exactly 74% of the line's rated strength. This is a significant finding because the original Lefty Kreh non-slip mono loop typically tests at 95 to 100% breaking strength. Tom gives this modified version a big F grade because adding the extra turn in the overhand knot is not providing more strength—it's actually taking strength away. For anglers who have seen this viral video and planned to adopt this knot, this is crucial information. The data shows that sticking with the original Lefty Kreh method is the superior choice for maintaining maximum knot strength. The complete breaking strength analysis starts at 2:42.
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Will You Use This Knot or Stick to the Original?
Tom leaves the decision to his audience but makes his position clear based on the data. With over 1.1 million views, this modified knot has reached a massive audience of anglers who may now be tying it without knowing it performs significantly worse than the original. Tom asks viewers directly: are you one of the million people who have seen this viral video and will now tie the knot this way? Or will you stick to the original Lefty Kreh non-slip mono loop that has proven itself with 95-100% breaking strength? The choice is yours, but now you have the actual machine-tested data to make an informed decision. This is exactly why Tom does these How 2 Tuesday episodes—to give anglers real information they can trust, not just viral claims. Tom's final verdict and recommendations start at 3:12.
Don't miss this one.
Real testing, real results you can trust.
Key Takeaways
- A viral Instagram knot with over 1.1 million views claims to be stronger than the classic Lefty Kreh Non Slip Mono Loop but machine testing reveals a different story
- The modified knot broke at 11.11 pounds on 15-pound test line—just 74% of rated strength compared to the original's 95-100%
- Adding an extra turn in the overhand knot doesn't increase strength—it actually decreases it by more than 20%
- Tom gives the viral knot a big F grade and recommends sticking with the proven Lefty Kreh non-slip mono loop for bonefish flies and light leader applications
- The only way to really know if a knot performs as claimed is to tie it and test it on a machine—viral views don't equal verified strength
- Over a million anglers may now be using a weaker knot based on social media claims rather than actual testing data
Final Thoughts from Tom
This is exactly why I do these How 2 Tuesday episodes—because viral doesn't mean verified. When I see a knot video with over a million views claiming superior strength, I have to put it to the test. The data doesn't lie, and in this case, the data shows that adding that extra turn in the overhand is costing you more than 20% of your breaking strength.
The Lefty Kreh non-slip mono loop has been a staple in my kit for years, especially for bonefish flies and any situation where I need a loop knot on light leader. It tests at 95 to 100% consistently. Why would I switch to something that tests at 74%? The answer is simple: I wouldn't, and you shouldn't either.
I want to hear from you in the comments. Are you one of the million-plus people who saw this video? Did you start tying it this way? Now that you have the real numbers, are you going back to the original? Control the controllable—that's what makes you a better angler. This episode gives you the information you need to make that choice. Listen to the whole thing and let me know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the breaking strength of the viral Instagram fishing knot?
Tom Rowland tested the viral Instagram knot using 15-pound Diawa J fluoro and it broke at 11.11 pounds, which equals 74% of the line's rated strength. This is significantly weaker than the original Lefty Kreh non-slip mono loop which typically achieves 95-100% breaking strength.
What is the lefty's cray non-slip mono loop knot?
The Lefty Kreh non-slip mono loop is a loop knot that Tom Rowland describes as one of his favorites for bonefish flies and light leader applications. It is known to be a 95 to 100% knot in terms of breaking strength efficiency, making it highly reliable for fishing applications requiring maximum strength.
How many views did the viral fishing knot video have?
The viral fishing knot video from @_ctrfishing on Instagram has 1,173,221 plays. Despite its popularity, Tom Rowland's testing revealed the modified knot performs significantly worse than the original Lefty Kreh non-slip mono loop it's based on.
What line did Tom Rowland use to test the viral knot?
Tom Rowland used 15-pound Diawa J fluoro to test the viral Instagram fishing knot. The line broke at 11.11 pounds when tied with the modified double overhand method, demonstrating only 74% efficiency compared to the line's rated breaking strength.
Should you use the viral Instagram knot or the original lefty's cray?
Based on Tom Rowland's testing, the original Lefty Kreh non-slip mono loop is superior. It achieves 95-100% breaking strength compared to the viral knot's 74%. Tom gives the modified viral version a failing grade and recommends sticking with the proven original for bonefish flies and light leader applications.
Related Episodes
Episode: Testing the Strongest Fishing Knots
More knot testing episodes where Tom puts viral claims to the machine test
Episode: Bonefish Tactics and Light Leader Techniques
Tom discusses his favorite knots for bonefish flies and light leader applications
How 2 Tuesday: Essential Fishing Knots
More How 2 Tuesday episodes covering the knots every angler needs to master
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People Mentioned
Lefty Kreh (fishing legend, creator of the lefty's cray non-slip mono loop knot)
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About this Guest
Tom Rowland
Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast and How 2 Tuesday series. He tests fishing knots, techniques, and gear to provide anglers with verified data rather than viral claims. Tom is known for his methodical approach to testing, including machine testing knots to determine actual breaking strength percentages. He has extensive experience with bonefish flies and light leader applications, and his testing episodes help anglers make informed decisions about the techniques they use on the water.
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About this Guest