Flip Pallot's Snell Knot VS. My Nail Knot | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 888

In this How 2 Tuesday episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, host Tom Rowland tests two methods of connecting fly line to leader—what legendary angler Flip Pallot calls a "snell knot" versus Tom's traditional nail knot approach. Using a Danco pliers setup and his tie-fast knot tool, Tom demonstrates both techniques step-by-step, then puts them through breaking strength tests to see if they're actually different knots or just different ways to tie the same connection. The results reveal a surprising limitation that affects both methods, with important implications for anyone fly fishing for species from trout to tarpon.

Following Flip Pallot's Snell Knot Method

Tom begins by replicating a technique he learned from watching a Flip Pallot video, which Flip specifically calls a "snell knot" rather than a nail knot. Using his tie-fast knot tool (though Flip uses just a bodkin or wire), Tom starts with the butt section of the leader parallel to the fly line, creating two tag ends. The process involves going back in the opposite direction to form one large loop, leaving extra tag end for tightening. The key move comes next—taking that loop and wrapping it around both lines seven to nine times, though Tom admits he didn't count exactly how many wraps he made. After forming the wraps, he pulls the entire loop through, lets it slip off his tool, and begins forming the knot by pinching it in place. The critical final step involves using Danco pliers on the tag end—never on the main butt section—and making a wrap or two with his hand before pulling down tight to seat the connection. Watch Tom tie Flip's snell knot method starting at 0:01:41.

Tom's Alternative Nail Knot Approach

After demonstrating Flip's method, Tom shows what he believes is a much easier way to achieve the same result—or possibly tie the exact same knot using a different technique. The crucial difference in Tom's approach is that he creates the entire knot structure before even introducing the fly line. Starting with extra material on one end for pulling, he makes 11 wraps and creates the complete knot formation. Only then does he insert the fly line into the structure, making sure it goes far enough through that it won't come off during the tightening process. He carefully rolls the knot down onto itself, ensuring all the wraps sit smooth and parallel without overlapping. The same finishing technique applies—using Danco pliers on the tag end while avoiding the leader material, wrapping double around his hand, and pulling tight. Tom's method raises an interesting question about whether this is actually a different knot or simply a more efficient way to tie what Flip calls the snell knot. See Tom's complete alternative method demonstrated at 0:04:09.

Breaking Strength Test Results Reveal a Critical Limitation

Tom puts both connections through systematic breaking strength tests, and the results tell a surprising story. The snell knot method broke at 21.75 pounds, while the nail knot came in just slightly less. But here's the critical finding that matters more than the numbers—neither knot actually failed at the knot itself. Instead, both connections slipped off the fly line coating. This reveals that the strength of these knots is fundamentally limited not by the knot structure but by the fly line's outer coating. Tom points out that different fly lines could produce significantly different results based on their coating materials, and how tightly you cinch the knot down also affects the final strength. When compared to a welded loop connection, both methods tested at roughly half the breaking strength. For anglers using 12-pound tippet or lighter trout applications at two, four, or six pounds, these connections will perform perfectly—the tippet will always break first. The complete test results and analysis begin at 0:06:55.

When to Use These Connections vs. Welded Loops

Tom's practical application advice cuts through the technical details to answer the question every angler really wants to know: when should you use these connections? For bonefish and possibly even permit, the nail knot or snell knot provides a perfectly smooth connection that flows through your guides without the bump of a welded loop and loop-to-loop connection. Since both methods break above 20 pounds, they'll handle typical bonefish and permit tippets with strength to spare. However, Tom issues a clear warning for tarpon anglers using 20-pound tippet or heavier—at 21.75 pounds breaking strength, you risk losing your entire leader system if the connection fails under the stress of fighting a big fish. The welded loop, despite creating a bulkier connection that can catch in the guides, broke at significantly higher weights in Tom's testing. The trade-off becomes clear: smooth guide passage versus ultimate strength. Tom's detailed application recommendations start at 0:08:10.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I've tied nail knots a thousand different ways over the years, and I was genuinely curious whether Flip's "snell knot" would give us something different or stronger. What this test revealed is more valuable than just comparing two techniques—it showed us that the limiting factor isn't the knot at all. It's the fly line coating. That's critical information when you're building leaders for different species.

The method I show for pre-forming the knot before inserting the fly line makes this connection so much faster to tie, especially when you're on the water and conditions aren't perfect. And knowing that 21.75-pound breaking strength puts a clear ceiling on these connections helps you make smarter decisions about when to use them versus going with a welded loop.

If you're fishing trout or bonefish, this connection is perfect. If you're chasing big tarpon on heavy tippet, you need to see the full comparison in the knot guide. Every single knot we've tested on this podcast is in there with breaking strengths and real-world applications. This episode is worth watching just to see the testing process—you'll never wonder about these connections again.