The Homer Rhode Loop Knot enables a lure to swing freely and can be tied with mono or braided line, even plastic-coated wire if need be. Be sure to use pliers to make the turns tight.
The Homer Rhode Loop Knot is used for tying a fly, hook, or lure. It’s a simple knot that can be tied in a heavy line, ideally 20-80 pound test. The loop left in the line can be any size desired. There are several versions, with the most common being the original Homer Rhode Loop Knot and the Improved Homer Rhode Loop Knot. The knot was created by Homer Rhode. 60 years later, the knot is still going strong.
How to Tie the Homer Rhode Loop Knot
1. Tie an overhand knot approximately 4 inches from the tag end of the line.
2. Push the tag end of the line through the lure eye and then through the overhand loop.
3. Tie a second overhand knot around the standing line and the tag end.
4. Grip the lure with one hand, and the tag end and standing line with the other. Pull equally with both hands to close the overhand knots. Pull the standing line and lure to bring the two loops together.
5. Trim the tag end.
Tips on Tying The Knot
Use the standing line and tag end to adjust the size of the loop before tightening. Lubricate the knot with saliva if needed.
Variations on Tying the Homer Rhode Loop
To tie a simple one overhand knot version of the Homer Rhode Loop, tie an overhand knot approximately 4 inches from the tag end of the line. Push the tag end of the line through the lure eye and then the overhand loop. Pull the knot tight on the standing line, ensuring the knot is near the hook eye. Clip tag end.
To tie the Improved Homer Rhode Loop Knot, tie a double overhand knot. Leave the knot loose in a figure 8. Run the line through the lure eye and through both loops of the figure 8. Tighten the figure 8 and pull it until it’s against the eye of the hook. Tie an overhand knot around the standing line with the tag end. Pull it tight. Hold the fly or lure and pull the standing line. The knots will tighten, leaving a small loop between the knot and lure.
Advantages of this Knot
The Homer Rhode Loop Knot is easy to tie, which is one of its biggest advantages. The knot can be managed even with slippery fingers or low light. Its versatility makes it ideal for a wide variety of line and lure options. It’s ideal for heavy line. The loop size can be adjusted to fit your fishing application.
Disadvantages of the knot
The only disadvantage of the knot is that it’s a 50% strength knot when using braided line. This means that the leader should be twice as heavy as the line.
History of the Knot
The knot was invented by Homer Rhode Jr. He was born in 1906 in Reading, Pennsylvania. His family loved fly-fishing for trout in the local streams. The family moved to Florida in the 1920s. It didn’t take Homer long to realize that he could fly fish in the salt waters of Florida. In the 1940s, he taught a fly-fishing course at the University of Miami. He was also a member of the Miami Beach Rod and Reel Club.
He created several knots that greatly influenced salt water fishing. The Waspi company began marketing some of his designs, while The Homer Rhode Jr. Tarpon Streamer, and the Homer Rhode Jr. Tarpon Bucktail.both appeared in the book Streamer Fly Fishing in Fresh and Salt Water in the 1950s.
The knot was originally created to prevent tarpon from rubbing and breaking the line when fighting to bring the fish in. The knot allows a heavy tippet on a leader, while still allowing fly movement.
Uses for the Homer Loop Knot
The Homer Loop is usually used on heavy salt fishing line. A loop knot is used because it allows the fly to have more action in the water. The loop allows the hook to swing in the current, which gives a more realistic and attractive movement. This also prevents the knot from slipping around the hook eye, which will cause uneven motion. It’s often used in place of a metal snap.
In addition to regular flies, it can be used to tie tube flies. Most tube fly ties place the hook behind the tube, which can leave a few inches of dressing hanging behind the hook. The Homer knot allows the hook to be placed toward the rear of the dressing. This may reduce swirling takes that do not hook up.
The loop allows the lure or hook to move freely, making it an excellent choice for sport fisherman as well. It’s very popular when using a jig. This knot can be used for catching tarpon, bonefish, and even stripped bass. It can be used with monofilament, Fluorocarbon, and braided line. Knot efficiency is 88% with monofilament line, 70% with fluorocarbon line, and 56% with braided line. It’s ideal for 20-80 lb test line.
Related Posts
Surgeon Knot: This square knot is ideal when joining two lines of different sizes
Dropper Loop: The dropper loop is used when setting multiple hooks on one line. It doesn’t compromise the strength of the line, and places the hook at 90 degrees from the line
Palomar Knot: Excellent for braided line. Can be used to attach a hook or to attach a fly to a leader or a tippet.
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To Tie a Homer Rhode Loop:
| Tie an overhand knot in the standing part and pass the tag end through the eye. | |
| Pass the tag end through the loop of the overhand knot. | |
| Make three or more turns on the tag end around the standing part, depending on the type of line (the slipperier, the more turns). | |
| Pass the tag end back through the overhand loop. | |
| Tighten the turns and pull the tag end to bring the wraps together, then pull the standing part to tighten the knot. | |
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa writes about homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Whether it’s canning vegetables or setting up a rainwater harvesting system, Lisa’s goal is to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.