How do you tie those goldurned tandem hook knots?

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Full_Monte

Full_Monte

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Joined
Sep 10, 2008
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Location
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After spending another $70 on lures at the fishing store yesterday, I sat down on the couch and watched football on TV while going through the tackle box and "setting up" my gear for next season. I tried tying those tandem hook rigs about 30 times and ended up with only two sets that "might" work. It was very frustrating. If any of you guys have any hints on how to do this, I'd sure appreciate it.

Thanks!
 
Goggle snell knots. I have found that not only wearing glasses, but the purchase of a magnifying lamp helped out alot! The snell knot is not bad once you get the hang of it. When I first started trying to tie my own rigs I got very frustrated also until I got the lamp and was actually able to see what I was doing. thumbsup
 
Silver Bullets...

Thanks for the tip. I've been tying knots for 48 years and know a few different ones. I also learned how to tie all kinds of knots while in the Navy, but this one had me baffled. I'll try again tonite.
 
One more thingto add to all of teh other tools that everyone has mentioned which all make it easier is a fly tying vise. I use my vise and it speeds things up dramatically. I would just find a cheap one some where that somebody might want to get rid of and use it. Sure helps me. What helps me the most is the magnifying glasses.
 
Kokaholic said:
One more thingto add to all of teh other tools that everyone has mentioned which all make it easier is a fly tying vise. I use my vise and it speeds things up dramatically. I would just find a cheap one some where that somebody might want to get rid of and use it. Sure helps me. What helps me the most is the magnifying glasses.
Click to expand...

Good idea! It happens, my Dad tied flies for many years and I'm sure there are a couple of those fly-tying vises in his fishing stuff.

I spent all evening doing kokanee rigs. Finally managed to get the knots to behave themselves. Next I need those magnifying glasses.
 
I have attached a very crude drawing or how I like to snell after trying several different variations. Easy to place hooks exactly, it is secure to loosening, and there is no exposed wrap of line over the snell to wear.
 

Attachments

  • Snell knot.pdf
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That image is a great resource Smoke. Monte, keep on trying you'll get the hang of it. The trickiest part is learning the gap when tying tandem rigs so when you pull the knot tight the gap is consistent.
 
Mack,

There is no guessing with placement with the method I shared. Where you place it relative relative to the 'tail end' is where it ends up.

It is basically the same as the second site Petty shares, but I find it is easier for tying kokanee rigs because of the short front tag end. Petty's variation is the way to do it if snelling a single hook to end of long line directly from reel.

For mine, I hold hook and loops in place with left hand (right handed) and use right hand to turn the snelling wraps eye to bend. Hold wraps in place with left hand, then pull front tag end with right hand. Slide on second hook and repeat.

Easier done than said, but I hope you get the idea.
 
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smokepoles said:
I have attached a very crude drawing or how I like to snell after trying several different variations. Easy to place hooks exactly, it is secure to loosening, and there is no exposed wrap of line over the snell to wear.
Click to expand...

Hello Smokepoles...thanks for that! I'm wondering...do you put the end of the tag through the loop end before pulling on the main line? Seems like it needs to lock.
 
Practice, practice, practice! It took me awhile to learn this knot too, but now I'm pretty good at it. My brother can tie circles around me, but I like to believe that mine are of better quality! Haha. Anways, keep at it because tying the double snelled hook is a great skill to have for kokes!
 
SilverBullets said:
Goggle snell knots. I have found that not only wearing glasses, but the purchase of a magnifying lamp helped out alot! The snell knot is not bad once you get the hang of it. When I first started trying to tie my own rigs I got very frustrated also until I got the lamp and was actually able to see what I was doing. thumbsup
Click to expand...

I am interested in getting a magnification aid of some kind. Was thinking of a magnifying lamp, but then a friend recommended an Optivisor headband (totally handsfree).
I had read various magnifying lamp reviews here was set on the LED type, but now the Optivisor is on the radar.
What are your thoughts on these two types of magnifier?
Thanks
Tony
 
I think the visor presents some focus point issues as all our visions aren't the same. I think something mounted above your vise or work area would allow one to move head or hands the proper distance to get best clarity. However, my reading glasses and my halogen desk light is all I need to tie my leaders.
 
I've got a desk mounted swing arm with a flouresent tube... works great. I've had to replace the tube bulb once in 10 years of useage. As far as the head lamp magnifier light goes i would think unless it has a flip up lens you'd be constantly having to remove it when your reaching for something across your work table.
 
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I'm a uni-knot(duncan loop/egg loop) guy.It works in many applications and is great for snelling hooks ,but can get frustrating. In "Kokanee Obsession" Kent Cannon had a nice demo on tying the two hook rig using a different knot,I think Kokaneekid has a video on tying the same knot.
 
Slow at work? I'm getting caught up on my leader supply!

njip.jpg
 
Yeah, next trip to Fisherman's wharehouse to buy fishing line and we'll start tying our tandems for our upcoming summer trip to the Gorge. We wrap about 12 of them around a cut up noodle and bring them with us. Last year we had at least 4 full ones ready to go! We use the egg loop knot also.
Froggie
 

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