Snaps - How many folks use them?

[XpressJeff]

I am  just getting serious about fishing again after a long hiatus and I just read about some folks using snaps on jerkbaits and crankbaits. 

 

Wow, I would have never thunk it!

 

I quit using snaps as terminal tackle when I was a kid.

 

Please let me know your feelings because with all the specialized gear we buy I figured for sure it would adversely effect the bait's action and be a definite no-no!

 

What a time saver though!

[Crestliner2008]

I've always used a snap with any crankbait or jerkbait. Allows for freer movement of the bait to do it's own thing. However, make sure you remove the split ring that some baits come with first.

[RichF]

I use them for pretty much all my hard baits.  Never had any issues with them affecting the baits' action.  

[mllrtm79]

I use Norman speed clips instead of snaps, it is a time saver for sure. I do leave the split ring on. I think especially with lipless baits that it frees up the action. The main issue is making sure to retie and or inspect the knot and line regularly.

[jdz197]

I'm assuming you mean snap swivels? I use them most of the time in most situations, but I'm starting to move away from them as everywhere I fish is overgrown with weeds and snap swivels do seem to catch a bit more pond weeds. Treble hooks on hardbaits have a tendency to snag swivels now and then. Reeling in the moment a hardbait hits seems to help mitigate this issue.

[Paul Roberts]

Snaps, yes! Snap swivels, no -except for ball-bearing swivels on spoons.

 

I spin the split ring off every plug, and use a snap knotted to a dedicated hardbait rod or two.

[XpressJeff]

OK, a lesson to be learned here!

 

Could someone please pose a pic or link of what they use. I don't imagine it's what I have in my Granddaughters catfish tackle box.

 

Thank you by the way folks. I appreciate y'all sharing the wealth!

[Dwight Hottle]

Here you go Jeff.

 

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Owner_Hyper_Welded_Quick_Snaps_6pk/descpage-OHQS.html

[XpressJeff]

Thank you, Baitmonkey at work!

[Fishin' Fool]

You want to use snaps and not snap swivels.

[Tucson]

There may be an advantage to using a snap (only) on cranks.  If you tie directly to the lure the knot should be more of a loop than a tight knot.  You might also take a look at the Rapala Knot which connects with a small loop, letting the lure swivel freely.  

[ww2farmer]

I use them on almost all my hard baits, and remove the split rings from the line ties.

 

Makes changing baits real quick and easy. For example, if I'm deep cranking down the outside edge of a grass line, and want to change to ripping a squarebill or lipless crank through the grass........just grab a new bait an clip it on. No retying. I have limited space in my boat, so having one cranking rod that does multiple things well, and a snap tied on is a pretty good system for me.

[NHBull]

I am moving to snaps for my cranks.  Last yr I did some test in the pool attaching to split rings and not.  I did not detect a discernable difference.

 I wonder why some are so attament about removing the Rings......also think the Normans hold better on rings......just saying

[Dorado]

9 minutes ago, NHBull said:

I am moving to snaps for my cranks.  Last yr I did some test in the pool attaching to split rings and not.  I did not detect a discernable difference.

 I wonder why some are so attament about removing the Rings......also think the Normans hold better on rings......just saying

I agree with Dink. I also noticed the same experimentation on the water and leave the rings be.  I use snaps exclusively on cranks and like that I only have to tie one solid Palomar knot. . I'll use the rapala knot on smaller, finesse hardbaits, like twitchbaits and on spoons. I HATE snap swivels.

[georgeyew]

I use snaps for everything. I bank fish and typically only bring one rod. It makes it so much easier to change lures. 

[the reel ess]

I lost my first big fish of the year last spring due to a snap. I got it near the boat and it just kept going under the boat. Then I reeled up a straightened out snap. Drag was set and the fish was taking it, but it took too fast of a run on braid to keep up I guess. I stopped doing it then, but I'd go back if I had snaps I could count on. I just don't want to lose a PB because of a needless piece of terminal tackle.

[Choporoz]

My dexterity is such that I can operate a Norman 'Speed'? Clip in about 12 minutes.  Takes me upwards of 30 seconds sometimes to tie a SDJ knot. 

[XpressJeff]

OK, not real savvy here...

 

Is a Palomar knot adequate?

 

What is the easiest way for an old, half blind fat man with bad knees to get split rings off?

 

Thanks Jeff

[Jaderose]

3 hours ago, Choporoz said:

My dexterity is such that I can operate a Norman 'Speed'? Clip in about 12 minutes.  Takes me upwards of 30 seconds sometimes to tie a SDJ knot. 

 

 

 

I love the idea of the speed clip.  I hate actually using them.

[Choporoz]

I use Texas Tackle split ring pliers

2 minutes ago, XpressJeff said:

OK, not real savvy here...

 

Is a Palomar knot adequate?

 

What is the easiest way for an old, half blind fat man with bad knees to get split rings off?

 

Thanks Jeff

After reading hundreds of posts on here recommending Texas Tackle split ring pliers, I bought a pair....count me in as another convert...

[Dwight Hottle]

4 minutes ago, XpressJeff said:

OK, not real savvy here...

 

Is a Palomar knot adequate?

 

What is the easiest way for an old, half blind fat man with bad knees to get split rings off?

 

Thanks Jeff

 

 

Split ring pliers.

[Dorado]

15 minutes ago, XpressJeff said:

OK, not real savvy here...

 

Is a Palomar knot adequate?

 

What is the easiest way for an old, half blind fat man with bad knees to get split rings off?

 

Thanks Jeff

With my experience with snaps, Palomar knot has been flawless. When you use a Palomar knot on larger cranks, especially, you use a lot of line (not a huge deal), but you use considerably less when you tie directly to a snap and you can rotate various cranks all day and only tie ONCE. Very convenient and a time saver.  

[Sam]

Use them as I can change lures easier and faster.

[XpressJeff]

I'm getting some Texas Tackle!

 

Can't fight with those things!

 

Thank you for the link.

[Angry John]

I dont waste my time with OEM split rings.  When i get a new bait, i just cut them right off with a pair of cross cutters.  I do love the Texas tackle pliers for hook work and when i change out a hook i use the owner hyper wire split rings.  The owner snap is also what i use and the middle size is perfect for bass fishing.  The smaller size works well on small trout size cranks and the larger size is good for huge cranks like the 10xd.  Jerkbaits are a special type of hard bait IMO and i try and tune them as i go.  If when using a smap they still suspend good i clip to the split ring.  If they sink i take it off.  If they float i will add a heavier gauge split ring to the center hook.