Fishing Knots
Snell Knot
DIFFICULTY ●●●○○
Instead of tying to the hook's eye, the line is wrapped in a coil around the hook's shank itself, so the pull runs in a dead-straight line with the hook.
See it tied step-by-step ↗Why it earns its place
That straight-line pull noticeably improves hook-setting power and keeps bait presented naturally — which is why serious bait and circle-hook anglers snell religiously.
Where it fails
Traditional for a reason but slow to tie streamside; the uni-knot version is easier to learn. Works best on hooks with a turned-up or turned-down eye.
Quick facts
| Type | Shank connection |
| Line | Mono, fluoro |
| Strength | Excellent, straight pull |
| Best for | Bait rigs, circle hooks |