rapala question

[utahbasser]

my favorite lure is probably the jointed rapala, but i hate tying the knot. i only get it right 1 out of 10 times and it takes a while. has anyone fished a rapala with a snap and does it make any difference?

[Guest muddy]

I use either Basspro or Cabelas Snaploc clips on em, it is one of my favorite lures, only difference, easy to put baits on 8-)

[daviscw]

I use snaps for everything. I don't know if that's okay or not, but I still catch fish!

[iceintheveins]

Snaps are nice for cranks, but I do get a bit better action tying it on directly. I use the rapala knot and have no problems with it, ever. One of the easier knots to tie IMO.

[LooksLikeSinbad]

I find that snaps usually do not effect the action on my cranks. But, imo they do hamper the action on jerkbaits. I think the slight extra weight of the snap can pull the nose of the bait down.

[VA BassHound]

I use a king sling knot on my rapalas.

[moby bass]

I find that snaps usually do not effect the action on my cranks. But, imo they do hamper the action on jerkbaits. I think the slight extra weight of the snap can pull the nose of the bait down.

What LLS said, but I do occasionally use a swivel.  I only use the interlock kind or those with the round end.  I think the kind that comes to a sharp angle at the end (don't know what their name is) does inhibit the action of the rapala.  The rapala knot is definitely the way to go though.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

A swivel or snap hampers teh action if they are smaller raps but a j-7 or j9 it dont do too much to bother um of course using a small one is better

[Guest muddy]

Having fished Rapalas for over three decades that above statement does not hold water. I use spinning gear for Rapalas ( FLOATING AND JOINTED) up to F11 or  J11, just easier to handle for me. I have the most sucess with the 11's.

Spinning rig: If you want to avoid twist: On the tag end of your line put a small, quality barrell swivel, then a mono leader 8 to 12 inches and then a small duolock snap

Bai Caster: Just a duosnap on the end of your line

Either rig: Polamar or cinch Knot will do

NEVER USE A SNAPSWIVEL at the lure, it will mess up the action.

[utahbasser]

i throw a j9 and a j11 on baitcasting gear mostly. i was thinking of getting some snaps with no swivel and tying the improved clinch or trilene knot. i am going to try it and let you all knwo how i did

[Guest muddy]

The only clip I did not get along with were the Norman Speed Clips

[tyrius.]

The only clip I did not get along with were the Norman Speed Clips

I'm a fan of those!!!

They can be quite the pain to use when my fingers are freezing, but I figure that if they are difficult for me to get open then that should mean that they should be pretty foolproof in holding my lure!   8-)

[Guest muddy]

Thats why TY, I have neuropathy in my fingers from Diabetes and just have too hard a time with them

[Marty]

I've been using size #1 duolock snaps for years and have full confidence in them.

[.dsaavedra.]

utah basser, i have three suggestions (in order from best to worst):

1.) LEARN TO TIE THE FREAKING KNOT!!! dont be lazy, practice practice  pratice till you can tie that knot with your eyes closed. then you can be confident when you are fishing, knowing you have a good strong knot that wont inhibit the action.

2.) tie the rapala knot to the lure, then cut the line off, leaving the loop on there. then, whever you fish the lure, just tie onto the loop. this wont hurt the action as much as a snap.

3.) use a duolock snap.

[fathom]

The only clip I did not get along with were the Norman Speed Clips

x2.

[utahbasser]

i can tie the knot pretty good now. i just practiced a lot the yesterday and today. i went to try them out with a snap today and it didnt effect the action at all. i don't know what kind of snaps i was using but they were thick metal and hard to open. i will probably just end up tying the knot most of the time

[tyrius.]

utah basser, i have three suggestions (in order from best to worst):

Just as a point of clarification the best to worst classification above is opinion.  Other people have the opinion that the snap and the knot are equal (ie there is no difference) and therefore tie a palomar to the snap and snap to the crank.

[Joel W]

I tie directly for everything except Crankbaits as I need to change lures often.  Given the option I rather tie a Palomar knot. If not, then I go with a improved Clinch knot.  But check the Clinch knot often as they will slip after a while.

[.dsaavedra.]

utah basser, i have three suggestions (in order from best to worst):

Just as a point of clarification the best to worst classification above is opinion. Other people have the opinion that the snap and the knot are equal (ie there is no difference) and therefore tie a palomar to the snap and snap to the crank.

yup they sure are opinions

i ordered em that way because i feel that he would be better off to learn the knots to become more versatile in his fishing instead of taking the "short cut" and using a snap. just my opinion...dont want any conflict  

[Guest muddy]

Versatility and knot tying are not related. Whats the difference what knot and or snap you use , so long as it works

  Versatility: I have found that using 2 types of snaps: Some wide , some narrow and also an oval one I found that I can get a few different types of action from the same bait, by using different clips.

 I am sure you can say the same for some knots

[.dsaavedra.]

i have to disagree with you muddy.

i think that being able to know how to tie and be able to tie a wide array of knots off the top of your head is being versatile.

perhaps "versatile" is not the best word choice, but what i mean by it is that you are expanding your knowledge. in other words, not confining yourself to only knowing one knot, but knowing several different knots for different applications. are ya following me?

[tyrius.]

taking the "short cut" and using a snap. just my opinion...dont want any conflict

No conflict here either, but the use of snaps isn't simply for a "short cut".  

[Guest muddy]

i have to disagree with you muddy.

i think that being able to know how to tie and be able to tie a wide array of knots off the top of your head is being versatile.

perhaps "versatile" is not the best word choice, but what i mean by it is that you are expanding your knowledge. in other words, not confining yourself to only knowing one knot, but knowing several different knots for different applications. are ya following me?

NO I'm an idiot, I can't follow you!

After learing about a dozen Knots , I can get by any hard days fsihing with 3, The Polamar, The Cinch and the Uni/Uni.

[tyrius.]

perhaps "versatile" is not the best word choice, but what i mean by it is that you are expanding your knowledge. in other words, not confining yourself to only knowing one knot, but knowing several different knots for different applications. are ya following me?

What I know is that test after test has shown the palomar knot to be superior to all other knots for mono.  So, versatility is not necessarily a good thing when using a knot that is shown to be weaker than another knot.