Rapala Knot vs Split Rings

[Jack Czerwinski]

I'm was looking at some Rapala X-Rap's I recently bought and noticed that the split rings are not perfectly tight, such that I can slide the line through with a little effort, so I was thinking of removing them before they cost me a lure or two. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on advantages/disadvantages to each. Thanks.

[Russ E]

To me the rapala, or any loop knot, is a last resort.

there will be a greater chance of losing fish on a failed rapala knot than a questionable split ring.

 

If you have bad split rings  just find better replacements. I use the bass pro shops xps oval split rings on jerkbaits and crankbaits. I believe the are size #2.

[Joe S]

I like tying the rapala knot for most all crankbaits, stickbaits, topwater and spinnerbaits.    It just seems the action is better (doesn't mess with the lures natural action) and one less piece of hardware on at the lure front.   I tie directly to the lure loop and not the split ring (i usually take that off). 

 

Other lures like jigs, in-line spinners or the like i am ok with a split ring and simply hook it with a ball bearing swivel.  In fact in many case this helps to reduce line twist. 

 

   

[Dwight Hottle]

Your other choice is simply use a snap like the owner welded quick snap.

 

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

[Spankey]

On an original type floater/diver you would be better off without the split ring. I don't put a split ring on a skitter pop or the skitter walks.

[Fishes in trees]

Once upon a time, when BASS held winter fishing seminars in various parts of the country, I went to one at the Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, MO.  Shaw Grigsby was one of the presenters and during one of the intermissions he was talking line & knots with a bunch of different guys.   I asked him what he thought the best loop knot was and he said the King Sling.    It is kind of complicated and hard to tie, but when you get it right it makes a great loop knot.  When I know I'm going to have a popper or some other bait that works best with a loop knot, and I know I'm going to work it off and on all day long, you can double up a 2 foot section of line or so and tie a king sling with a doubled line.  That works good and I've never had that knot break.

[river-rat]

I always remove the split ring from a floating jerk bait and use a Rapala knot. I have never had it fail.