Snap swivels

[Derek1]

I’ve noticed on several threads here that most people don’t like them. I use them because I only have two set ups and sometimes only bring one to fish the bank. They make switching out my baits allot easier since I usually only have time to go in the dark, and to re tie braid in the dark with sausage fingers a bunch of times is no fun to say the least. I don’t think I’ve ever had a problem because of them. Just wondering why everyone dislikes them so much. I do mostly use them at night only. 

[Jig Man]

Just one more link in the chain that can mess up or break.  I use snaps instead of snap swivels for some applications like A rigs.

[MickD]

My opinion (that means no data) is that if you get a snap swivel that is strong enough, it will be so big it will adversely affect lure action and might be seen by fish as something to be avoided.

 

There are very good snaps available that are pretty small yet have breaking strengths well above 20 pounds, and that is what I buy and use when I want to quickly and easily change lures.  For some lures, like cranks, I think the snaps are better than direct tying in that they don't affect action.

 

It is also my opinion that the swivels on snap swivels really don't prevent line twist unless they are premium ball bearing swivels, and I'm not convinced that even they will prevent twist.  I don't fish spinners very often.

 

With some finesse baits I just tie to the leader/line.

[OnthePotomac]

Not gospel, but I think most anglers reserve snap swivels for any king of spoon and just plain snaps for crank baits including blade baits.

 

[J Francho]

40 minutes ago, OnthePotomac said:

Not gospel, but I think most anglers reserve snap swivels for any king of spoon and just plain snaps for crank baits including blade baits.

 

Nope.  snap swivels are for attaching weights to terminal rigs, not lures.  Here's how you use = a swivel with a spoon.  You can tie a Duo-loc snap and change spoons easily, if desired:

 

 

You can sort of see it here:

 

[Scott F]

1 hour ago, Derek1 said:

I’ve noticed on several threads here that most people don’t like them. I use them because I only have two set ups and sometimes only bring one to fish the bank. They make switching out my baits allot easier since I usually only have time to go in the dark, and to re tie braid in the dark with sausage fingers a bunch of times is no fun to say the least. I don’t think I’ve ever had a problem because of them. Just wondering why everyone dislikes them so much. I do mostly use them at night only. 

Aside from the snap part of it that makes it easier to change baits, what do you believe the swivel part does for you?

[Dens228]

Add me to the list that use snaps for everything except plastics...mainly to make it easier to change things up.  Although as I've gained experience I find I change things up a lot less than I used to. 

[TOXIC]

Put me in the rarely use camp.  I use a SPRO swivel on a c-rig but I do not use snap swivels for anything.  As has been said....2 more failure points and they will alter the action of your bait.  

[Dens228]

I should add, I use snaps only, no swivels. 

[J Francho]

Donkey, Carolina, Float 'n Fly rigging all use a swivel.  I'll also use a swivel on a split shot or dropper rig in current to allow the bait to free wheel in current.  A swivel prevents twist when using inline spinners and spoons.  Some add a swivel to their drop shot rig.  Anyone that thinks they add weakness to the system by adding knots, consider that many steelhead and salmon terminal rigs use 3-7 knots, using light line.  I've caught many a salmon over 20# using 8-10# line, and 5 knots.  Bass do not even begin to compare to the fight of a king.

[TOXIC]

Are you questioning my knot tying ability?

[Troy85]

I will use a regular swivel with a C-Rig  and a fluke, usually with braid to Fluro.  I used snap swivels years ago, but I had them open up on larger fish on more than one occasion.  I can retie fast so I just do that when I want to change.  Past 3 years or so, my dad has started using snap swivels more, he says its getting harder to see the line to retie(I guess he doesn't want to have to get his reading glasses out of his tackle box every time he wants to change baits), especially in low light conditions.....something to look forward to with age I guess. ?  

[The Bassman]

I replace split rings with VMC crankbait snaps on all my moving baits but still rety when changing. I have trouble opening and closing snaps. (old age, arthritis)

[J Francho]

19 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

Are you questioning my knot tying ability?

