Snell Knot

The Snell Knot, originally used with eyeless hooks but still popular, ties a baited hook directly on to a leader or tippet. The Snell Knot positions the line or leader in a straight line with the shaft of the hook, creating a knot with plenty of structural integrity.

As an older type of fishing knot, the Snell has a long reputation as a dependable knot that also maintains the breaking strength of the line. This is especially the case if the line diameter is less than that of the eye. Learn how to tie the Snell Knot following the 6 steps below.

Snell knot step 1

Snell knot step 1

Step 1: Pass the tag end of the leader line through the eye of the hook.

Snell knot step 2

Step 2: Feed the tag end of the leader back through the eye of the hook from behind to create a loop.

Snell knot step 3

Step 3: Twist the loop clockwise to the right wrapping line around the hook shank 7 to 8 times.

Snell knot step 3

Snell knot step 3

Snell knot step 3

Snell knot step 4

Step 4: Pull on the standing end of the line to make the loop smaller.

Snell knot step 5

Step 5: Lubricate the knot and pull both ends to tighten.

Snell knot step 6

Step 6: Trim the tag end if needed.

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