How To Tie A Snell Knot (The Fastest Method)

A snell knot is a type of hitch knot.

This fishing knot was first invented for anglers using eyeless hooks or circle hooks, but many people also use it for eyed hooks.

It is still among the most popular knots used by anglers.

Snell knots were popular when the hooks did not have an eye with the hole to pass the fishing line.

The initial hooks came with a circular “eye” at the hook shank’s end, that too without any hole.

Since snell knots do not require any opening in the eye of the fishing hook, it is perfect for the circle hooks.

Instead of the hole, wrap and coil the fishing rod around the hook shank to create a coiled knot.

The snell knot usually passes through the eyes of the hook but is mainly attached to the shaft.

You can attach the fishing hook with the fishing line with this knot.

Snell knot is popular among saltwater anglers. It is great for attaching live bait during fishing.

Besides that, freshwater anglers catch game fishes like bass.

On top of that, snell knots with baited hooks are also great for fly singing.

If you are looking forward to saltwater fishing or watching big games, you need to know how to tie a snell knot.

Here you will get a complete guide related to instructions for tying easy snell knots, their advantages, how to use them and when to use them as an angler.

So, read on to know more about snell knots.

Best Way To Tie A Snell Knot

Tying a snell knot is not difficult, but it requires some practice.

As you practice tying a snell knot,  you will get faster, and it will get easier.

You also do not need any glue or yam to tie this knot.

Here is the detailed instruction on how to tie a snell knot:

• First, take the tag end of your fishing line and pull this tag end through the hook eye, in the direction towards the point of the hook
• Now, create a small loop with the wire.
• After this, bring the tag end behind the hook shank.

·   Now, leave at least four inches of rope of the Tag end. You will need this later to tighten the knot.

• After this, wrap the tag end around the fishing line and hook the shank Start from the point and move towards the eye.
• Now, wrap it around five to seven times.
• Thread the tag end through the loop under and over
• Now, hold the wraps in place.
• After this, pull the tag end and tighten the knot.
•  If there is any excess tag end, cut it off and close the knot.
• Your simple snell knot is ready.

If you need some more guidance, you can also watch youtube tutorials here.

Advantages of snell knot

There are many advantages of the snell knot. It is a multipurpose knot that allows you to catch fish in different environments :

• You can tie a snell knot if you fish in saltwater. Similarly, the fishing knot also works well in freshwater for game fishes.
• It is extremely secure and offers a reliable connection and strong friction to the fishing line.
• It also allows you to maintain the strength of your fishing line, especially if the thickness of the eye is more than the diameter of the fishing line.
• You can use this knotless knot with a monofilament line, braided line, or even fluorocarbon line.
•  It also stays put with the shank of the fishing hook and reinforces its strength.
• Snell knots are also extremely tight and don’t come off or slip out.
• Since there is no knot above the eye of the hook, the snelled hook does not catch any debris like matted vegetation during fishing.
• It is a rigged knot. Hence, the hook eye goes deep inside the fish’s lip. Hence, you do not miss a catch.
• You can attach any bait, including trolled bait, live bait, pitch bait, or even a bait-lure combination with a snell knot.

Disadvantages of snell knot

Despite having so many advantages, there are some disadvantages to using a snell knot.

• It is not effective for fishes with sharp teeth. The line comes closer to the fish’s mouth since it is wrapped around the shank.
• On top of that, it only uses multiple coils to secure the hook. Hence, if the fish can cut or graze the line, it can free itself, and you may lose the fish you intended to catch.
• It requires high precision, and you need to follow the steps perfectly to tie a snell knot. Hence, if you are using smaller hooks, tying the knot becomes more difficult.
• You may need to practice this a few times to tie the easiest snell knot faster.
• Even though you can use it for all types of fishing lines, the fluorocarbon fishing line may impose some challenges while tying a snell knot with it.
• Tying a snell knot becomes more difficult if the hook does not come with a small eye.
• Always check out the direction you wrap the coil. Maintain the same direction to make the knot stronger.
• If you prefer to allow your love bait to move freely in the water, the snell knot will not work well.

Conclusion

A snell knot works pretty well with eyeless hooks for small to medium-sized fishes without sharp teeth. You can easily tie this fishing knot with some patience and practice.