Are you looking for a “no-fail” knot for reeling in those trophy-sized catfish? The snell knot is one of the strongest knots you can use when fishing. They are incredibly fantastic for catfishing and are the most effective when tied onto a circle hook. In this tutorial, we will teach you how to tie a snell knot so you can fish in confidence, knowing you won’t lose your catfish no matter how big or small they are.

Furthermore, you can use this knot on virtually any type of catfishing rig, whether you are running jugs, limb lines, or just fishing from the bank. Now, let’s dive into what other benefits you reap when using a snell knot for catfishing.

Benefits of a Snell Knot

There are many benefits to using a snell knot for catfishing to include:

  • It’s a very secure knot
  • You can pre-snell your hooks without worry
  • Distributes and withstands the pressure of a sizable catfish
  • Allows for a straight-line pull to the fish
  • Sets your hook by turning it up towards the fish
  • Effective on all types of line, including braided nylon mason line
  • You can tie it onto hooks without an eyelet

Disadvantages of a Snell Knot

Here are some disadvantages of using a snell knot:

  • It takes a lot of practice to snell a knot correctly
  • Fish with sharp teeth can cut the knot

Are There Variations of the Snell Knot?

Yes, there are various ways to tie a snell knot. The snell knot variation you are about to learn is known as the “easy snell knot.” Hence, just like its name implies, I find it is one of the most straightforward and simple ways to learn how to tie this knot; however, its simplicity doesn’t make this version of the snell knot any less effective.

Here is a list of other variations of the snell knot:

  • Traditional snell knot
  • Double snell knot
  • Sliding snell knot
  • Improved snell knot
  • Egg loop knot
  • Nail snell knot

What You’ll Need to Tie a Snell Knot for Catfishing

Here is a list of what you’ll need to tie a snell knot:

How to Tie a Snell Knot

Step One: Push Your Line Through the Eyelet

A picture of fishing line threaded through the eyelet of a hook against a white background.

First, make sure to push your line through the eyelet from front to back on your circle hook. Doing so allows your knot to set the hook properly, and it keeps your knot from failing.

Additionally, when pushing your line through, be sure to give yourself at least six inches worth of tagline. Giving yourself more slack to work with will make tying your knot easier.

Step Two: Make a Loop and Pinch the Line Down

A hand holding fishing line looped above a hook's shaft against a white background.

Next, you will make a loop back towards your leader line. Then, go ahead and pinch the loop on top of the eyelet with your thumb and index finger.

Step Three: Wrap Your Tag End Around the Shaft

A hand holding a hook with fishing line wrapped around the shaft against a white background.

Now, you will need to take your tag end of the line and wrap it at least seven times around your circle hook’s shaft. When performing this step, work your wraps from the eyelet down, make sure not to wrap your line tightly, and don’t overlap your wraps.

Note, after wrapping your tag end around the shaft, the end of the loop should still be exposed.

Step Four: Push Your Tag End Through the Loop

A hand holding a hook with fishing line tied around it against a white background.

Then, after you have wrapped your tag end around several times, push your tag end up through the loop. Ensure your line is coming up the hook’s back through the loop.

Step Five: Cinch Your Knot Down

Two hands pulling fishing line with a hook tied to the middle against a white background.

Next, you will simultaneously grab and pull your leader line and your tag end. As you’re pulling the two lines, you should notice your knot cinching down towards the eye of the circle hook.

Step Six: Tie a Safety Knot

Two hands holding a hook with a snell knot tied onto it against a white background.

Tieing this safety knot is an additional step if you would like to add safety to ensure your snell knot is secured correctly. To perform this step, tie an overhand knot with your tag end as close to the shaft as possible.

Step Seven: Clip off the Tag End

Two hands holding a hook with a snell knot tied to it with scissors behind them against a white background.

Lastly, after tying your knot, make sure to clip off the tag end as close to the knot as possible.

Now You’re Ready to Bait Your Hook!

As you can see, tying a snell knot isn’t too tricky. Now, you will be able to use the snell knot to increase your catfishing game, whether you are jugging or bank fishing. This knot will surely help your set your hook properly, no matter the catfish’s size, so you stop losing fish.

So, quit lounging around, grab your tackle box and your favorite catfishing bait, and get out there and get to fishing!

Do you plan on using snell knots on your catfishing rigs? Let us know in the comments below. Did you find this tutorial easy to follow? Then, consider sharing it with your fishing buddies.