Tom Rowland | The Albright Knot - Tie it! Test it!! | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 862

Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast and a professional fishing guide who, in this How To Tuesday episode, demonstrates how to tie the Albright knot and tests its breaking strength with 20 lb braid to 40 lb fluorocarbon, achieving a 70% knot strength at 13.99 pounds average breaking strength. The Albright knot has long been a staple in fishing knot libraries, but is it the right choice for every application? Tom reveals specific scenarios where the Albright excels—and where it disappoints. He walks through the tying process, puts the knot to the test with precise measurements, and shares why he's not crazy about this knot for certain line combinations. If you've been using the Albright for braid to fluorocarbon, you need to hear what the numbers say.

How to Tie the Albright Knot

The tying process for the Albright knot involves a specific sequence that Tom demonstrates step-by-step in this episode. You start by doubling over your leader (the white line in Tom's demonstration), then pass the monofilament or braid through the loop and go back upon itself 10 times. The tag end then goes through the loop, and you pull it tight and snug it down before trimming the tag ends. Tom emphasizes that this knot is really good for solid wire to monofilament connections, and some anglers use it for braid to fluorocarbon—but the test results might surprise you. The technique requires precision in those 10 wraps to achieve optimal strength. Watch Tom tie the complete Albright knot at 00:01:36.

Testing the Knot Strength: The 70% Reality

Tom doesn't just show you how to tie knots—he puts them through rigorous testing to show you what actually happens under load. In this episode, he tied the Albright with 20 pound braid to 40 pound fluorocarbon and measured the breaking point at 13.99 pounds average, resulting in a 70% knot strength rating. Tom calls this "pretty disappointing for the Albright," especially when compared to other connection options available for braid to fluorocarbon applications. But there's an important distinction he makes about when this knot still earns its place in your rigging arsenal. The numbers tell one story, but the application context tells another. See the exact test results and Tom's reaction at 00:02:15.

When the Albright Works—and When It Doesn't

Tom makes a crucial distinction in this episode that every angler needs to understand. He's very clear that he likes the Albright "very much" for solid wire to monofilament and solid wire to fluorocarbon connections. But for braid to fluorocarbon? He's not crazy about it, and the 70% knot strength backs up his skepticism. Tom believes there are better knots out there for that specific application, and judging by the breaking strength results, you can definitely find options that will give you more confidence when you're fighting fish. This isn't about dismissing the Albright entirely—it's about using the right tool for the right job. Tom explains his recommendations for different line combinations starting at 00:02:36.

Access the Complete Knot Testing Database

Tom and his team document the breaking strength of every knot they tie in these How To Tuesday episodes, creating a comprehensive resource that compares how different knots perform under identical conditions. This free guide is available at tomrowlandpodcast.com and includes links to all the knot videos plus direct comparisons of how each knot stacks up against the others. If you're serious about rigging and want to make informed decisions based on actual test data rather than conventional wisdom, this is the resource you need. Tom mentions that the guide shows you all the different videos and how the knots compare to each other, giving you the information to choose the right connection for your specific fishing situation. Tom talks about the free knot guide at 00:02:52.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I've tied thousands of Albright knots over my career, and I still use it—but only in specific applications. The 70% knot strength we got with braid to fluorocarbon confirms what I've suspected for a while: this isn't the best choice for that connection. But for solid wire? It's still one of my go-to knots.

The beauty of testing these knots is that we're removing the guesswork. You don't have to wonder if your connection will hold—you can see the data and make informed decisions. That 13.99 pound breaking point tells you exactly what you're working with, and if you need more strength, you know to look at other options.

Download the free knot guide and see how all these connections compare. It's practical information that will make you a better angler. This episode is short but valuable—watch it, practice the knot, and decide if it fits your fishing style.