A Snell Knot is used to attach leader or fly-fishing tippet directly to a hook. This terminal fishing knot is often considered to be one of the strongest because of the way it evenly distributes friction.
The snell knot was originally invented for use with eyeless hooks, but it's still widely used today. Saltwater anglers often use it when live bait fishing, it's a popular knot with freshwater bass anglers who flip and pitch Texas rigs into matted vegetation, and fly anglers use it to keep the hook straight when fly fishing with a tube fly.
There are several advantages to using a snell fishing knot. First, this knot can be tied with monofilament, braid, or fluorocarbon line. Second, this type of knot stays in line with the shank of the hook, making it stronger and easier to obtain a good hook set. Third, this fishing knot does not come loose or slip out easily.
The one time tying a snell knot wouldn't be to your advantage is when fishing for species that have sharp teeth since the leader is connected to the shank of the hook versus the eye of the hook.
If you spend some time practicing, learning to tie a knot like the easy snell isn't hard. All you have to do is follow a few simple steps to start tying a snell knot.
Just as with other types of fishing knots, there are different variations of the snell knot. Some of the most common variations include:
You may want to start by learning how to tie an easy snell first, and then try the other variations once you've learned how to tie the easy version.
Once you have tied the easy snell successfully, learn how to tie a few of the common line-to-line fly fishing knots.
KEEP LEARNING
First Catch Center Trailer Gallery
FCC Trailer Photo Gallery
LEARN MORE
How to Tie a Duncan Knot
Learn to tie a Duncan knot by following these five simple steps. Watch our new video.
LEARN MORE
Welcome to Angler Academy!
No one said you can’t bring fishing inside! There’s lots of fun activities we can do right from home
LEARN MORE
FIND PLACES TO BOAT AND FISH
VIEW MAP