The Snell knot is used by some of the best sailfishermen in the world to tie their hooks, but is it actually the strongest connection from line to hook? In this How 2 Tuesday episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, Tom Rowland puts the Snell knot to the test, demonstrating the proper tying technique and revealing the exact breaking strength compared to other popular fishing knots. Tom shows you step-by-step how to tie this classic knot and explains why many anglers swear by the unique angle of pull it creates for setting hooks. The results might surprise you—and they'll definitely make you rethink your hook-tying strategy before your next fishing trip.
What is the breaking strength of the Snell knot?
The Snell knot tests at 93% breaking strength. When tested, the line consistently broke right inside the knot itself, indicating the knot is weaker than the line. Despite not being the strongest line-to-hook connection, many experienced sailfishermen prefer the Snell because of the angle of pull it creates for proper hook setting.
Who is Tom Rowland?
Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast, a fishing expert who tests knots and demonstrates fishing techniques. He travels to destinations like the Seychelles and the Keys, testing gear and sharing fishing knowledge through his podcast's How 2 Tuesday episodes where he ties and tests various fishing knots to determine their true breaking strengths.
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This episode is brought to you by Star brite, the marine care products Tom relies on to keep his boat clean and protected after days on the water testing knots and chasing fish. From their boat care in a bucket kit to salt off for post-trip rinses, Star brite delivers performance and supports marine conservation through Project Sea Safe.
Visit starbrite.com →How to Tie the Snell Knot: Step-by-Step Technique
Tom breaks down the Snell knot as essentially a uni knot tied over the hook itself. With the hook secured in a vice for demonstration clarity, he shows the precise wrapping technique that creates this classic connection. The process involves threading the line through the hook eye and back through to form a loop, then wrapping the tag end six or seven times while keeping the barrels tight and adjacent. The final step involves threading the tag end through the loop and using Danco pliers to hold tension while pulling the standing line to snug everything down. It's a knot that looks complex but follows a logical pattern once you understand the fundamental movements. Watch the complete step-by-step demonstration starting at 0:01:44.
Testing the Snell: The 93% Breaking Strength Reality
After tying the knot, Tom puts it through rigorous testing to determine its true strength. The results reveal something important that every angler should know: the Snell is not the strongest knot from line to hook. Every single test showed the line breaking right inside the knot, proving that the knot itself creates a weak point compared to the line's rated strength. This 93% breaking strength means you're losing 7% of your line's power when you tie a Snell. So why do some of the world's best sailfishermen still use it? Tom explains it comes down to the unique angle of pull the Snell creates, which many anglers believe is critical for proper hook setting. See the exact moment the knot fails and hear Tom's analysis at 0:02:30.
Watch Tom tie and test the Snell knot to see exactly where it breaks
Why Angle of Pull Matters in Hook Setting
Despite not being the strongest knot in terms of raw breaking strength, the Snell remains popular among elite sailfishermen for a specific reason: the angle of pull it creates when pressure is applied. Tom mentions that many experienced anglers believe this angle is very important to setting the hook properly, which could explain why they're willing to sacrifice that 7% of breaking strength. The Snell positions the line along the hook shank rather than just at the eye, potentially changing the mechanics of how the hook penetrates and holds. Whether this theoretical advantage outweighs the measurable strength disadvantage is something each angler needs to decide based on their target species and fishing style. Hear Tom's perspective on the angle advantage at 0:02:57.
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SubscribeThe Free Knot Guide: How Every Knot Compares
Tom has compiled all the knot testing results from the Tom Rowland Podcast into a free resource that shows exactly how each knot compares to one another. This isn't just about the Snell—it's a complete reference showing which knots actually deliver the highest breaking strengths and which ones sacrifice power for other advantages. Every knot has been tied, tested, and measured using the same methodology, giving you real data to make informed decisions about which knots to use in different situations. Whether you're targeting sailfish, tarpon, or freshwater bass, this guide breaks down the numbers so you can choose connections based on facts rather than fishing forum mythology. Tom explains how to get the free knot guide at 0:03:04.
