Snaps on Hard Baits?

[QED]

Snaps (i.e., just a snap such as a duo-lock without a swivel) on hard baits work great and allow you to even delete the split ring, if any.  Plus the mass of the smaller snaps (e.g., 0 or 00) is probably less than a typical split ring, so no issue there, but much improved convenience in changing lures.  I even switch between wacky rigs and drop shot rigs using a snap.  No downside that I have observed.

[TcRoc]

I use them for jerkbaits and cranks and remove split ring . To each his own. Works for me. 

[OldManLure]

30 minutes ago, QED said:

Snaps (i.e., just a snap such a a duo-lock without a swivel) on hard baits work great and allow you to even delete the split ring, if any.  Plus the mass of the smaller snaps (e.g., 0 or 00) is probably less than a typical split ring, so no issue there, but much improved convenience in changing lures.  I even switch between wacky rigs and drop shot rigs using a snap.  No downside that I have observed.

If after weighing the pros and cons one were to consider snaps, how would they be sized?  Is it based on line size, bait size, or some other factor?  

[QED]

10 minutes ago, OldManLure said:

If after weighing the pros and cons one were to consider snaps, how would they be sized?  Is it based on line size, bait size, or some other factor?  

The snaps I use have a pound test rating, so I make sure that the snap exceeds my line test rating so that the snap doesn't become the weakest link. After that, I use the smallest size that works with lures that I plan to use.  Again, I mostly use 0 and 00, so they are small enough not to be problematic, especially after you remove the split rings from the lures.  If you throw baits like inline spinners, then you might need to use ball bearing snap swivels.

[Shimano_1]

I've taken a few people's money over the years using my snaps on my cranks and jerkbaits.  Kinda seems foolish to say it alters the action.  It serves the exact same purpose a split ring does. Let's the bait move freely as it was designed.  Pretty sure I've seen and heard kvd speak of using them and seems like he's taken a lot of people's money. If you don't wanna use em don't, but acting like someone is a fool for doing so is just plain childish.  I fish with several people, some use em, some don't and the guy that catches more than the rest uses them with split rings. I've used them for 20 plus years myself 

[Captain Phil]

I have no problem with using small quality snaps in place of a slip ring on hard baits.  I would leave the split ring myself, but that's a matter of personal preference.  The problem with snaps and swivels in bass fishing is when anglers use them for no reason other than they are too lazy or uninformed to tie knots. If you can't physically tie a knot, you have no other choice.

 

I can't tell you how many times I have taken out a customer and had them show up with a huge snap swivel on the end of their line.  Some even have steel leaders.  I tell them we don't have pike in Florida and the charter turns into a knot tying lesson.  Bass fishing does not require extra hardware to attach your baits. If the bait needed a snap swivel, the manufacturer would have included one.   If you make an informed decision to use a snap to improve the bait, I believe that is perfectly fine.

 

[Spankey]

Floaters, pop-r’s and some jerk baits I use that loop knot. I’ve been throwing out many round split rings as of lately and switching to the oval type. Knot lands in a better position when tied on. 

[Hook2Jaw]

I use a VMC Touch-Lok Snap for almost all of my hard baits except my topwaters, for those I use a loop knot barring frogs.  I remove my split rings, most stock ones aren't quality anyway.

 

Some exceptions on hardbaits; the 6th Sense Provoke 106 and Strike King KVD Deeps I throw are often inconsistent and may require keeping on or taking off the split ring or the addition of suspenstrips to hang out in the column as well as orient themselves nose down.

[Spankey]

I fish a wiggle wart at times. A good lure but not on top of my list to throw. They come factory with the snap, no ring. I would bet the majority of the ones I have do not have a snap on them anymore. 

[thunderblack]

I fish snaps on all hardbaits. I can tie all types of knots but it saves time and works. Never had an issue in 30 yrs. 

[gim]

A few of my hard bait lures actually come with a snap.  I know for a fact that just off the top of my head that a few chatterbaits have them.  They are designed to be used with the snap that came with them.

[jbsoonerfan]

On 11/28/2021 at 7:56 AM, Captain Phil said:

The only good reason I can see to use snaps when bass fishing is if you are handicapped and have trouble tying knots.

 

On 12/1/2021 at 5:44 AM, Captain Phil said:

 

Using a snap when bass fishing reminds me of a statement made about football.  “Three things can happen when you throw the ball, and two of them are bad.”   Using a snap adds weight to the bait.  It changes the look of the bait and the action.  It also attracts weeds and additional  hangups. In some cases this can be an improvement, too often it's not. In offshore salt water fishing, we use high quality ball bearing swivels and snaps.  This is necessary as we may need to change the bait and entire leader quickly.  This is not required in bass fishing.   If using a snap or swivel works for you, use it.  If I was going to fish a bass tournament, I would want all my competitors to use them. 

 

14 hours ago, Captain Phil said:

I have no problem with using small quality snaps in place of a slip ring on hard baits. 

So just for handicapped people, or for everyone? Seems like you changed your mind. 

 

BTW, there are a ton of successful football teams that throw the ball A LOT.

[Captain Phil]

9 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

 

 

So just for handicapped people, or for everyone? Seems like you changed your mind. 

 

BTW, there are a ton of successful football teams that throw the ball A LOT.

 

If you wish to use hardware to attach your bait, go for it.  I don't for all the reasons I stated above.  I am not on this forum to argue with folks or get the last word.  I am trying to help anglers who may benefit from my experience.  I fished both fresh and saltwater tournaments for many years.  When you fish for money, the difference between getting a check and not getting paid can be as small as how you attach your bait.  I no longer fish for money, but I still fish like I do.

[TnRiver46]

Snaps? 
 

 

my hands are far too shaky to operate those doo dads. Knots are easy 

[Catt]

I vividly remember two 6#+ bass that pulled a snap swivel straight.

 

Ain't gonna happen again ?

 

[Hook2Jaw]

30 minutes ago, Catt said:

I vividly remember two 6#+ bass that pulled a snap swivel straight.

 

Ain't gonna happen again ?

 

And I vividly remember 10~ 5+ pounders on VMC Touch-Lok Snaps this year, but there's more than one way to skin this cat, so if someone doesn't like snaps tie knots.  If you don't like knots tie a good one to a good snap.

 

Use the connection you like.

[Catt]

1 hour ago, Hook2Jaw said:

so if someone doesn't like snaps tie knots.  If you don't like knots tie a good one to a good snap.

 

Exactly! ?

 

[Fallser]

I use Sampo Ball Bearing Swivels w/Coastlock Snaps when I'm casting lures or trolling.  They're a bit pricey but strong.  The smaller ones don't add a whole lot of weight to the lure and it's easier for me to change lures.  Arthritic fingers and blurred vision in my right eye.  As far as split rings on lures, I usually just leave them on. 

[cyclops2]

With 4 # test braid & mono. Swivels do very little to prevent twisted lines.  Fishing from a boat allows for untangling those twists.  Standing in a stream will do the same thing to straighten twisted line. I have also done it in a long open field / lawn.

 

After August Just the line to a split ring on the lure.