Snaps & Crankbaits

[Crestliner2008]

You all probably know that I've been around fishing for most of my life. And I use snaps with most of my crankbaits/jerkbaits vs. direct tying and/or using the supplied split rings. (I hate having to re-tie every time I change a lure and I especially hate having a knot in the area of the split in the ring.)

 

Early this spring I was in Walmarts and picked up a pack of inexpensive snaps. They were less than a buck a pack. I figured, you can't have too many of these things, especially when I carry as much gear as I do and usually end up having difficulty finding what I need, when I need it!

A few days ago, my partner & I hit the Quabbin Res. We were not only jigging for lakers, but I did a bit of jerkbait fishing as well, on the breaks of shelves leading to deep water. Picked up a couple of decent smallies, along with 3 smaller ones. All on the X-Rap. Fine.

 

However, around 9:30 am I got smashed by a big smallie that came up one time and then was gone! It broke me off - or so I thought. Now I take a lot of pride in tying decent knots, so I was very surprised at breaking off this fish. Reeling in I discovered that my knots were just fine. The snap had broken around the mid bend section!

First time in my long fishing experience that that has ever happened to me! When I got home, I tossed out all those "el cheapo" snaps and dug out my Spros. I guarantee you this will not happen again! Have any of you ever had a snap break? What brand(s) have you used successfully. And what sizes are you using for jerkbait fishing. Why I'm asking size is that the one I was using was pretty small. Which may have led to the failure(?).

[Choporoz]

When I started out some years ago, I used to use South Bend swivel snaps because they were cheap.  I've seen more than a couple get bent straight.  I don't use any snaps anymore, but if I did, I wouldn't get anything besides Spros

[Dwight Hottle]

I use Owner hyper welded quick snaps and Luhr Jensen duo lock. Never had a snap failure in a lot of years.

[the reel ess]

Same thing here. had a 5+ largemouth bend a snap out. I was using a wacky rig for only the second time and killing them, mostly good fish. They were getting hooked at the back of the throat and pulling loose so I thought that's what happened till I saw no hook on the end of 18# braid. Lesson learned-everything's tied on now. I did catch another 3 pounder to save the day.

 

My near sight is getting awful and I was getting lazy about tying low-vis line.

[the reel ess]

I've also had stripers straighten out the split rings on crankbaits made for bass. DD22, among others.

[J Francho]

I've had trouble with Laker brand snaps and swivels. I got them at DSG. I don't think they carry them anymore.

[Cgolf]

Over the years I have been using the doulock snaps purchased from either Bass Pro or Cabelas and the failures I have had due to snaps are very minimal. 

 

I recently had been using Norman speed clips, but had one fail recently, but it may be my fault. I had a swim jig on it, and it to some work to get the swim jig off the snap because of the large gauge of wire. This may have contributed to the failure and the snap probably should have been changed. Will give them a second chance. Who knows, it was a big pike or musky that killed it on the take, the line may have gave if the snap didn't will never know.

 

My new favorite though is the quickswirl that can be had at cabelas, while not a snap exactly it works like one and so far seems tough as nails. A little pricey at a buck a piece, but there worth it.

[CeeJay]

I absolutely hate retying lures over and over all day so I have a large collection of snaps and swivels.

Hmm, I'm trying to remember if I've ever had a snap fail on me.

I don't think I have, and I would frequently use the cheapest ones in the smallest sizes.

However, I have always been a light or ultra-light angler so my line would likely snap before the snap snapped

 

There are some pretty useful fly fishing snaps out there by the way.  They might not be large enough for your fishing situations, but wow they are so discreet when attached to a crank or even topwater plug.  Very little weight to interfere with lure movement/buoyancy...but again, they might not be strong enough for your needs.

Just thought I'd mention those as an option.

[robster80]

ive been using the xps basspro snaps. no issues so far

[Montanaro]

Last tournament I wasted probably at least 10 minutes switching out crankbaits. Probably buy some spro snaps before next tourny.

[Choporoz]

Takes me longer to change a speed clip or strong snap than it does to retie....I am not the most dextrous person out there, that's for sure.  I can tie, but I have trouble operating small clips

[A-Jay]

The Mustad KVD Duo Lock Snap is a quality product.

 

Solid, dependable & very reasonably priced.

 

And as a bonus - it's a product that the Wal-Mart usually stocks.

 

A-Jay

[Crestliner2008]

Thanks A-Jay, I'll give them a whirl. Not sure I'm too keen on buying them at Walmarts however!

[papajoe222]

You mentioned that you remove the split ring on your cranks when using a snap (I'm assuming that's what you meant) and I do the same.  Does anyone use a snap and connect it to the split ring? 

[robster80]

^ i do

[Cgolf]

I do as well and have seen no issues.

[hatrix]

Even then eagle claw duolocks you can get from Walmart are alright. If you are going to be hooking 20#+ fish though I would try to match the size/quality of the duolocks to where your fishing.

[J Francho]

You guys would laugh if you saw the micro swivels used for salmon fishing in the rivers.

[hatrix]

One thing about the spro splitsnaps. They can be to thick for the eye to allow your bait to move freely. Also on occasion I would notice a bait in between the snaps stating to work it's way off. Also they are insanely expensive for snaps. Now the power swivels though.... They are also expensive but the best swivels I have used.

[Crestliner2008]

Thought: Why should it matter the size of the snap as far as performance goes? A small snap should be as durable as a large one, I would think. I'm probably wrong though.

[fishballer06]

Thought: Why should it matter the size of the snap as far as performance goes? A small snap should be as durable as a large one, I would think. I'm probably wrong though.

 

Usually the gauge of the wire is different between the different sizes. A smaller gauge wire is going to be more likely to bend/straighten out upon being put under a heavy load, such as a fish or a snag. 

 

And if a snap is too small in size for the eyelet of the lure/bait, it could mean that it won't center properly or have proper action. 

[Montanaro]

What size spro snap for crankbaits? 25 lb?

[Dwight Hottle]

Usually the gauge of the wire is different between the different sizes. A smaller gauge wire is going to be more likely to bend/straighten out upon being put under a heavy load, such as a fish or a snag. 

 

And if a snap is too small in size for the eyelet of the lure/bait, it could mean that it won't center properly or have proper action. 

 

 

 

Owner hyperweld snaps are rated at 26lb, 33lb & 46lb.

[bassinyea]

Most people mess up by using snaps on lures that they have to actively set the hook on.  Use snaps for your treble baits and don't ever fish jigs, worms, etc with snaps because you are creating such a violent shock on that connection when you set the hook.  I have used them with treble baits for years and never lost a fish to one bending out.  I use the mustads as A-Jay described and the kahara duo locks, both are quality snaps.