Yes, with the knot I'm about to demonstrate, it is entirely possible to snell a hook in seven seconds. I know it can be done because I timed my son Ryan while he tied it ten years ago when he was just 13 years old. You know, now that I think about it, I forgot to mention one minor detail…he was blindfolded!

Ok, admittedly you might need to practice tying this a couple of times first. Then, you too will be able to tie this knot quickly, in low light or no light conditions, on a pitching boat while your heart is racing -- when the fish are wildly busting the surface of the water all around you, and you need to make a rig right NOW!

But, before I display the specific method of tying the knot, we are going to make a little history first. This particular snell knot has never had a name. It cannot be traced to any particular individual, and the knot itself cannot be found gracing the pages of quality rigging manuals. So, to clear that up, I'm naming the knot. From this moment forward, this highly effective snelling technique shall be forever known as the "Kenlee knot." History!

Kenlee is a combination of my name and that of my close friend Ken McNelly. Ken taught me this fine knot years ago. Right afterward, he talked me into conducting knot-tying seminars for the CCA Sport Fishing Show. As a result, between both of us, we are somewhat responsible for teaching it to literally hundreds of people over the years. I suppose this qualifies us for naming rights. Besides, a knot this effective cannot remain nameless, and the famous Mark Sosin has already used the "no-name" knot name - See if you can say that 5 times real fast!

My philosophy on knot tying is a simple one as in…keep it simple. Of the literally hundreds of fishing knots available, I really only use a few in fishing applications but those few I know very well. With a small arsenal of just a few knots and a little practice, anyone can tie a fishing rig for virtually any application, and it can be done quickly in stressful situations. You will also have complete confidence as well, as knots are usually the weakest links in your fishing tackle. Besides, making rigs is a great way to spend a little time on rainy days!

Tying the Kenlee knot: This method is for attaching snelled hooks to leaders. Both ends of the leader are needed to make this knot. Hold the hook in your hand so the hook portion is secure in your palm and the hook shank is held between your thumb and forefinger. Next, insert the mono line up through the hook eye and lay about 2 inches of the line along the hook shank. Lay the opposite end of the line along the shank of the hook also, but have the tag end extending out past the hook eye about two-inches and pointing away from your hand (See illustration 1). This has, in effect, made a full circle with the line.

There are only a couple of steps to go. With the line you inserted through the hook eye, use it to lay 6 to 10 wraps along the hook shank. (See illustration 2). With lighter lines of 40 lb test and below, use more wraps, and fewer wraps with heavier lines. Ensure the wraps are side-by-side and do not overlap each other, and that they go away from the hook eye towards your hand. When the wraps are made, hold them securely with your thumb and forefinger.

Lastly, pull the tag end until the coils become tight and you are done! (See illustration 3). You will probably need to attach the hook to something solid, wet the coils and pull to cinch the knot. That's it! That is all there is to tying this durable knot. After a couple of practice sessions it will be possible to tie this knot in just a few seconds and yes, without looking.

In order for this leader to be useful you will need some fashion of loop knot tied in to the opposite end of the leader. (See illustration 4). This can easily be accomplished as follows: Double the line then simply tie an overhand knot with two wraps instead of a single wrap. Again wet the knot and pull to tighten. This knot is a surgeon's loop.

Applications: This system is equally effective with all types of hook styles from J-style hooks to circle hooks, and with all sizes of monofilament lines. Flounder are here, black drum are arriving. Red drum and cobia will follow soon. You'll want to be rigged up and ready to fish for them. This knot is simple to tie and has never failed me while fishing for these and other species. Give it a try and you'll be "hooked!"

Good luck and…don't catch em' all!