question for those using snaps/clips

[Chris at Tech]

For the vast majority of my plug fishing, I've long used duolock snaps for ease of bait switching.  I've seen articles and comments by folks who remove the split ring on the plugs before attaching them to the snap so I'm curious who does this, and if there is a difference in plug action or some other benefit.

[galyonj]

I mostly remove the split ring on all my plugs. I especially remove the split ring on something I want to suspend like a jerkbait, because I don't want the extra weight off the nose like that. Taking the split ring off moves the snap closer to center (even if it's just a quarter-inch or so, every little bit helps keep the bait from yawing funny or nosing over while it's suspended.

[Team9nine]

Since I rarely use snaps, the times I do, I keep the split rings on. If I used snaps all the time, I would remove the split rings. Most times it probably doesn’t matter if you use both (possible exceptions like suspending jerks, etc), but it’s cleaner to go either all snaps or all rings. Don’t think it ever hurts to minimize hardware.

[Hook2Jaw]

I really, really like using VMC Touch-lok Snaps for squarebills and lipless cranks so far, and I remove the split ring.

[Guitarfish]

I've used Norman Speed Clips forever.  Getting harder to use with arthritic hands and blurry eyes.  I never thought about removing the split rings.

[5/0]

26 minutes ago, Guitarfish said:

I've used Norman Speed Clips forever.  Getting harder to use with arthritic hands and blurry eyes.  I never thought about removing the split rings.

I had trouble with those with good eyes! They almost seem microscopic!

[Guitarfish]

I forgot to mention how troublesome they become to grip with wet or slimy hands.  They make a larger size I use on jumbo baits.

 

Hey 5/0 you live next door to me.

[FishinBuck07]

9 minutes ago, scaleface said:

Randy Blauket just downloaded a youtube video and says to throw all the snaps away . I dont use them . 

If it was up to him he would have everyone throw away their electronics also!  

[moguy1973]

LOL. Malarkey.  I've fished for 30+ years and have used snaps and swivels pretty much the whole time and have only had maybe 3 open up on me, and on those I probably should have changed them before I started fishing with them those days.  And I don't use the fancy snaps, I use chinese made ebay special duo-lock snaps that I buy by lots of 100 at a time.  My line breaks more than the snaps do.  I've caught 40" pike and 20lb catfish using #2 snaps without them failing.  I'd rather use snaps and carry less rods and have to retie less when I want to change lures.  Saves me a lot of time when I'm on the water.

[papajoe222]

I remove the split rings. On the rare occasion when l reach for one that has one, i tilt it up and attach the clip to the bait’s line tie

[Cgolf]

If there is a split ring I attach the snap to it. 
 

Don’t care about some Randy dude, because I trust my duo lock snaps with a uni knot more than a loop knot (rapala knot) and no snap. Oh wait I use braid so yup snaps only option. In 20 plus years only a Norman speed clip has failed me and those are such a pain with wet hands I just quit using them. 
 

I think some folks over think the number of connection points in a system fearing failure. Only one that has failed me is the FG knot and I found a better knot for me not long after that failure. 

Please send them all to me, I am running low;)

[Jigfishn10]

I hate the way a split ring gets hung up on the lures line tie where the 2 end meets on the split ring. I'd rather use a snap. Except for topwaters, I get rid of the split rings and tie direct to the lure line tie.

[Happybeerbuzz]

I keep split ring pliers on the boat just in case I buy a new lure on the way to the launch or forget to take the split ring off at home.  

[Fishes in trees]

With my short stubby fingers, I find it easier to tie a good knot than it is to mess with the snap.   I think snaps are bad - put on this earth just to remind me how much I'm losing dexterity in my fingers.

[MN Fisher]

26 minutes ago, Fishes in trees said:

With my short stubby fingers, I find it easier to tie a good knot than it is to mess with the snap.   I think snaps are bad - put on this earth just to remind me how much I'm losing dexterity in my fingers.

