Snell length

[The Wicker Man]

I have recently started tying my own spinner rigs. I will be using these behind a bottom-bouncer with a tandem hook set-up and a power worm. I know this is a general question but I was wondering what size snell length is preferred? The lakes I fish have very rocky bottoms so snags are a definite concern.
Also, when you guys talk snell length are you talking from the start of the line to the first hook or the total length of the unit?

Thanks in advance

[Lund_Dude]

My rule of thumb is one rod length. Use whatever rod you choose for your rigging. If you need to shorten up the lead, it is a simple operation. I cannot remember any instances where I needed more length and it is really a nuisance to deal with leaders that are much longer than the rod.

[SLIPKNOT]

Average lenght of a spinner rig is probably 3-4 feet. Those lengths are usually used on the great lakes like saginaw bay and green bay. However if you are fishing dirty water with stumps, 18" is about right. I would try going with about a 3 ft snell in your case. Tie up a bunch of different lenghts and try them out. You should also vary your length of snell depending on how far off the bottom the fish are. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

[Jbob]

I always tie my snells at least 10 ft long. You never know what the conditions will call for. You can always shorten to what ever length that the fish prefer.

[mudpuppy]

I agree with both Lund Dude & SLIPKNOT . The 3-4' length when the fish aren't too picky , get fewer snags that way . It's probably the most commonly used lengths . Many times I'll go with the rod length rule also , when fishing clear water or tough cond.'s . But I usually use small styrofoam floats tied into the rig to keep it from dragging bottom . You can use your regular rigs also , just peg a float 1-2 feet ahead of the rig . I also like to tie some up with floats in with the beads , Netcraft have my favorite ball floats . I guess just leave them long & cut them down to fit the need is my suggestion .

[REW]

I have a couple of rules.

For dirty water - I generally use snells that are about 2 feet long.
If the water is clearer - I may go to as long as 10 feet.

The typical length is 3-4 feet.

If you are going with spinners - if you use lengths longer than about 3 feet, you almost always have to use floats - to keep the bait off the bottom and out of snags.

Take care

REW

[SnellTier]

A walleye guide once told me that 2 feet is fine. Another, from the PWT said "I tie mine one rod length long because that is the easiest to store while it is on the rod". A bass guide told me that he varies it based on what the fish want that day ... an opinion which was seconded by a walleye guide standing next to him.

I tie mine about 6 feet long and fish them that way. I can always shorten them if I discover by trial and error that the fish prefer the shorter snell that day.

The longer the snell the more likely it is to snag behind the bouncer. The shorter the snell, the more likely the bottom bouncer will spook fish. It is all compromise and judgement FOR THAT DAY AND ONLY THAT DAY.

[TK_551]

I agree with all posted. It is always best to make the snell length long and then shorten as needed. Always vary though to see what the fish want that day.

Tom
#551

[Gerry Mahowald]

Rod length is a good length to start out with spinners. As far as snell length the clearer the water and the more finicky the walleyes are the longer the snell you need. This could mean 12' in gin clear water. The reason snell and spinner manufacturers don't sell long leaders is there is no good way to package or store them. For a super fast and easy way to change and store even long snells and spinners- log on to www.rigroller.com when your finished at walleye central.

[eyeswon]

Myself I tie mine as I go starting with 3 to 4 ft. and go up or down what ever I need. I have time to tie them because I don't fish for money. Just live to fish not fish to live. LOL Big differance .