Snell Knot

The Snell Knot is your go to knot for tying a hook onto the end of your line when you want to ensure that the line remains parallel to the spine of the hook. A variety of knots can be used to tie on a terminal hook, but the Snell Knot not only ensures the parallel position but also restricts the range of motion of the hook, which in combination offers a fixed presentation of your lure that will look just the way you want it to.

By using a long tag end, a Snell Knot also allows for stinger style rigs with trap hooks that employ two (or more) hooks, where the hook above the end of the line is snelled in place. One drawback to the Snell Knot is that it requires some precision and fine motor skills as parts of the standing line may need to be held in place to for easier tying, so it’s a knot that you may want to tie on at home to maximize your time on the water.

A Snell Knot is extremely versatile and is often used for heavy duty terminal tackle applications where the hook-to-line connection strength is paramount. It can be used on monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided lines and is widely used for anglers fishing for catfish, carp, bass, and various saltwater species.