Snells?

[96trigger]

I'm looking for information on snells. How long are most snells? When using a snell with a minnow, leech, worm etc, how much weight should I use to hold it down? What type of sinker works best, (lindy, split shot, or slip weights)Is it bad to hook a snell on a swivel, or is a clasp better?

I plan on drifting with a snell but am not sure how to get the correct depth or quite how to rig it properly. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Chris Haley]

Snell length is dictated by a number of conditions. The first being where the fish are in relation to the bottom. Typically the closer to the bottom, the shorter the snell. I start with a 3-4ft snell for most cases. I then make them longer depending on condition. You want to use the lightest weight possible for the depth you're fishing. Wave action, speed and current conditions require heavier weights. I usually start with 1/4oz northland Roach Walker weight, I like these because they use a soft metal loop that can be bent open and closed for weight changes. I will go up to a 3/8oz at 20ft, and 1/2oz in 30ft. I have also used snells up to twelve feet in lenght.

[fish4ed]

For tying the snell to the main line, I use a barrel swivel. I also like the Roach walker sinkers up to 1/2 ounce and use a quick change clevis above the barrel swivel, which facilitates changing the weight if needed. For heavier weights I like pencil weights - Cabela's has a nice kit with varying weight sizes and heavy sliding clevises for attaching the weight. For fishing shallow flats, you can't beat a 1/8 or 1/16oz bullet weight.

Snell length is dictated by many variables. On Mille Lacs I start at 7', whereas on rivers it might be as short as 18 inches. Fatheads and leeches I generally rig on plain hooks, nightcrawlers I like some sort of floater. One of my favorite rigs this time of year on the St Croix is a 1/8 to 1/4oz Roach walker, 2-3' snell, and half a crawler on a #4 floating jighead

[96trigger]

Is the weight free moving? Or is it tied on just above the barrel swivel. I will be purchasing some more Roach walkers and Pencil weights. I am picturing the main line, attacthed to a barrel swivel, attached to the snell. (Can I use a barrel swivel with a clasp on it for quick changing of the snell?) In front of the barrel swivel on the main line is the weight. The weight should be able to be exchangeable. The lenght of the snell depends on the depth fishing and floats may be needed for crawlers. Is this correct.

[LocalGuide]

Look ar some of my posts on this forum under, "spinner rigs" and "spinners". Them are pretty much loaded with info.

Good luck

------------------
And keep those hooks sharp!

[tjwierz2]

My setup for snells. I tie a barrel swivel on the end of my line. Then I use the snap-on bell sinkers above that. Then nothing EVER less than a 4 foot snell...usually 5-6 feet. Make snell, tie the end with a loop...put the loop through the swivel and pull through. This way you can change snells without have to re-tie. Same with the snap-on sinker...