Homer Rhode Loop

The Homer Rhode Loop is a classic saltwater loop knot named after Homer Rhode Jr., a pioneering Florida Keys angler who helped develop modern saltwater fly fishing techniques in the mid-twentieth century. This knot creates a strong, fixed loop at the hook eye that gives lures and flies freedom of movement while maintaining a secure connection. The Homer Rhode Loop is particularly well-suited for heavier monofilament and fluorocarbon lines where stiff material makes other loop knots difficult to tighten properly. It has been a trusted knot among Florida Keys guides and saltwater veterans for decades, especially for presenting large flies and plugs to tarpon, snook, and other powerful coastal species.

How to Tie the Homer Rhode Loop

1. Tie a simple overhand knot in the standing line approximately six inches from the end. Leave this overhand knot loose and open.
2. Pass the tag end through the hook eye from front to back and bring it back through the loose overhand knot. The tag end should enter the overhand knot from the same direction it originally exited.
3. Pull the tag end through until the distance between the overhand knot and the hook eye equals your desired loop size.
4. Tie a second overhand knot with the tag end around the standing line, positioned snugly against the first overhand knot. This second overhand knot acts as a jam knot to lock the first one in place.
5. Moisten both knots thoroughly. Pull the standing line firmly to slide the first overhand knot toward the hook eye and tighten the connection.
6. Pull the tag end to cinch the second overhand knot tight against the first. Give the standing line a final firm pull to seat everything. Trim the tag end close.

When to Use the Homer Rhode Loop

• Heavy monofilament leaders: When fishing with 30-pound monofilament and above, the Homer Rhode Loop is easier to tie and seat than the Non-Slip Loop Knot because its overhand knot structure handles stiff line well.
• Tarpon fishing: Present large tarpon flies and plugs with the freedom of movement that triggers strikes from rolling or laid-up tarpon in channels and basins.
• Large saltwater flies: Big deceiver patterns, tarpon toads, and other bulky flies perform better on a loop that allows them to breathe and move naturally in the current.
• Plug fishing for snook: Heavy monofilament leaders paired with topwater plugs for snook around docks, bridges, and mangroves benefit from the Homer Rhode’s sturdy loop.
• Traditional rigging: When using classic saltwater tackle and techniques where tried-and-true methods are valued.

Pro Tips

• The second overhand knot is what makes the Homer Rhode Loop secure. Without it, the first overhand knot alone can slip under heavy pressure. Always tie both overhand knots and seat them firmly against each other.
• This knot truly shines on lines of 20-pound test and heavier. On lines lighter than 15-pound test, the Non-Slip Loop Knot is generally a better choice because it seats more cleanly on lighter material.
• Set the loop size by adjusting the distance before tying the second overhand knot. Once both overhand knots are tightened, the loop size is permanently fixed and cannot be changed without retying.
• When fighting a large fish, the Homer Rhode Loop’s double overhand structure provides a natural backup. Even if one overhand loosens slightly, the second one prevents the knot from failing entirely, giving you time to land the fish.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent for heavy monofilament and stiff fluorocarbon where other loop knots are hard to seat
• Creates a strong, permanently fixed loop that does not slip or close under pressure
• Double overhand knot structure provides built-in redundancy for extra security
• Proven over decades of use by top saltwater guides in the Florida Keys
• Simple overhand knot components make the basic structure easy to understand

Cons:

• Bulkier than the Non-Slip Loop Knot due to the two overhand knots stacked together
• Not the best choice for light lines under 15-pound test where sleeker knots perform better
• Less well-known than the Non-Slip Loop Knot, so fewer anglers are familiar with it
• The finished knot does not pass through rod guides as smoothly as more compact loop knots
• Requires two separate overhand knots to be tied and seated correctly, adding steps to the process