Knot geeks: which snell knot and which not to use?

[snake95]

I have never tried to snell a hook, but thinking I might give it a shot.

 

I have read that snelling is used for flipping and punching.

 

Two questions (plus a few):

 

1.  What other applications do you like a snelled hook for?   Any "surprise" applications you might not expect?  

 

2.   What is your favorite and/or strongest snell? 

 

I have a good app that shows three: the uni snell knot, "traditional" with loops around the shank, and the "easy version."  The uni version looks really easy to tie.

 

Have not found any tests/ratings on snell strengths.   Interested to hear what snell designs guys have confidence in, and why.

 

 

 

[CroakHunter]

I only snell using braid and only when pitching or punching when using a straight shank hook. I use a version that bub tosh uses (seen on youtube). Through the front of the eye, make a loop, 3-5 turns around shank between eye and keeper, then back through the loop created. Never have had a break off. Also using 50-65lb braid so I didn't expect to break off either. Some people don't like a snell but i like it because I have noticed a difference in where my hook is stuck in the fish. Right in the hard part of the roof of the mouth. 

[Mike L]

Ditto 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike 

[Darren.]

I think I use the uni snell...

 

Haven't used the snell in a while, but I do like it a lot,

used it on worm hooks, wacky hooks, drop shot, etc.

 

Great for making own snelled hooks for saltwater.

 

I can see them used for punching and flipping. Good,

strong pull on the hook shaft. But be careful for some

hooks where the eye bend around to the shaft isn't

"clean". I bought some Daiichi hooks years back that

I couldn't snell because every one of them had a sharp

portion of the hook eye. 

[snake95]

12 hours ago, CroakHunter said:

use a version that bub tosh uses (seen on youtube).

Thanks, Croakhunter.  That's a really easy knot.  

 

1 hour ago, Darren. said:

Haven't used the snell in a while, but I do like it a lot,

used it on worm hooks, wacky hooks, drop shot, etc.

Ok, Darren, I'll try it on a few different hooks to test it out.

 

[FishDewd]

18 hours ago, snake95 said:

I have never tried to snell a hook, but thinking I might give it a shot.

 

I have read that snelling is used for flipping and punching.

 

Two questions (plus a few):

 

1.  What other applications do you like a snelled hook for?   Any "surprise" applications you might not expect?  

 

2.   What is your favorite and/or strongest snell? 

 

I have a good app that shows three: the uni snell knot, "traditional" with loops around the shank, and the "easy version."  The uni version looks really easy to tie.

 

Have not found any tests/ratings on snell strengths.   Interested to hear what snell designs guys have confidence in, and why.

 

 

 

1. I use this snell knot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-ox_qAQKV8

 

I use a few more wraps that he does though, and I do not fully cinch the tag end down before sliding the wraps up to the eyelet and wetting it. Then I cinch it down. I feel this way is better.

 

Ido know of one other snell that I like, but the above is my favorite because it's so easy to tie, can be tied quickly, and is very strong and has given me no issues no far. You can also use a "knotless knot" if you're really in a hurry, which also seems to work fine as a snell. See below for other uses.

 

2. I don't punch or flip so the main thing I use a snelled hook for is when I am cat fishing using a slip sinker, or running a circle hook under a bobber. The nice thing about a snell hook is that it assists in self-setting a hook because as tension is applied by the fish it allows the hook to rock upwards into position. Most of the time to set you can just reel into them, or just use a side set. I also snell a hook like this if I am fishing somewhere unfamiliar and am not sure what size the fish are. Using too small of a hook can mean a gut hook. A circle hook + snelling it on helps to eliminate the chance of that but is still no guarantee.