How to Tie a Mono to a Circle Hook (Using a Simple Snell Knot)

Tying your monofilament line securely to a circle hook is crucial for effective fishing. A simple and strong method is using a snell knot, which aligns the line directly with the hook shank, improving hook-up ratios, especially with circle hooks.

Understanding the Simple Snell Knot for Circle Hooks

The snell knot creates a direct line of pull on the hook shank rather than the eye. This helps the circle hook rotate and find the corner of the fish's mouth as designed. The method described below is a straightforward way to achieve this connection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tying the Simple Snell Knot

Based on the referenced method, here are the steps to tie a simple snell knot:

1. Prepare the Line and Hook: Pass the end of your monofilament line through the eye of the circle hook, typically from the back side (the side opposite the point). Run a generous amount of line down the hook shank. Create a loop by bringing the tag end back up towards the hook eye, laying it alongside the main line that is running down the shank.
2. Hold Securely: Hold the hook and the loop/line running along the shank tightly together.
3. Wrap the Tag End: Take the tag end and wrap it around the hook shank and the main line, working your way down from the hook eye towards the bend. The reference states, "You then wrap the tag end with the line." Make several neat turns (e.g., 5-10 wraps depending on line thickness).
4. Pass Through the Loop: After completing your wraps, take the "opposite end" (which is the tag end you were just wrapping with) and pass it back up through the loop you initially created near the hook eye. The reference specifies "send the opposite end through the back side of the hook," implying threading the tag end through the loop from the same side the main line entered the eye.
5. Tighten the Knot: Moisten the line and wraps with saliva or water. Slowly pull on the tag end while also holding the hook or the main line. The wraps should snug down neatly onto the hook shank. The reference says, "pull on the tag end and on the hook. And you tighten the knot down."
6. Final Cinch: Once the wraps are tight on the shank, pull on the main line to fully seat the knot against the hook eye.
7. Trim Excess: Carefully trim the excess tag end close to the knot.

By following these steps, you create a strong and effective snell knot perfectly suited for circle hooks, ensuring your rig performs optimally.