What pound test line for snells?

[Otts]

Hello,

I started tying my own snells last summer. I used 6 lb test on the snells with the logic being that if the hook got snagged all I would lose is the hook and keep the weight. I read on here that most people use around 10-15lb test for their snells. Wouldn't you lose everything with snells that have that lb test on them?
My main line is 6 lb test. Do you then use a higher pound test for your main line? Also, do spinners run better if they are used with a high lb test line?
Oh, most of my fishing was done on Mille Lacs and one trip to Lac Seul.

Thanks for yourinput,

Otts

[Vikings Fan]

For live bait rigging it looks like you are on the right track. 10-12 lbs. test you are refering to is probualy for spinner fishing. Might want to try 6lbs. Trilene XT green line for main line and 6lbs. Trilene XL green line for snell. Bait will swim a little more lively and if you snag up only snell will be gone unless sinker is pinched.
One more tip go with one size bigger sinker than you think you need and see if your feel,control and success improves. If it doesn't go back to smaller size.

[sammy]

I just started using 8lb trilene xl for spinners is that going to be to light? I just started tying my own and was not sure what to use?

Thanks

[Todd_NE]

Use a lower pound test than your main line.

Todd

[SnellTier]

I use my snells for bottom bouncing only. I tie them with 14 to 17 pound test. I use 12 pound test on my reel.

I want the 14 to 17 pound test on my snells because at times we pick up a pike or muskie while bottom bouncing and I want the extra thickness of line on my snell to avoid a bite off. We check the snell periodically for nicks put into it by fish we are catching and at times we have to change the snell because it gets so many nicks.

As far as losing everything ... typically I run floats on my snells so that the crawler will ride higher in the water than my bottom bouncer. We do get snags with the snells when we do not use the floats, but moving the boat 180 degrees to the rear to get behind the snag typically will help us pull free with no loss of gear.

When we lose "everything" it is because the bottom bouncer dropped into a hole or crevice on its downward move to help us "tap" the bottom. Then we are in a world of hurt. The bouncer with its clevis, bead, swivel, and snell with its clevis, hooks, and bait all go.

As far as thickness of line interfering with the clevis (and therefore the spinner) ... no, it does not.

[Captain Reef Runner]

I run most of my 14 rod spread in the summer with snells, I use ANDE 40lb clear. These snells have to put up with clevises spinning, who knows how fast with the currents below, + Hungry Walleye with big teeth averaging 5-10lbs + occasional steelhead.

I have had these snells BUST, usually bottom hook breaks off, but I have had quite a few walleye behind the boat dissapper with a beautifull array of beads following it.

[T-Mac]

Snells for finesse..use 4 or 6 in the small diameter lines. (lindy rigging.)
Spinners..use 12 or 14 (like XT Berkley)or...even more. Spinner fishing is not what I consider a "finesse" presentation. It is a trolling presentation and needs heavy line to hold up to the abuse it gets while being used.

But...that's just my slant.

[rabbit]

Hi Otts,
Been through just about all phases of experiments with spinners. For me it all boiled down to this---14# clear Tri-lene sizes 1,2,&4 Gamakatsu hooks (2 or 3 hooks per harness). Tie a nice assortment of colors and sizes to take with you and bring your tying stuff in case you have to make some out in the boat. Most of all don't mind losing any of it. Just re-tie and drive on. That's why we tie our own, it's fun to do and economical. It's all in the fishing and losing stuff is just part of it.
My answer to your question: Yes I think spinners run better on heavier line at the slower speeds. I don't ever run any more than one small bead above the spinner clevise, the water pressure will stop the spin if it is being jammed by a bunch of beads. Most of all have fun and come on spring

[retire55]

I use 6 to 8 lb test mono on reels for jigging or light wire hook drifting with leeches combined with 6 lb test Berkley vanish as a leader/snell.

My reel for bottom bouncing is spooled up with 14 lb test and I use 14 lb test to make worm harnesses (use floaters as well).