Snaps on Traps?

[WCCT]

Are you guys using snap swivels with your rattle traps, or are you tying directly to the bait?  I am making trap fishing one of my main goals for the upcoming year so I am just getting all my ducks in a row. Thanks.

[ghost]

Using snaps w/o swivels.  I use smaller size 2 or even 3 for snaps.  Makes changing lures easy.  I do recommend that you take off the split ring from the top eyelet if you are going to use snaps.  I think it improves the action of the lure when the split ring is taken off when used w/ snaps.

I hate tying on lures every time I want to change out a lure or lure color.  It's much easier w/ a snap.

[fishfordollars]

I never use snaps on anything. I have a fear of them coming open. Only takes 30 sec. to tie on a new one. If you are in too big a hury to tie a knot you might be fishing to fast...

[ghost]

I gotta say that there are very good snaps & some weak snaps.  I've found some very study snaps in size 1/2/3 that I've used & have not had one bend out, even when I am trying to free a lure.  I've actually straightened the hook first before the snaps gives out.

To each his own, some guys likes to tie to their lures, others don't.  It's not that I'm fishing fast, I just want to change out my lure faster.

[HogHooker]

I dont use them, they screw up the action of the lure, and i can make the lure wobble alot more with a normal not

[Oscar O.]

I use snaps all the time and it doesn't make a difference really, at least for me. It probably depends on the water clarity but even then you are getting a reaction strike so the fish only gets a quick glance at the bait. Finesse fishing on the other hand... might be a different story, especially in clear water.

[T-rig]

I dont use them, they screw up the action of the lure, and i can make the lure wobble alot more with a normal not

Snaps do not impare the action of the lure, on the contrary, they at times improve the action.

[HogHooker]

please explain.

[T-rig]

please explain.

The snap provides more movement of the bait, therefore better action.

I fish all my hardbaits with a snap.

[Micro]

Norman Speed Clips are the best I've used.  Like T said, I use them on all hard baits.  They really can't come open.

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0000044110226a.shtml

[castaway]

I use duo lock snaps, never any problems, or failure . Ivan

[Catt]

We were lead to believe from the title of this topic Snaps on Traps that the author is referring to Bill Lewis Rat-L-Traps and if this is indeed the case then by all means use the split ring provided by Bill Lewis. Rat-L-Traps were designed to be fished with a split ring which provides maximum wobble, flash, and vibration. Does this mean one must stay with the split ring? Absolutely not, if you prefer you can use a snap with a swivel which in most cases will allow the Trap to spin on retrieval. One could use a snap with out a swivel with excellent results or one might opt for a loop knot, and then one could tie directly to the Trap all of which are quite acceptable.

[HookedinNY]

Glad to see someone mention the Norman Speed Clips, I picked some up the other day and look forward to trying them this Spring. With the Speed Clips they suggest removing the split ring as the clip essentially serves the same purpose.

[Cory20]

My vote is along the lines of Catts.  I know a loop knot imparts a lot of action on jerkbaits and topwater, probably would do the same with a trap.

Winter time to-do list related to fishing # 162...

Replace my circle split rings with oval ones, hate it when the line jumps right onto the thin sharp part when tying.

[Micro]

Glad to see someone mention the Norman Speed Clips, I picked some up the other day and look forward to trying them this Spring. With the Speed Clips they suggest removing the split ring as the clip essentially serves the same purpose.

You can do that if you want, but unless you have a really small bait it really makes no difference.  

[Rob G.]

I do not use snaps on lipless cranks at all, and the reason is that I fish traps around and through weeds a lot.  The snap is not as weedless as a well tied and trimmed knot.

[fathom]

been using the berkley crossloks on cranks for years...even the rapala floaters...never had a problem.

have tried the norman speed clips and, tho i like their configuration better, have lost fish (and cranks) on them...and no longer use them.

again, this is a personal preference thingy...there is no right way or wrong way to it.

[Brad_Coovert]

I've used snaps on hardbaits for years.  They have never impeded the action of any bait I have used them on.  

I have used Norman Speed Clips, but will not use them any more.  I have had them open before and lost fish and baits.

If you do decide to tie directly to the split ring, do not let the line slip into the split.  You may be sorry if you do.

Brad

[Tokyo Tony]

I have used Norman Speed Clips, but will not use them any more. I have had them open before and lost fish and baits.

Brad

I'd say I usually use snaps on my hardbaits, and have never had a problem with them opening. I use the standard ones that are used as the clip part of snap swivels.

I agree - a snap will have the same action as a split ring.

Brad, have you really had a Norman open on you? I was about to place an order, but if anyone else has had this problem, I'll stick with the ones I always use...

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/standard-pod-wrapped.jsp?id=0011850&navCount=1&parentId=cat20293&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=MainCatcat20166-cat20293&parentType=index&indexId=cat20293&rid=

[fathom]

not brad but, have lost a couple fish on the normans.

have used ones like those your cabela's pic without problems.

ymmv.

[Tokyo Tony]

not brad but, have lost a couple fish on the normans.

have used ones like those your cabela's pic without problems.

ymmv.

Well that's enough to convince me not to buy them.  I'll stick with the standard ones.  Thanks.

[rondef]

I never use snaps and I don't plan on using them for any of my lures.  I fish traps a lot and I have never had one come untied and it only takes a minute to tie on another one when I want to swap it out.

[Micro]

How do Norman Speed Clips pop open?  You have to force them open to get them on, then the natural spring tension closes them.  It can be quite a chore getting them to open.  

On the contrary normal snaps are tensioned to pop open.  You have to squeeze them closed.  

I've never had a Norman open up on its own.  I've reeled up plenty of lures on conventional snaps that have popped open, though.  I don't think I've ever lost a bait off a snap, though I've lost plenty of lures WITH THEIR snaps.  

Get the Normans.  As long as you put the lure one right, it's the most secure clip out there.