Snaps, or tie direct?

[Gangley]

Snaps on cranks.

You don't want to tie directly to a lure that is designed to dance - it kills the action.

That is why most crankbaits come with a split ring. If they don't, either add one or use a rapala knot.

X2

[Bankbeater]

Spinner baits, jigs, top water baits, and worm hooks get tied directly on. I use snaps for cranks, and lipless baits.

[Dave P]

Dulock snaps on all hard baits.

[nashontheriver]

obviously no 1 right answer, i will say i switched from snaps to direct tie on worm hooks and it seems to produce better for me. i've only had 1 snap break, but i had it on there for a long time.

[TrippyJai]

I've always tied directly to the factory split ring, but sometimes a Palomar knot is annoying because of the treble hooks.

I was wondering if it's okay to tie this snap to the split ring without having to remove it first. Does it work and what issues are there by doing this?

[.dsaavedra.]

i used to use snaps on crankbaits until i caught a little dink, no more than 12-13", and as i lifted the fish out of the water it was thrashing wildly and then suddenly dropped into the water, with my favorite crankbait stuck to its face.

this was a really special crankbait, and i was so angry to lose it, specially to a little dink bass. i knew the bass would eventually throw the crankbait, but i was certain he would go straight under the lilly pads i was fishing next to to lose the crank.

in my anger i cut the now open snap off the end of my line, and took all the snaps out of my tacklebox and threw them all in the lake.

about 10 min later i heard a lot of splashing and looked out and the bass had tossed my crank out in the middle of the lake. thankfully it floated and i went over and recovered it.

i don't use snaps anymore ;D

[EastTexasBassin]

I've always tied directly to the factory split ring, but sometimes a Palomar knot is annoying because of the treble hooks.

I was wondering if it's okay to tie this snap to the split ring without having to remove it first. Does it work and what issues are there by doing this?

I just started using duolock snaps (love them!) but I haven't removed the split rings from my crankbaits yet.  So far I haven't had any issues, but I'm going to remove them anyways because its just unnecessary hardware on the front of the bait and I don't think it looks right.

[Owasco]

Snaps on cranks.

You don't want to tie directly to a lure that is designed to dance - it kills the action.

You should tie directly to the bait, but you should use a perfection loop knot or a surgeons loop knot.

[J Francho]

You should tie directly to the bait, but you should use a perfection loop knot or a surgeons loop knot.

Those are two knots that have a significantly higher failure rate than the palomar that I use with a #2 snap.

[Gatorbassman]

If I'm searching for the right crank and changing out frequently I will use a duo-loc and leave the split ring on. But as soon as I find the right one I will tie directly to the split ring.

[philsoreel]

You should tie directly to the bait, but you should use a perfection loop knot or a surgeons loop knot.

Those are two knots that have a significantly higher failure rate than the palomar that I use with a #2 snap.

Do you use the #2 on all size cranks or would you go up for larger stuff? For example, smallest being a Lucky Craft Fat Mini SR up to a Bill Norman DD22.

I've never used a snap before but after reading this thread and thinking about how much time and line I go through changing cranks, I may try the duolock.

[J Francho]

For stuff like LC RC3.5, Norman DD22, Rap dt16 and DT20, Bomber FF Shad, I'll use a #3.  Big swimbaits get a #3 or #4, though some are better tied direct.

[TrippyJai]

If I'm searching for the right crank and changing out frequently I will use a duo-loc and leave the split ring on. But as soon as I find the right one I will tie directly to the split ring.

I think I've found my solution. Thanks a lot.

[Owasco]

You should tie directly to the bait, but you should use a perfection loop knot or a surgeons loop knot.

Those are two knots that have a significantly higher failure rate than the palomar that I use with a #2 snap.

Interesting.

I suppose it makes sense, I use the palomer knot for almost every lure, or hook for that matter with the exception of cranks.  I'll have to look into your method. 

Thank you

[Stringjam]

Snaps on cranks.

You don't want to tie directly to a lure that is designed to dance - it kills the action.

You should tie directly to the bait, but you should use a perfection loop knot or a surgeons loop knot.

I've used loop knots.....I greatly prefer snaps.     

[muskiebassfisher]

i use snaps on everything from soft jerk baits and crankbaits to worms.  it makes changing lures fast and once you get used to the feel, they make no difference.  i prefer the feel of a line directly attached because you feel more connected to the lure.  but if you're not catching anything with that particular lure the quick change outweighs that benefit.

[piscicidal]

From "Secrets of a Champion"...KVD uses snaps on all hardbaits. He also says don't remove the split rings, as it impedes the action of the lure.

[twors]

Even small changes like a different split ring size, changing to a clip or a snap can affect performance.

+1, I had a small Mann's crank that wouuldn't swim worth a hoot till I removed the overly to large from the package split ring. The water turbulence flowing around the split ring wrecked havoc on that small billed crank.

[scattergun2570]

I always tie line directly to jigs and worm hooks, but usually use snaps with cranks, spinnerbaits, etc, so I can swap out baits faster and easier. I've never had any problems with using snaps, but I see very few other people using them. So I'm curious as to what other folks do, and why?

I have fished almost everything with a snaplock. I never had trouble catching Bass. And yes,,that includes Jigs,,do it all the time.

[fishfordollars]

I don't own a snap lock of any kind.

[RoLo]

When fishing with soft-plastic lures I always tie direct, either to the hook or jig.

For plugs and spoons though, I generally go with a 'plain' snap (NOT a snap-swivel).

This offers the ability to make quick lure changes, and also enhances the action of many lures.

Purely as a bonus, a snap also extends the life of the line because knot-tying leads to re-spooling.

In addition, when tying to lures with treble hooks, a snap is much more user-friendly

than a palomar knot (I use uni-knots so this doesn't apply to me).

In my experience, the Coastlock Snap is the clear winner,

a powerful little snap that's easy to open & close.

I began using Rosco Coastlock Snaps in saltwater (in the 1960s).

In freshwater I use the No.32 x 50-lb snap and No.33 x 75 lb snap.

The larger No. 33 snap offers two advantages:

> It's extremely easy to open and close

> It can handle the shock of non-stretch braided line.

(Lesser snaps can bust or pop open with a fish on a short line or out of water).

Roger

[Juggernoob]

I've tried the Norman Speed Clips but they were too small to work with, I've since switched to Duo Lock snaps to the split ring but from following this thread I will try removing the split rings.

[scrutch]

I use snaps with all hardbaits that I use.

Only problem is that sometimes the snap gets caught up in spinnerbait blades/beads, but it's an easy fix.

Small rubber band around the wire right after the snap fixes this.

[OHIO]

I use snaps with all hardbaits that I use.

Only problem is that sometimes the snap gets caught up in spinnerbait blades/beads, but it's an easy fix.

Small rubber band around the wire right after the snap fixes this.

Thanks for the advice. I just bought a ton of small rubberbands to keep skirts on jigs and what not, so I will try that.

[J Francho]

Don't use snaps on spinnerbaits.