Snap Swivel/Hand Tremors

[Buffdaddy54]

I have hand tremors that have gotten worse over the years and it has become harder and harder to tie and re-tie lures. I use braid 99% of the time and I am using the palomar knot tied direct. I'm thinking of going to a snap swivel for most if not all of my lures. I'm sure it's not ideal but at this stage I don't know what else to do? Along with the swivel should I consider a different line? 

I am relegated to shore and don't get to get out that often but when I do, it is an exercise in frustration with the amount of time I waste when I need to re-tie or change out the lure. Adding insult to injury, we just moved to a new house across the street from a lake and at certain times of the day I can hear it taunting me.?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you may have.

[Big Rick]

Sorry to hear of your challenges. But, with a little ingenuity you can overcome. I use the Mustard Fastach Clip all the time. It is very easy to connect and disconnect a bait. I have never had one fail. My biggest bass to date while using it is 8.3 lbs. There are two options, one with a swivel and one without. I seldom use the swivel option unless I'm fishing a Whopper Popper. These clips are user friendly and tough as nails. 

 

As a side note, I did manage to get one bent out of shape when I snagged bottom and literally pulled my boat to it with my line before the bait hooks finally gave up. I recommend using pliers to hold it while attaching it to the bait to prevent rolling and flipping of the clip. 

 

[georgeyew]

I use a snap but not a swivel. I don't think the swivel part is necessary. The fastach is a good option too.

[waymont]

These are the strongest, easiest to use clips.

 

https://www.tackledirect.com/tactical-anglers-power-clips.html?mainc=TAC-0022

[heavyduty]

I use the P-line duo lock snap on all of my set ups. #1 size. I have never had one fail me.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/P-Line_Duo_Lock_Snap/descpage-DLSN.html

 

[Jig Man]

I also suggest a snap instead of a snap swivel (less parts to fail).

[Jaderose]

I used the Fastachs before I got proficient at tying knots.  They work great and are easy to use.  As far as the conventional wisdom about using swivels and stuff?  Who Cares!  Do what you need to do to enjoy some quality fishing time.  Fish don't care if you're using swivels.  Find one that works for you, use it and enjoy

[Bankbeater]

I use duo-lock snaps on moving baits.  They are a lot easier to use when your hands are cold.  You've got to be careful with them.  They are not all made the same.

[sideways2]

I'm glad I found this thread... I'm having the same issues as you TripleG although not as bad yet. I like the look of the Fastach Clip... I don't remember it being around back when I was fishing... just remember the regular snaps like the P-Line although up here they came from Falcon or Lindy.

[Guitarfish]

Norman Speed clips have been my 'go to' for 20 years. Squeeze them open and slip on whatever bait or rig you are using.  I've never had one fail,  but I only catch small fish, lol.

[Bankc]

I bought a bunch of different types of clips a while back.  I've found the Mustad Fastach to be the easiest to use and most versatile.  

 

You may also consider using a needle or bobbin threader.  It's just a compressible wire loop that can make tying knots easier.  The problem with a snap is that you can get complacent about retying your knots, which can lead to a lot of knot failures.  So a snap doesn't eliminate the need for knots, just reduces them.

[TnRiver46]

I’ve had very shaky hands my whole life and it’s easier for me to tie a clinch knot that open and close a snap 

[throttleplate]

my hands dont shake but i need to wear reading glasses when tying knots or else its blurry.

[FishinBuck07]

On 11/14/2020 at 9:39 AM, TripleG said:

I have hand tremors that have gotten worse over the years and it has become harder and harder to tie and re-tie lures. I use braid 99% of the time and I am using the palomar knot tied direct. I'm thinking of going to a snap swivel for most if not all of my lures. I'm sure it's not ideal but at this stage I don't know what else to do? Along with the swivel should I consider a different line? 

I am relegated to shore and don't get to get out that often but when I do, it is an exercise in frustration with the amount of time I waste when I need to re-tie or change out the lure. Adding insult to injury, we just moved to a new house across the street from a lake and at certain times of the day I can hear it taunting me.?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts you may have.

My father had tremors in his hands when I was a teenager, we tried the snap swivels for him and he still had problems opening and closing the snap.  So I just started retying his stuff for him every time we went fishing, but knowing how bad those tremors can get I think the fastach clips would be your best bet.  I have been using the Mustad brand ones also and haven't had one fail.  In my opinion that may be your best option!  Sorry to hear about your tremors, I know my dad just gave up most things he enjoyed after a while of dealing with them.

[J Francho]

On 11/14/2020 at 10:14 AM, Big Rick said:

I use the Mustard Fastach Clip all the time. It is very easy to connect and disconnect a bait. I have never had one fail. My biggest bass to date while using it is 8.3 lbs. There are two options, one with a swivel and one without. I seldom use the swivel option unless I'm fishing a Whopper Popper. These clips are user friendly and tough as nails. 

I was going to post this same product.  This should help.

[TcRoc]

34 minutes ago, J Francho said:

I was going to post this same product.  This should help.

What size do many prefer ? I use 1 and 2 mostly 2

[Happybeerbuzz]

2 hours ago, Bankc said:

I bought a bunch of different types of clips a while back.  I've found the Mustad Fastach to be the easiest to use and most versatile.  

The Mustad Fastach is a good product.  However, I feel like you have to commit to it.  By 'commit', I mean it is best to take all your split rings off.  It is possible to use them with split rings if you use a big enough Fastach or you are willing to find the gap in the split ring, but I found that to be too tedious.  Really, split rings are not necessary if you are using conventional snaps or Fastach clips.

 

One other problem I have found with conventional clips and Fastach are cup faced lures. Sometimes the way the line tie sits in the cupped face can be a challenge to use get at with anything bigger than the smallest clips or Fastach which can be hard to open and close.  

[J Francho]

13 minutes ago, TcRoc said:

What size do many prefer ? I use 1 and 2 mostly 2

I have no idea.  I usually eyeball it, and check the rating, when it comes to terminal tackle.  

[Buffdaddy54]

On 11/16/2020 at 12:55 PM, TnRiver46 said:

I’ve had very shaky hands my whole life and it’s easier for me to tie a clinch knot that open and close a snap 

Do you use that with braid, if so, any issues?

[TnRiver46]

1 minute ago, TripleG said:

Do you use that with braid, if so, any issues?

Works fine with 30 and up, I think I usually have to improve the clinch or Palomar for like 15 lb braid but I really only use the heavy stuff for grass anymore