Tom Rowland | Uni Knot VS San Diego Jam Knot Strength Test | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 892

Tom Rowland, host of the Tom Rowland Podcast, tests two of the most popular fishing knots in this How 2 Tuesday episode: the uni knot versus the San Diego Jam. Using Daiwa J Braid fluorocarbon in 20 pound test, Tom ties both knots with precise specifications—the uni with five turns, the San Diego Jam with seven—and puts them to the test to determine which is actually stronger. The results reveal a winner, but the margin is razor-thin. What you'll discover in this episode goes beyond just numbers: Tom shares exactly why both knots are reliable choices, how personal preference plays a role, and where you can access the complete knot testing data from over 40 knots tested on the Tom Rowland Podcast.

The East Coast Versus West Coast Knot Battle

This episode frames a classic fishing debate: which knot reigns supreme when it comes to tying on hooks and lures? Tom sets up the showdown between the uni knot—a versatile favorite used for multiple purposes—and the San Diego Jam, a West Coast staple. Both knots have devoted followings, with many anglers swearing by one or the other exclusively. Tom knows people who only tie the San Diego Jam and others who won't use anything but the uni knot. So which camp should you be in? Tom's testing methodology ensures a fair fight: identical 20 pound Daiwa J Braid fluorocarbon line from the same spool, the uni tied with five turns, the San Diego Jam with seven. The setup and testing philosophy begin at 1:36.

The Testing Process and Breaking Points

Tom doesn't just tie these knots and speculate—he breaks them under controlled conditions to get real numbers. Using Daiwa J Braid fluorocarbon in 20 pound test, he meticulously ties both the uni knot with five turns and the San Diego Jam with seven turns, ensuring the line comes from the exact same spool for consistency. The results? The San Diego Jam broke at 20.08 pounds, while the uni knot edged it out at 20.24 pounds. But what does a difference of just 0.16 pounds really mean for your fishing? Tom explains why both knots are incredibly strong and why you're not going to go wrong with either choice. The real winner might just be the knot you can tie confidently and quickly on the water. The full test results and Tom's analysis start at 2:52.

Why Personal Preference Trumps Marginal Differences

With breaking strengths of 20.08 versus 20.24 pounds on 20 pound test line, Tom makes a crucial point: the difference is so minimal that personal preference should be your deciding factor. Both knots performed at or above the rated line strength, which means both are doing exactly what you need them to do. Some anglers find the uni knot faster to tie, while others have muscle memory built around the San Diego Jam from years of repetition. The confidence you have in your knot matters just as much as the knot's tested strength, especially when you're fighting a fish and need to trust your connection. Tom's experience testing over 40 different knots gives him unique perspective on what separates truly superior knots from those that are simply different. Tom's take on choosing between these two knots starts at 3:10.

The Free Knot Guide with Over 40 Tested Knots

Tom reveals that this uni versus San Diego Jam test is just one of over 40 knot experiments conducted on the Tom Rowland Podcast. Every single result has been compiled into a free downloadable knot guide that you can access at tomrolandpodcast.com. This resource allows you to compare knot strengths on your own and make informed decisions about which knots to use for specific applications. Whether you're tying leader to leader connections, attaching hooks and lures, or building wind-on leaders, having real tested data beats guesswork and fishing folklore every time. The guide includes breaking strengths, recommended applications, and detailed tying instructions for each knot tested. Tom explains how to access the complete knot guide at 3:29.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I've spent years testing knots because I know how critical they are to your success on the water. The connection between you and the fish is only as strong as your weakest link, and that's often the knot. What I love about this uni versus San Diego Jam test is that it proves both camps are right—both knots are excellent choices.

When I saw the results come in at 20.08 versus 20.24, I wasn't surprised. These are both battle-tested knots that have landed countless fish. The real question isn't which one is marginally stronger, but which one you can tie confidently in all conditions. That's what matters when you hook up.

If you want to see the complete testing data and compare these results against the other 40-plus knots we've tested, grab the free knot guide at tomrolandpodcast.com. And if you've been debating between these two knots, watch the full episode to see exactly how they perform under tension. This one's worth your time.