Split Rings On Crank Baits

[shaggydog]

does anyone remove the split rings on their crankbaits and tie directly to lure?   Does it matter?

[A-Jay]

I do not remove them but often switch out stock rings with Owner Hyper Wire Split rings.

 

Especially in situations where I expect to be around over sized bass - Like down in Mexico for example.

 

A-Jay

[gulfcaptain]

^^^^^X2, never removed them, but have beefed them up when needed.  

[Jrob78]

I change all my line tie split rings over to oval rings.  I hate tying to round split rings.

[timsford]

The only reason id take them off completely is if i used a snap to change lures quick, but i veryvrarely do so my split rings stay on. Ive swapped out for heavier rings on baits im targeting larger fish with and also used heavier/lighter rings on jerkbaits to get perfect suspending action

[Fishes in trees]

Years ago, Rick Clunn advocated switching over to oval split rings to avoid tying into the split ring part.   The Lucky Craft and BPS baits that had his name on them came with oval split rings.   I converted many of my cranks & jerk baits to the oval rings one winter when I was stuck for something to do, so most of the baits I currently use have the oval rings.   Other than assuring that you won't tie into the split, I don't think that the oval rings offer anything special.

 

I don't tie direct to any crank.  95% of the time, I tie onto the split ring provided or the oval one I switched over to.  On baits that don't come with a split ring, like an original Rapala Minnow, I will tie a loop knot because  I think that it gives the bait a little looser action.   Another example would be a bait like a Pop-R.   That is a bait I will connect with a loop knot.  If I'm around a lot of cover, I might double up the line and tie the loop knot with a doubled up line.   That knot takes a few moments longer to tie, but I think it is more durable once you get it right.

[OnthePotomac]

I only fun fish and remove the split rings to use #2, 20lb rated Duolock snaps on crank baits.  It is really easy to quickly change baits. Never a problem, even on a big straying cat fish.

[poisonokie]

I just snap to the split ring. I don't think there's any benefit to removing it. In the past, I've tried removing it and tying direct with a non-slip mono knot and it hurt the action of the lure.

[Josh Smith]

I remove the rings and use dual lock snaps.

I find this beneficial on jerkbaits as I can change the action subtly, while fishing, by using different size dual-locking snaps.

Josh

[smalljaw67]

When I started using snaps I would remove the split ring, nobody ever told me why, I remember seeing it or reading it somewhere and it stuck. Then, while out fishing square bills with a friend, I noticed he was using a snap but he connected it right to the split ring, and when I told him he should remove the ring he asked why and I couldn't give him an answer. BTW, he caught a lot of fish that day, and it didn't seem to hurt the action at all. I do a lot of direct tying and I do it to a split ring but this time of year I like using a snap because it may take me 3, 4, or sometimes 5 different baits before I really get things dialed in and the snap saves time but I may just try using the snap on the split ring to see if I notice a difference my next time out.

[WRB]

The lure designer adds split rings to insure the lure runs properly with the action it's designed for and is balanced. If you remove the split ring and replace it, use a ring or clip that is about the same size and weight.

I use Berkley cross lock or dual lock snaps, never lost a bass due to snap failure.

Tom