Tying Line Directly to Hardbaits or Use Swivels?

[Guest tnc1]

Back in the 80s, I bass fished a fair amount.  I am now getting back into fishing.  I recall a better bass fisherman than I and friend suggesting that I tie my line directly to the hardbaits, buzzbaits and spinnerbaits.  At the time, I was using swivels for quick changes.  The suggestion arose out of concern of losing a lunker because of swivel failure.  I would appreciate the forums advice.

By the way, it is great to have the forums back up.  I missed it.  Thank you again for a great service you all provide.

[jdw174]

For hardbaits, Duolock snaps.  For all else, it's direct tie.

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

I know several VERY accomplished anglers that use swivels and the Duolock is highly regarded. However, I am a direct tie guy.

[Raul]

You mean snap/swivel combination.

How great is the risk of any of them failing ? the same risk you have of your knot failing, your line breaking, etc.

If you purchase quality made snaps you reduce the risk of them failing.

If you tie your knot properly you reduce the risk of the knot failing.

After all, snaps and swivels are an integral part of saltwater fishing rigs and bass don 't grow as big or fish as hard as many saltwater game.

If you use "El Cheapo" brand don 't expect miracles; purchase the best, Sampo swivels and DuoLock snaps are some of the best.

I use snap/swivel combination to fish in-line spinners.

I use swivels in C-rigs

I use swivels in floating worm rigs

I use snaps in some baits like certain swimbaits & certain cranks to enhance the wobble.

For bare hooks, spinnerbaits, jigs & most crankbaits I direct tie, and every several casts I check my line for wear signs if I 'm fishing rough cover or bottom and trim and retie as necessary.

[FishTank]

For live bait, I will use a swivel (just an old school habit I guess).  But for everything else, I tie direct.

[justfishin]

When I do throw a hard bait, like a crankbait or trap, I tie direct. Only one hard bait do I do any different. Husky Jerks, Rogues, etc, I tie a Rapala loop knot. I am not sure if that is the correct name but, it gives a jerkbait more action and I never had one fail.

                              www.animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php

[Brad_Coovert]

I use a snap on all of my crankbaits, jerkbaits and topwaters.  Has caused no problems.

All else, I tie direct to.

Brad

[blackrose55x]

I direct tie 99% of the time!!!

[T-Bone]

I like direct tie.

T-Bone

[moby bass]

I like a direct tie on some lures, particularly spinner baits. That way the line stays put and doesn't slide down the arm like a swivel or snap sometimes does, wrecking your retrieve. Lately, I've been using a swivel on the end of my line and tying a leader directly to the hook for plastics because, if I don't have the plastic perfectly straight or retrieve a little too fast, I get twist on a spinning reel and after 30 or 40 casts

I've got a reel (pun intended) mess in my line.  

[Bankbeater]

Sometimes I tie direct and sometimes I use a snap.  It depends on how many crankbaits I brought with me and how much lure changing I am doing.  

[bugman]

When I tie directly I tend to re-tie more often. With a snap I may go most of the day with out re-tying. Just lazy I guess! I think it's best to re-tie often so I don't use snaps anymore. I have been using a loop not with cranks for more action lately.

[Taliesin]

I always direct tie, and for one reason:

After a fish or two (or a hangup, or rubbing on a rock, etc.), the line near the lure can be damaged. I am always clipping off my lure and re-tieing anyway.

I would end up tieing to the snap over and over again anyway. "Most" of the time a snap will affect the lures action ("usually" not for the best), so I won't use it.

There are a couple of instances where I do use one, but they are very rare (C-rig is one).