In my case, it's being a 'one-eyed wonder'...tying on is easier for me.

 

4 hours ago, Jigfishn10 said:

I hate the way a split ring gets hung up on the lures line tie where the 2 end meets on the split ring.

I replace all the round split-rings at the 'tie-on' point with either ovals or teardrops...keeps the line away from the split-ring ends.

[PhishLI]

I wade a ton at night and I'm not interested in retying in waist deep water where my rod needs to be tucked under my arm. Frozen fingers make re-tying worse. I remove my split rings for the most part, other than jerks, and use a #1 VMC Touch-Lok snap rated to 68lbs for cranks, jerks, and swimbaits up to 1oz. I use the # 2 rated to 94 lbs for bigger baits, including pricey swim baits. I also use that size for frogging in heavy pads and cheeze.  I doubt they weigh much more than a split ring, and if they do it isn't significant. They do not open up, or haven't for me. The knot will fail first with 30 lb braid. Hooks will bend out with heavy braid or heavy mono. What's nice about this snap is there aren't any wire protrusions to snag weeds and grass. However, due to their design there's a lower limit on the hook eye size they'll pass through. I've had the same two snaps on two braid rigs for months. 

[mcipinkie]

Regarding this issue, I like snaps, but split rings work just as well.  I don't believe all the, from my perspective, BS about why snaps don't work, but if you like split rings and knots, go ahead.  IMHO, it doesn't really matter to the fish.

 

[Jigfishn10]

11 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

 

I replace all the round split-rings at the 'tie-on' point with either ovals or teardrops...keeps the line away from the split-ring ends.

Good tip, thank you 

[OkobojiEagle]

No snaps for me, I'm an oval split-ring guy... they behave better while I'm back-reeling!

 

oe

[throttleplate]

8 hours ago, PhishLI said:

I wade a ton at night and I'm not interested in retying in waist deep water where my rod needs to be tucked under my arm. Frozen fingers make re-tying worse. I remove my split rings for the most part, other than jerks, and use a #1 VMC Touch-Lok snap rated to 68lbs for cranks, jerks, and swimbaits up to 1oz. I use the # 2 rated to 94 lbs for bigger baits, including pricey swim baits. I also use that size for frogging in heavy pads and cheeze.  I doubt they weigh much more than a split ring, and if they do it isn't significant. They do not open up, or haven't for me. The knot will fail first with 30 lb braid. Hooks will bend out with heavy braid or heavy mono. What's nice about this snap is there aren't any wire protrusions to snag weeds and grass. However, due to their design there's a lower limit on the hook eye size they'll pass through. I've had the same two snaps on two braid rigs for months. 

i use the exact same and my snap on the line now has been used for so long that the black nickle finish has worn off and now its shiny stainless steel.

[moguy1973]

8 minutes ago, throttleplate said:

i use the exact same and my snap on the line now has been used for so long that the black nickle finish has worn off and now its shiny stainless steel.

That's usually what happens to the cheap ebay ones I buy.  Black and I use them so long they turn silver.

[throttleplate]

3 minutes ago, moguy1973 said:

That's usually what happens to the cheap ebay ones I buy.  Black and I use them so long they turn silver.

hmm, i bought mine at fleetfarm. Anyhow the only problem i encounter with them is snapping into a deep recessed popper where i end up having to give a slight bend to the clip wire. Maybe have to put a ring on the popper what do you do?

[Bankbeater]

I've been using duo lock snaps on moving baits for years.  I've never removed the split ring.

[mcipinkie]

Hey Kicker !!

 

I do too.  Cranks, lipless, topwaters, all get snaps.  I've a ton of split rings I've accumulated over 60 years of fishing.

 

Fishing is a head game.  If it works, or even if you think it works for you, it probably does.

[GreenPig]

Both. Remove the snap rings on topwater and jerkbaits. I leave them on my crankbaits.