How To Snell A Hook

Snelling a hook to monofilament leader leaves no bulky knot visible above the hook eye, making it perfect for situations in which a stealthy approach is required. Not only is it the preferred knot when using circle hooks for billfish, but it is also popular for use with j-hooks while chunking or live baiting for other pelagic species as well.

Pass about four inches of the leader's tag end through the hook eye towards the bend and along the shank of the hook.

Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch the hook and leader right behind the eye of the hook.

Pull a few more inches of leader through the hook eye and then form a loop with the tag end, pinching where the loop meets the shank of the hook.

Using your free hand, grab the bottom of the loop and begin wrapping it back around the hook shank and both pieces of leader. Repeat this wrap at least 5 times towards the bend in the hook. After your final wrap, pinch the hook shank where the loop and the tag end meet. This will secure the wraps and prepare you for the next step.

While pinching the area where the hook shank meets the loop and tight end, use your other hand to carefully pull the main line until it comes tight. Now pull the tag end to tighten the knot further.

The completed snell knot will be positioned halfway up the hook shank. While holding the bend of the hook with one hand, use the other hand to pull the main line until the knot slides and fits snug with the hook eye.

To finish the snell, clip the tag end around 1/8" from the knot.

The completed snell knot should look like this. Many hooks do not have a bend in the eye to accommodate a snell. In that case, tie the knot without running the line through the hook eye. Finish the knot with the main leader positioned underneath the eye on the point side of the hook. Passing the line through a straight hook eye causes a loss in knot strength and prevents a straight pull on the hook.