How to Do a Fishing Snell Knot

fish hook image by Bruce MacQueen from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Tying the fishing line directly to the shank of the hook is known as snelling. Snelling has been in use for many years and will even securely attach a hook that is eyeless. Using a snelled hook results in the line being aligned with the hook shank, resulting in easier hook setting. Practice is required so the hook can be snelled quickly and correctly. Snelled hooks can be tied at home and stored in a tackle box for later use.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

How to Do a Fishing Snell Knot

Things You’ll Need:

Hook
Nail clippers

Step 1

Pass the line through the eyelet of the hook. Leave 6 to 8 inches of line to facilitate tying the snell.

Step 2

Run the tag end along the shank of the hook. Make a loop that extends from the eyelet down along the shank. Hold the loop tight against the shank with the thumb and forefinger.

Step 3

Make five turns with the tag end of the line. Ensure the turns run around the shank and through the loop. Start the loops at the eyelet and work down the shank.

Step 4

Moisten the knot and pull on the standing line and the tag end. Pull slowly to smoothly draw the knot down.

Step 5

Pull tightly, when snug, in opposite directions to set the knot. Ensure the coils of the knot are tight against each other. Trim the tag end with the nail clippers.

Tips & Warnings

Use caution when working with hooks.

Resources

Animated Knots by Grog: The Snell Knot

Article Written By Daniel Ray

Daniel Ray has been writing for over 15 years. He has been published in "Florida Sportsman" magazine. He holds an FAA airframe and powerplant license and FCC radiotelephone license, and is also a licensed private pilot. He attended the University of South Florida.

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