How to Tie a Snell Knot

Whether you are new to fishing or an old hand, mastering the basics will undoubtedly increase your pleasure and decrease some of the frustration that you may encounter while passing the time with a hook and a line. Tying a good knot should be considered one of the most important things to learn before making that first cast. While most people will simply purchase a pre-snelled hook, mastering the snell knot is an invaluable skill to acquire.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing line
• Fishing rod
• Nail clippers (or scissors)
• Terminal tackle (hooks, lures, fast clips)
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Take the hook in your non-dominant hand and the line in the other.

2. Take the end of the line (the tag end) and feed 4-5 inches of it through the eye of the hook.

3. Make a large loop and bring the tag end back through the eye, in the same way you took it through the first time. Bring it alongside the shank of the hook for only about 1/2 inch. Hold the tag end line against the shank.

4. Take the loop and bring it down under and let the hook pass through the loop.

5. Mzake 8-10 tight turns with the loop around both sections of line against the shank of the hook.

6. Take your fingers and hold the tightly drawn turns or loops in place. After your turns are complete, continue holding the loops, but pull gently and firmly on the line coming out through the eye of the hook. Pull the loops tight against the shank and at the same time, using your fingers, slide the loops up toward the eye.

7. Pull the tag end straight down toward the barb of the hook as tightly as possible. Use pliers if you need a better grip. Trim the tag end back to about 1/8 of an inch of the looped (or coiled) line.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear surgical gloves in the winter to help keep your hands and fingers cold while maintaining good feeling and dexterity for this delicate work.

• Use a section of heavy line, pre-cut, and make a bunch of snelled hooks. These leaders will save you valuable time fishing and will give you something to do on a rainy day.

• Before going fishing, make sure you check with your state or local department of natural resources (or applicable governing body) to determine if you must purchase a fishing license.

• Make sure you know the regulations and laws in the place where you will be fishing. Many places now require the use of only barbless hooks or have outlawed treble hooks.

Resources

• Alternative instructions with a good illustration.
• More illustrations and directions. A little more confusing.
• An easier method for the complete novice, but not a