Who uses a snap vs. tieing on every time?

[Puggz]

Theres been lots of discussion over the years about how to tie on a moving bait. I've always used owner cross lock snaps for my crankbaits but I came across the VMC Crankbait snap and picked up a package of size 1 (small) to try. I like the way it has a larger loop to allow the CB a greater range of motion.  What is your preference?

One more question, should you remove the split ring before using a snap. if so, why?

Also, I tie the snap on with a Palomar knot and haven't had one fail yet including last year landing a 12lb pike using a small owner cross lock, 10# C21 and no leader. The fish was lip hooked lucky for me but the knot/snap/split ring handled it with no issue.

[Glenn]

It depends on the situation.  This video explains it.

 

 

[bulldog1935]

I fish braid 100%, tie a perfection loop to the end of my leader, and loop on micro-swivel snap, paper clip, or micro-swivel wire bite-trace.  The linear contact of loop-to-loop is stronger than any single-bend knot.  

 

[WRB]

Very few lures I use a Hyper Weld size 2 snap. If the snap improves the lures action like crank baits otherwise tie direct.

Tom

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I hardly ever use a TA clip, swivel or duo lock.  They can be bulky, thorw the balance off or just look out of place on some tackle.  If the surf is dirty and Im throwing bug plugs, Ill use a TA clip every now any then when swapping through colors, but in reality I can tie a knot in roughly the same amount of time it takes using clip.

[MonsterZero]

I do not currently use snaps on freshwater, but they are indispensable in the salt. We always removed the split rings to avoid the TA clips getting into the split and causing a lure to come off or something to bend out.

[MRQturbo]

I use snaps with all my crankbaits... Anything else is tied directly.. 

[NorthernBasser]

VMC size 0 or 1. Only on crankbaits. I leave the split rings on the bait. 

[MassYak85]

If I use a snap it stays with the bait and is used instead of a split ring. 

[Darth-Baiter]

the guide in Brazil showed me a cool way to tie a quick release knot.  no clip needed.

 

if i remember correctly, it is like a easy to remove palomar.  i dont own a single quick release clip thing.

[ABU is overpriced]

On hardbaits, always. On softbaits very rarely, and when i do, its during the night or super dirty water, which is usually right about now in April where i fish.

[Basshead091221]

When night fishing at night with hard baits or small swim baits I use the tactical angler clips. Makes lure changing a lot easier. The ones I use are the micro clips. Never had one bend or open up. If you’re into tossing big baits you’d probably want to step it up to the 50lb size 

[Bankbeater]

Jigs, plastics, and spinnerbaits get tied on.  Everything else gets a snap.

[T2DM]

I usually remove all the split rings that came with my hard baits (jerk baits, lipless etc.) and use these directly with the lures, works really well during the cold weather and works good for some topwater lures too, except frogs.

 

Norman lures speed clips

 

 

[Puggz]

  On 4/9/2025 at 3:38 AM, T2DM said:

I usually remove all the split rings that came with my hard baits (jerk baits, lipless etc.) and use these directly with the lures, works really well during the cold weather and works good for some topwater lures too, except frogs.

 

Norman lures speed clips

 

 

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wow, those are neat. I'll check them out!

[Bird]

I use these on moving baits, casting gear.

Never with plastics.

I have a favorite bait caster that I may throw a spinnerbait on then switch to a crank bait or vibrating jig, saves time.

[Joedodge]

I use vmc snaps. I like them if I’m fishing somewhere new and plan to change lures a lot. Until I get it figured out. Otherwise like them on jerkbaits. 

[T2DM]

  On 4/9/2025 at 12:01 PM, Puggz said:

wow, those are neat. I'll check them out!

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Yep, caught my jerk bait PB (7.25lb) using it!