Don't miss this one.
Quick and practical—perfect for your pre-trip prep.
Key Takeaways
- The Snell knot is essentially a uni knot tied over the hook, requiring six or seven wraps with the tag end pulled through a loop
- Testing reveals the Snell breaks at 93% of line strength, with failure occurring right inside the knot every time
- Despite lower breaking strength, elite sailfishermen choose the Snell for the specific angle of pull it creates during hook setting
- Using a vice to hold the hook makes demonstrating and learning the Snell technique much easier than trying to tie it handheld
- Tom's free knot guide compiles all tested knots with videos and breaking strength data so you can compare every connection method
- When a knot consistently breaks inside itself rather than at the hook or on the standing line, it proves the knot is the weak point
- The choice between maximum breaking strength and optimal hook-setting angle depends on your target species and fishing technique
Final Thoughts from Tom
This How 2 Tuesday episode delivers exactly what you need: clear instruction, real testing, and honest results. I've tied and tested dozens of knots on this podcast, and what I appreciate about the Snell is that it has a legitimate use case even though it's not the strongest option. That 93% breaking strength tells us something important, but so does the fact that world-class sailfishermen still tie it.
The angle of pull matters in hook setting, and sometimes you make strategic tradeoffs. Understanding the actual numbers lets you make informed decisions rather than just following conventional wisdom. Whether you decide to use the Snell or choose a higher-strength knot for your fishing, you'll know exactly what you're getting.
Grab the free knot guide at tomrowlandpodcast.com to see how every knot we've tested compares. And if you're looking for a quick, practical tutorial you can watch before your next trip, this episode is exactly that. Watch the full demonstration and testing—it's worth your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What breaking strength does the Snell knot have?
The Snell knot tests at 93% breaking strength, meaning it retains 93% of the line's rated strength. Testing showed the line consistently breaks right inside the knot, indicating the knot itself is the weak point in the connection.
How do you tie a Snell knot?
To tie a Snell knot, pass the line through the hook eye and back through to form a loop. Take the tag end and wrap it six or seven times around the hook shank, keeping the wraps tight and adjacent. Thread the tag end through the loop, hold it with pliers, and pull the standing line to snug the knot down.
Why do sailfishermen use the Snell knot if it's not the strongest?
Many experienced sailfishermen prefer the Snell knot because of the angle of pull it creates, which they believe is very important for setting the hook properly. Despite the lower breaking strength at 93%, the mechanical advantage in hook penetration makes it valuable for certain fishing applications.
Is the Snell knot the same as a uni knot?
The Snell knot is essentially a uni knot tied over the hook rather than through just the hook eye. The wrapping technique and final pull-through are similar to a uni knot, but the Snell's position along the hook shank creates a different angle of pull when pressure is applied.
Where can I find knot breaking strength comparisons?
Tom Rowland offers a free knot guide at tomrowlandpodcast.com that compiles all the knots tested on the podcast with their breaking strengths and instructional videos. This resource allows you to compare how each knot performs relative to others for making informed rigging decisions.
Related Episodes
Compare how the uni knot performs against the Snell since they share similar wrapping techniques
See if this classic line-to-hook knot delivers higher breaking strength than the Snell's 93%
Discover which knot delivers maximum breaking strength for line-to-hook connections
Learn why elite sailfishermen choose certain knots over maximum breaking strength options
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Tom Rowland (Host, Tom Rowland Podcast)
Free Resource
Download the Tom Rowland Podcast Knot Guide to see how every tested knot compares with breaking strength data and instructional videos.
About this Guest
Tom Rowland
Tom Rowland is the host of the Tom Rowland Podcast, where he shares fishing strategies, knot testing, and outdoor disciplines. Tom travels extensively to destinations like the Seychelles and the Florida Keys to test gear and techniques. His How 2 Tuesday episodes provide practical instruction on knots, rigging, and fishing skills. Tom trusts brands like Star brite for boat care, Danco for pliers, and Nikon for optics. He partners with HH Insurance for comprehensive boat coverage including Bahamas trips and nighttime navigation.
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