heres the way i see it:
if the bait comes with a split ring, its probably there for a reason (weight to balance the lure, free range of motion, etc.) so you have 2 options:
1.) keep the split ring on and tie onto the split ring
2.) take the split ring off and tie clip to your line. this will be pretty much the same weight as the split ring and it will still allow free movement.
if the bait DOESNT come with a split ring, once again, theres a reason for it. example: if you put a split ring on a rapala floater, it will sit in the water nose down and won't work as well.
when there is no split ring, you can either:
1.) tie directly to the lure, limiting the movement
2.) use a loop knot (rapala knot) which will provide the range of movement a split ring will, without the added weight.
and there you have the Saavedra pocket guide to split rings
