Snaps Instead Of Split Rings On Crankbaits?

[Megastink]

Ok, guys, lets hear it...

 

I have read a lot of good things baout using snaps instead of split rings for your crankbait fishing. I understand the logic of saving time (instead of retying). I like that idea, considering that I'm a tournament guy.

 

I'm looking for feedback, good or bad, about using snaps. Does it effect action? Does it make the bait more or less prone to snagging in hard cover? Do snaps pick up grass more than split rings? Someone sell me on it or against it!

 

Also, what size, brand snaps do you use? Where do you get them? Barlows? somewhere else?

 

I use a lot of squarebills and cranks that dive less than 8' and are under 1/2oz.

 

A million questions.... annnnnnnnnnd go! Thanks!

[Crestliner2008]

I know lots of folks that keep the split ring on their cranks, re-tying for every bait switch. If your fingers are young & limber, I suppose that's a viable process. However, I've also heard that where the line tie ends up could make or break you....literally. Like if the tie is close to, or on the split.

 

For me, using split rings is no longer an option. Arthritis inhibits my once limber fingers. I use snaps exclusively. Have seen no ill effects from doing so. Makes lure changes a "snap" (LOL!) too!

[Teal]

I used snaps on my cranks. I dont bother to take the split ring off. The action is fine. At least the fish think so. I havent really noticed the snap snaggin grass. I buy the Berley Cross lock snaps. Norman speeed clips work well too, but id use the berkleys. I like them because i can change lures much quicker.

[Hanover_Yakker]

I use them all the time in both fresh and salt water. If you opt to use one, I recommend stepping up to the salt water grade. They hold up better over the long term. I use the size 2 series rated at 65lbs. or higher, and I always get the black ones. Like Crestliner said, switching out lures is a breeze when you use a snap, but another advantage is that you don't have to have multiple rod and reel combos on your vessel. You only need the one rod and reel.

Once you dial in a pattern or color though, you may opt to tie direct at that point. I personally just leave it as is, because the bite can turn off in an instant, and you may need to change from a square bill to a deep diver or lipless or perhaps even a silent version.

As a kayak angler, space is limited anyway for the number of rods I want to carry (usually 2-3), so simplicity is a necessity for me. Thus, I use snaps for treble hooked baits all the time.

[Felix77]

http://www.bassmaster.com/video/use-snaps-save-time

[jhoffman]

Yes they can change the action as well. Some of the older lures really depend on it

[Felix77]

I bought a pack of those fas snaps after seeing this video.  They are tiny as hell but they are as fast a snap as I have tried so far.  Listen to his suggestion about putting it on the bait first before tying it on.  It does make it much easier.

 

Two other types I have tried are ...

 

Sea Striker Fast Snap - Medium - A little too bulky for me.  Got a lot of grass. If the fas snaps are too small then this would be my #2 choice.

 

Normal Lures Speed Clips - I found when my hands got wet or sweaty that these became a pain to put on.  These would be my favorite if it wasn't for that.  It's the closest thing to an actual split ring in my opinion.

[TrapperJ]

I use snaps on my hard baits, hate having to re tie. I never even bothered to think about taking off the split ring, fish dont seem to mind either.

[jbsoonerfan]

I just bought some Owner Hyper Welded Snaps from TW to use this season. I went with the size 1 and found them to be just a little too small for my liking. I went ahead and ordered some size 2 last night so I will have 3 packs of each size to decide which I prefer.

[A-Jay]

Over the years I have Not been a fan of using snaps on crankbaits -

 

But Over this past season,  I have been converted.

 

A fellow angler (who shall remain nameless) has shown me the light - they work and if the correct model is used - there are few negatives to be had.

 

Every Jerkbait the man uses goes over the side on a snap - (that probably gave it away).

 

Recently, I've been testing a new version snap; one put out by Spro -

 

Check out the attached link below . . . .

 

A-Jay

 

http://www.spro.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SSPSB%2DALL

[Mike L]

I really like and use the Norman Speed Clip's.

But as Felix say's they're harder to use when you're wet or even when your fingers cold, but they do the best job.

 

Mike

[iabass8]

I used snaps on my cranks. I dont bother to take the split ring off. The action is fine. At least the fish think so. I havent really noticed the snap snaggin grass. I buy the Berley Cross lock snaps. Norman speeed clips work well too, but id use the berkleys. I like them because i can change lures much quicker.

x2. I went through an OCD phase trying to determine if split rings on or off made a difference with a snap.  Personally I felt that I was getting more strikes with a split ring/snap that produced more wobble on the muddy rivers I fish. There are a few videos from John Crews where he recommends using a loop knot when tying direct to a crank. This will give you basically the same action as using a snap. Quality snaps are something I have grown to appreciate as well. Some of the less expensive snaps can bend out or break. 

[jignfule]

Use snaps and never had any problems

[Bankbeater]

I have used snaps and had them pull apart, and I have had rough spots on the split rings that cut the line. So for me it's an even split.

[Marty]

I used snaps on my cranks. I dont bother to take the split ring off. The action is fine. At least the fish think so. I havent really noticed the snap snaggin grass. I buy the Berley Cross lock snaps. Norman speeed clips work well too, but id use the berkleys. I like them because i can change lures much quicker.

 

Same here, I never detected any problems using snaps with split rings. I've never used any style of snap other than the duolock.

[Basseditor]

Owner snagless snaps. I leave split rings on.

[alexczarn]

I have always used snaps. Never ever had a problem. 

[Diggy]

I have a snap on my crank line so I can switch baits in a breeze

[Dave P]

snaps on both crankin' rods.

[rangerboy]

i like to use snaps on my crankbaits and when im throwing a spook, i think it helps walk better with less effort. i have never bothered removing the ring. no colmplaints other then the size 1 hurts to take off at the end of the day

[retiredbosn]

I use Berkley duo some of the time I remove the split ring, no rhyme or reason too when I do or don't. Leaving the ring does change the action as it adds another pivot point, whether or not it matters is a different story. I personally don't like the Norman speed clips, especially with a wide wobble bait, seems that the crank will catch on the end of the split and start working itself off, this only occurs if I've removed the split ring.

[MSAJAA]

http://www.bassmaster.com/video/use-snaps-save-time

 

Here is a video by Aaron Martens regarding split rings.  He mentions some type of clip he found in the fly shop at Bass Pro Shops.

[Fishes in trees]

With my stubby little fingers, I find the snaps a pain to use.   It is easier for me to tie a knot.   I have went to oval split rings on some of my cranks.   Folks say that the knot can get caught in the split of the split ring, well, yeah, that can happen, but if you pay attention while you are tying the knot it won't happen. JMO