Snell Up For Success: How To Tie The Double-Snell Rig
- By: Matthew Lanier
- on
I caught more fish and the biggest fish of the trip using the Double-Snell Rig.
I’ll show you how to tie this rig for yourself below.
Take a look!!
How To Tie The Double-Snell Rig [VIDEO]
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PDF Download – FWC Snell Rig Rules & Regulations
Featured Equipment:
- Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hooks (Inline Point)
- Ande Monofilament Leader
- Salt Strong Split-Ring Scissors
There are a few specifics you must follow in order to tie a legal Double-Snell Rig that adheres to the fishing laws down in Florida.
Be sure to check your local laws on these rigs so you know what you can and cannot use.
In the attached document, Gulf regulations are listed on page 2 under (4) sections (a) and (b).
When it comes to the Atlantic, regulations are listed on page 3 under (5) sections (a) and (b).
Here is an excerpt from the Gulf regulations:
“Required gear in the Gulf reef fish fishery. For a person on board a vessel harvesting or attempting to harvest, including catch and release…Non-stainless steel circle hooks. Non-stainless steel circle hooks are required to be used on hook and line gear when fishing with natural baits…At least one dehooking device is required and must be used to remove hooks embedded in Gulf reef fish with minimum damage…”
If you live outside of Florida, be sure to research the regulations and rules in your area to adhere to local laws.
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Using the Artificial Reefs layer, all the known reefs in your area instantly appear within seconds.
The gear you use to tie the Double-Snell is incredibly important.
You must use non-stainless steel non-offset circle hooks.
The Gamakatsu Circle Inline hooks fit the bill.
How To Assemble The Double-Snell
I prefer to use 60lb leader with 6/0 hooks.
I recommend using 4/0 hooks with 40lb leader, 5/0 hooks with 50lb leader, 6/0 hooks with 60lb leader, and so on.
First, take the tag end of the leader line and slide it through the eye of an inline circle hook.
Bring the tag end of the line down to the bottom of the hook keeping the line flush to the hook shank.
Twist the line around the hook shank until you’ve done so about 6-7 times.
Take the opposite tag end and feed it back through the eye of the hook.
Then, cinch the line down and move the coils up with your finger.
When rigging the first hook, we fed the leader in through the front and out through the back.
We’re going to do the opposite on the second hook.
Slide the hook onto the leader line and lay the hooks down so they are facing the same direction.
Again, pinch the line down to the back of the hook shank and repeat the same process twisting the line around the hook 6-7 times.
Once that’s done, pinch the line and feed the tag end back through the front of the hook.
Hold the bottom hook in position and cinch the second knot down on the second hook.
Make sure to cut off the tag end down on the bottom hook.
Rigging Bait On The Double-Snell
I’m using a Slam Shady BOMBER for demonstration purposes rather than a frozen cigar minnow at the table.
You want the baits to drop down head first (tail end on the top hook and head on the bottom hook).
This ensures the weight is towards the bottom preventing the bait from spiraling on the way down.
On a cigar minnow, there are lateral lines going down the side of the fish.
Slide the bottom hook right below the gill plate on the fish.
Repeat the process with the second hook just higher up on the bait.
You want the hooks to face the same way so the bait appears natural on the descent.
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Can’t wait to try this! Thanks for the easy to follow video Matt.
Glad to help Jeff! Thanks for watching and making the time to leave a nice comment!
Matt, don’t you also need a reef fish number from the FWC ? I have one because regardless of the depth that you catch a reef fish or your personal license requirements ( over 65, etc. ) you can come under scrutiny at the ramp or on the water if you’re questioned by them. BTW, it’s free and only takes a phone call. This in addition to a venting tool and they leave you alone. I only know this because I had a Gag in 10 feet of water ( or less ) when I was stopped on the water for a safety check. BTW, I was prepared for them !
Good info Dennis! Gotta be sure to be inside regulation!
do you use any weight on the snelled rig, if so where is the weight placement?
You can for a dropper rig or you can use this with live bait freelined. I tried to keep this video short for just the rigging but I can get the video for that together. Thanks for watching and asking questions!
thank you
Good question
Mat I would like to see where and how you place your weight on this rig
Great post Matt. Would you use a very light leader line (10 lb test or less) from the curved portion of the bottom snelled hook to tie on a weight for bottom searching?
Hey Jan! I would put the weight above the snelled hook leader, above a swivel. Maybe we can get this follow up video done as well. Thanks for watching!
Thanks Matt, enjoyed the article.
Thanks Randy! We appreciate you! 😎
Another great video Matt. I may have missed it, but did you mention what lb mainline you’re running with that 60lb leader? Also curious about budget friendly rod/reel for offshore/trolling? I’ve only ever been set up for inshore fishing, but really wanting to try offshore on my next Pensacola trip.
Thanks for all you do!
Hey Michael! I was using 50# braid for mainline. Good question!
As far as budget setups for offshore, I’m not sure one exists for this type of fishing. Lol
Most offshore gear is expensive, and the good gear is worth having, especially when you hook a big fish.
Ugly stick makes a tiger elite that will be your least expensive rod but the reel can still get kinda pricey.
Look for a bargain when possible!
Thanks Michael!
thank you matt great info !
Glad to help Terry!
Never used it as a double, but I often use it as a single. Funny I just posted instructions on how to snell a hook the exact same way. The no knot snell. It’s so easy to do and works great.
All you need is tension! 💪 Good work Mitchell!
Great video, I use the same rigging to make walleye spinner baits( nightcrawler harness) for walleyes in Michigan
Awesome! Thanks for watching David!
Weighted rig is very simple it is standard Fish finder rig that everyone uses except you add double snell rig to swivel instead of single hook. Tie Braid to a Mono Topshot we use about 20 foot of topshot for bottom fishing. Slide egg sinker (size determined by depth and current – as light of weight as possible to hold bottom is best) onto the top shot and then tie on swivel. Next tie snell hooks first as you need lose end of leader to snell on 2nd hook and we always tie a few extra sets for each trip because you will go through some (Sharks, snagged in bottom, etc.). then tie your leader to your swivel to complete fish finder rig.
Well done Matt and see you in Steinhatchee next month for Florida Redfish Series Championship.
See ya there James! Great point on having a lot of these made before going out!