To snap or not to snap

[Buffdaddy54]

OK, so I have a question:

Seeing that I fish from shore and do not want to be loaded down with multiple rods can I use a snap for all lures to make changes easy and fast? I think I know the answer to this but would like some input. I currently carry 2 rods with me at all times and really do not want to have to start carry more.

Thanks for any comments.

[JustJames]

I normally use snap for all hard plastic bait from top water to jerkbait to chatterbait, but will tie directly to hook for all type of plastic include jig and shakey head.

[Doelman]

yes, you can, just make sure you inspect the snap and leader every time you change the bait out.  Those snaps will eventually wear out, just make sure to get good quality smaller snaps.

[snake95]

I use snaps all the time for most hardbaits and frogs. I primarily fish from shore and I'm a bit of a junk fisherman, switching baits periodically.  I typically use a simple palomar hook and snaps that are reasonably thick.  While the snap might be a weak link, it's easy to tie a strong and reliable palomar knot quickly to a snap.

 

I have never once lost a fish to a failed snap in 3 years of reasonably constant bass fishing catching smaller bass (5 lb and smaller).

 

I tie direct to hooks and other non-hardbaits.

 

I have read from more experienced guys that snaps can inhibit action.  Maybe with some lures that's an issue, but I've never really had an obvious problem with that, from walking spooks to ripping jerkbaits.

 

However, I think it is really important to get fast at tying good knots, and frankly, I think you can tie a good knot to a hardbait nearly as fast as you can open and close a snap.  The time savings is small.  I'm trying to get better at going this route.

[WRB]

Learn to tie good knots quickly. Snaps are good for some lures like lipless, medium and deep diving crankbaits. I also use a snap for structure spoons or lures with split rings that get removed. That's it, everything else gets tied on directly and retired several times a day because all knots fatigue and weaken, plus your line wears and gets damaged with use.

Big mistake most anglers make is not re tying there knots on a regular basis.

Tom

 

[Bluebasser86]

Not for me. I'll get lazy and not retie often enough if I did that. 

[JustJames]

This ^^^. Guilty as charge. I lost too many fish plus lures from not re-tie on snap especially when I fish around tree and brushes.

[Koz]

Using a snap makes fishing a lot easier for me because I need my reading glasses to see any knots that I tie. We bank fish and since we usually bike to the various lagoons in our area I carry only one rod. Not only do I change lures at the various lagoons and locations within each lagoon, but I also do not want to ride from one lagoon to the next with a lure clipped to me rod. If something bad happens I don't want to lose an eye to a lure.

[Primus]

I use snaps for crankbait fishing , the BPS saltwater snap is a little stronger and so far it's never cost me a fish . 

[tcbass]

I do this because I only keep 2 rods on deck and change lures a lot (although, now that the Whopper Plopper is killing it, I could direct tie until it slows down). I lost a huge musky because a swivel snap broke. The KVD Fastach would have most likely held. I use them now, they are also great because they are abundant and you can find them anywhere, even Walmart. And they are cheap too. 

 

Here's a review I did on them. All I use now. Except my spinning rods which I keep a Super Fluke on one and a wacky rigged Senko on the other. 

 

 

 

[scaleface]

I just cut and tie . Inspect my line often and cut it often . 

[NHBull]

Snaps for hard bait, but I do retie depending on where I am throwing.

 

I hate using O rings as no matter how much I retie, the line finds the sharp edge.

 

If I was tying direct I would replace with ovals 

 

Edit....I change clips weekly as I change leaders weekly

[Buffdaddy54]

Thanks for the replies. My hands have tremors quit bait and looking for any way I can to make life easier.

A bit not bait. Sometimes I hate auto correct?

[Puggz]

Snaps catch weeds but are sure convenient.  Saying that, I do use small quality snaps (w/o swivel) for most shallow and top running hard baits. 

 

Mind you a Palomar knot is very fast and easy to tie.