Tom Rowland | The San Diego Jam Knot: Strong and Easy to Tie | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 791

In this How 2 Tuesday episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, host Tom Rowland teaches viewers and listeners how to tie the San Diego Jam Knot, which he describes as his favorite knot for fishing because it is strong and easy to tie. This instructional episode delivers a focused, step-by-step tutorial on a critical fishing skill that anglers at every level need to master. Whether you're rigging tackle in the Florida Keys, preparing gear for offshore action, or setting up freshwater rigs, the San Diego Jam Knot offers a reliable connection that can make the difference between landing fish and losing them. This episode is short, practical, and designed to get you tying better knots immediately.

Why the San Diego Jam Knot Matters

Knot strength is non-negotiable in fishing. A weak connection means lost fish, lost tackle, and lost opportunities. Tom opens this How 2 Tuesday episode by establishing exactly why he favors the San Diego Jam Knot above other options: it delivers reliability without complexity. For anglers who need to tie knots quickly on the water—whether in low light, rough conditions, or when fish are actively feeding—ease of execution matters as much as breaking strength. Tom's endorsement of this knot as his go-to choice signals that it has proven itself in real fishing scenarios across multiple environments and species. Tom introduces the San Diego Jam Knot and explains why it's his favorite at 00:01:36.

The Star brite System for Boat Care

Before diving into the knot tutorial, Tom spotlights the Star brite boat care system that keeps his equipment performing at its best. He describes Star brite's boat care in a bucket—a three-and-a-half-gallon bucket packed with essentials including vinyl bright, deck cleaner, marine polish, a wash mitt, hull cleaner, and boat wash. This comprehensive kit covers the fundamental cleaning and protection needs for any boat, making it easier to maintain gear without hunting down individual products. Tom also highlights his personal use of Star brite's salt off product, which he calls "incredible for rinsing salt off after a day on the water." The versatility extends beyond boats—Tom notes that Star brite brushes and cleaning products work equally well on RVs, patio furniture, and anything else that lives outside. Tom's full Star brite product overview runs from 00:00:00 to 00:00:52.

Conservation Through Product Choice

Tom emphasizes that Star brite isn't just about product performance—the company actively gives back to the marine environment through Project Sea Safe, their marine conservation initiative. For Tom, this alignment between business and conservation values matters personally. As someone who spends extensive time on the water and depends on healthy marine ecosystems, supporting companies that invest in protecting those resources creates a meaningful connection beyond the transactional. When anglers choose products from companies committed to conservation, they participate in a larger effort to preserve the waters and fisheries they love. Tom's point is clear: with Star brite, you're getting both performance and purpose in one package. Tom discusses Star brite's conservation commitment at 00:00:32.

Essential Gear Mentions

Throughout the episode, Tom references the gear he trusts for finding and catching fish. He mentions using Nikon binoculars from the Seychelles to the Keys to spot fish fast, emphasizing the importance of quality optics for sight fishing success. Tom also discusses his experience with HH Insurance, sharing a specific story about discovering gaps in his previous policy—it didn't cover the Bahamas or nighttime navigation, two critical exposures that could have resulted in significant financial loss. Jake and Landon at HH Insurance fixed these issues quickly, demonstrating expertise in charter policies. Finally, Tom highlights his Danco pliers as a staple in his kit, trusted enough to accompany him on his Seychelles expedition. These aren't just sponsor mentions—they're genuine endorsements of tools Tom relies on in demanding fishing environments. Tom's gear recommendations run from 00:00:52 to 00:01:32.

Final Thoughts from Tom

The San Diego Jam Knot is one of those skills that seems simple until you're on the water with wet hands, wind blowing, and fish busting on the surface. That's when you realize how much value there is in a knot that's both strong and easy to tie. I've tied thousands of knots over the years, and this one has earned its place as my go-to for fishing.

What I appreciate about this How 2 Tuesday format is that it gets straight to the point. No filler, no unnecessary background—just the technique you need to know, demonstrated clearly so you can replicate it. Whether you're new to fishing or you've been doing this for decades, there's always room to refine your fundamentals, and knots are about as fundamental as it gets.

If you haven't mastered the San Diego Jam Knot yet, this episode will get you there. Watch the video, practice the steps, and add this one to your arsenal. It's a short episode, but it's packed with value. Check it out.