How to Snell a Hook

Fishermen have become well accustomed to tying a variety of knots when preparing a fishing pole. Some knots are simple, while others are complex. Snelling a hook is a simple knot-tying method that assures the hook is secured firmly to the line, and is especially useful when fishing for bigger and stronger fish.

Things You'll Need

• Fish hooks
• Fishing line
• Scissors or knife
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Select a hook large enough to pass your fishing line through twice. The eye needs to be large enough to hold two separate sections of fishing line to ensure your hook is snelled tightly.

2. Pass your fishing line through the eye of your fishing hook once, pulling enough line through to make a loop larger than your hook. Push the loose end of your line back through the eye so that it lies next to your hook and underneath the loop of extra line.

3. Hold both pieces of fishing line up tight against the hook, and wrap the loop around the hook seven or eight times. This will wrap all the extra ends of the line within the loops and secure them firmly.

4. Pull the line tight from the top of the hook, making sure to hold onto the loops with your fingers so that they do not come loose or let your extra line out of the loop. Keep your fingertips clear of the sharp end of the hook while securing your line.

5. Tighten your snell knot firmly by pulling the free end of the line with your pliers. Hold the hook in your hand and pull firmly with the pliers from the top. Check for any stray or loose ends.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when working with sharp hooks. They can easily puncture your skin and cause serious injury.

• Do not use the snell knot on fishing line treated for 50 pounds or more. Thicker lines will not easily fit through your hook and do not tie as well as a thinner line.