Tackle Index
Knot

Snell Knot

Hook to line, tied through the eye and down the shank.

Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy

At a glance

What this knot is for

Joins
Hook to line, tied through the eye and down the shank
Line types
Monofilament and fluorocarbon leader material. Rarely used with braid.

Reach for it when

  • Bait rigs where a straight-line pull is wanted through the hook shank rather than the eye
  • Rigs using hooks with a turned-up or turned-down eye
Method

How to tie the snell knot

  1. 1Pass the line through the hook eye from the front, leaving a long tag end running back alongside the shank.
  2. 2Form a loop by laying the tag end back along the shank towards the bend.
  3. 3Wrap the tag end around both the shank and the standing line 5–7 times, working down towards the bend.
  4. 4Hold the wraps in place and pull the standing line to draw them snug.
  5. 5Moisten and pull the tag end and standing line to fully seat the wraps tightly down the shank, then trim the tag end.
Snell KnotPhoto: Wikimedia Commons

Work on a flat surface with enough line in your hand to pull the knot down firmly, and check the wraps sit neatly before you trim anything away.

Why it works

  • Pulls the hook point into line with the pull of the fish rather than at the angle set by the eye, which some rigs rely on
  • Very secure once seated, as the wraps are backed by the shank itself

Where it lets you down

  • Slower to tie than an eye knot and awkward with small hooks or cold hands
  • Not suited to lure eyes or swivels — this is a hook-shank knot specifically
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The tackle this knot ties

The knot itself costs nothing — it joins your line to the tackle you buy. This search shows the general category this knot is tied onto, never a named brand or model.

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Alternatives

Knots that do a similar job

Improved Clinch Knot →Uni Knot →
Used in

Fishing methods that use this knot

Legering / Bottom Bait →Live Bait Rig →Float Fishing →
Keep going

More knots worth learning

Improved Clinch Knot →Palomar Knot →Uni Knot →Double Uni Knot →Blood Knot →Surgeon's Knot →Surgeon's Loop →Figure-of-Eight Loop →
Check the rules where you fish
Some waters restrict tackle or methods — barbless hooks, lead sinkers, certain rigs and line types. Confirm the rules of the water you are fishing before you use any rig or knot.