Do you really think knots are as big a deal, assuming they're tied at least decently, as we make them out to be?

 

Caught these fish on 8# leader.  There are 5 knots.  The Raven micro swivels are tiny, about 1/8" long.  Centrepins do not have a drag, you back reel or use your middle fingers as drag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having access to this style of fishing really can give you a sense of what the tackle can handle, and who ties better knots.  I used to be the guy that broke off.

[Derek1]

@scott f I believe they help keep your line from twisting. I use the interlocking snaps you can get them in 10-20-40 pound with ball bearing. The 20/30 pound ones are not to big and I can wrap it around both hands amp really pull on it. After I change out my bait I give the part we’re the L hooks on a little pinch and it’s pretty secure. I’m not saying they don’t fail, but sure makes night fishing with crank type baits allot easier. 

[Scott F]

Do your crank baits spin and twist your line? I’ve never had that happen. 

[Derek1]

No I’m sorry I didn’t say that clearly. I can’t seem to rig a soft plastic without it twisting up my line. When I go at night I have a couple swivels rigged to a leader and hook. So if I want I can just pop that on the snap swivel that’s already on my line for changing over baits. Like I said I’m walking the bank with just one or two rods in the dark it just makes it a little easier. The reason I’m using snap swivels is just because there easy to find at local stores. That’s all no major reason for them in particular. 

[soflabasser]

I rather tie the knot directly to the lure with either a uni knot or a Rapala knot.

[FrankN209]

1 question. I see some people saying that adding a snap/swivel will be just another possible failing point. Has any experience a snap swivel or swivel break? I never have. 

[Derek1]

I can understand it’s a possibility it could fail. But like I said I can hold the lure and wrap the line around my other hand and pull as hard as I can with no troubles the average fish I’m gonna catch is not gonna pull that hard on it. I also understand the hookset is different but I don’t think it’s likely to fail. I’ve pulled tree branches down on bad casts lol. 

[TOXIC]

3 hours ago, FrankN209 said:

1 question. I see some people saying that adding a snap/swivel will be just another possible failing point. Has any experience a snap swivel or swivel break? I never have. 

I have had clients who insist on using snap swivels and I have seen them either stress enough to open or break/bend the snap wire.  That being said, I don't know which brand snap swivel they were using.  I do know that SPRO was the manufacturer of choice for all things swivel long before they got into the lure making business beyond Bucktails.  

[OnthePotomac]

Only on my spoons, I remove the split rings, put on snap swivels and put them back in the box.  You cannot use funky snap swivels though.

[Big Rick]

On 11/2/2018 at 6:12 AM, FrankN209 said:

1 question. I see some people saying that adding a snap/swivel will be just another possible failing point. Has any experience a snap swivel or swivel break? I never have. 

In most cases the snap/swivel isn't correctly matched to the rod/line test. Using a snap or swivel on a stiff rod with braid is a recipe for disaster. Utilizing a mono leader can lessen the shock factor and prevent failure. If I am fishing an application that requires braid I tie directly. However, I have had great success with the Mustad Fastach Clip using mono or flouro. I've caught bass up to 7 pounds this year using that clip and mono on a medium action rod. 

 

Ultimately, you have to match your equipment to make the snap or swivel do it's job. 

 

Edited November 3, 2018 by Big Rick
spelling

[Yumeya]

I use them for all baits except drop shot, plastics and obviously spinnerbaits and chatterbaits.

 

But for jerks, cranks, spinbaits and spoons they work amazing IMO.

 

I use Owner and Decoy snaps from Japan, I can't find any good kind that I like here in the U.S. 

 

I also remove all spit rings on all my baits.

[Scott F]

Is everybody using the same terminology for the hardware we are talking about? It seems like some guys might be calling a snap, a snap swivel.

This is a (quality) snap;

 

And this is a (quality) snap swivel;