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Does anyone use a snap swivel on their lines permanently? 2024


fishing user avatarNattyboh74 reply : 

I was wondering if anyone uses a snap swivel on this setups always. It seems like a nice addition to eliminate line twist maybe even adding extra action to the lure.


fishing user avatarPro Logcatcher reply : 

I do not. I know there are other people on the forums that do, but I can tie a knot pretty speedy. Also, you might have to retie more than you think as your line gets abraded from rocks/trees/etc.


fishing user avatartcbass reply : 

I always use Mustad KVD Fastach clips w/ swivels size #2.3 on my baitcasting rods. So that's permanently. They work great, snag less than regular swivel snaps, and are a lot stronger than regular swivel snaps.

 

 

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fishing user avatarmoguy1973 reply : 

I use snaps without swivels on everything except my drop shot and Ned rig setups.


fishing user avatarsnake95 reply : 
  On 5/31/2018 at 12:21 AM, Nattyboh74 said:

I was wondering if anyone uses a snap swivel on this setups always. It seems like a nice addition to eliminate line twist maybe even adding extra action to the lure.

If you search snap swivels you will be inundated with post after post of guys saying its a bad idea, except maybe for inline spinners.  It inhibits the action of most lures. I used them as a kid a bit, but even back in the 80's we were discouraged from using them.

 

The prevailing response you'll get is to learn to tie knots well.  I want to emphasize what a good idea that is.

 

With YouTube there are zillions of references on tying knots, and there are lots of great resources out there.

 

I've been bass fishing hard for about 4 years, and I still enjoy experimenting with knots.  Its just an essential skill for any angler and while lots of guys have their favorites, if you learn to tie several types, you will learn about what it is that makes a good knot good, and why different knots work better for different line types and diameters.

 

Really suggest you make it a priority to get good with knots.

 

I use snaps (no swivel) as do some other guys, when wanting to switch out crankbaits.  

 

You still need to re-tie periodically to get rid of abraded line and replace the knot throughout the day.


fishing user avatarNattyboh74 reply : 

Thanks. I was more so concerned with line twist as you said


fishing user avatartcbass reply : 
  On 5/31/2018 at 12:54 AM, snake95 said:

If you search snap swivels you will be inundated with post after post of guys saying its a bad idea, except maybe for inline spinners.  It inhibits the action of most lures. I used them as a kid a bit, but even back in the 80's we were discouraged from using them.

 

The prevailing response you'll get is to learn to tie knots well.  I want to emphasize what a good idea that is.

 

With YouTube there are zillions of references on tying knots, and there are lots of great resources out there.

 

I've been bass fishing hard for about 4 years, and I still enjoy experimenting with knots.  Its just an essential skill for any angler and while lots of guys have their favorites, if you learn to tie several types, you will learn about what it is that makes a good knot good, and why different knots work better for different line types and diameters.

 

Really suggest you make it a priority to get good with knots.

 

I use snaps (no swivel) as do some other guys, when wanting to switch out crankbaits.  

 

You still need to re-tie periodically to get rid of abraded line and replace the knot throughout the day.

 

 

I can see how this can affect some lures action for sure like a walk the dog type lure. For that I just used the Mustad KVD Fastach and it always worked great. 

 

For lures like Whopper Ploppers, paddle tailed frogs, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and other straight retrieve lures you’re probably fine. 


fishing user avatarFishDewd reply : 

I use a swivel with some lures... I'll use with a whopper plopper for two reasons: right now all I have is the 90 and it tends to sits nose up when paused. The swivel weight brings the nose down just a bit. Secondly, it case the tail gets gunk stuck between it and the body which will stop the tail rotation and form line twist when retrieving it in. I'll also use one for inline spinners that don't freely rotate. I have one that does well by itself, but another that will not rotate on its own. That one I add a swivel too. I used to use swivels on crankbaits but I no longer do that. I find that by using a loop knot through the eyelet they work a lot better. I never caught anything on crankbaits until I started doing that, now I am 3-2 bass/catfish on squarebills.


fishing user avatarmattkenzer reply : 

No snap swivels unless I throw an In-Line Spinner.

I will use a barrel swivel 12"-24" up the line for a little added weight and line twist prevention on a few soft plastic techniques.


fishing user avatarKoz reply : 

I've mentioned before that I use both snaps and snap swivels because of my aging eyes and the fact that I bank fish and usually bring only one rod with me (we bike and walk from lagoon to lagoon). I have no empirical data that I catch more or less fish than tying directly. But I catch my fair share of fish and we land 4-6 pounders all year long using spinnerbaits, crankbaits, frogs, topwaters, jigs, T-rigs, and everything else that I want to throw. I prefer the convenience.


fishing user avatarN Florida Mike reply : 

Not me.


fishing user avatarRaul reply : 

“Permanently” —> No

 

In-line spinners: snap/swivel combo

Most crankbaits: snap

C-rigs, pre rigged D-shot rigs: swivel

Hooks, spinnerbaits, jigs/jigheads, walk the dog type baits: direct tie


fishing user avatarblckshirt98 reply : 

I always have a quick snap of some sort attached - Norman Speed Clip or Decoy V-Snap.  If I need to use a leader I'll use a swivel (usually smallest size Spro Power Swivel) and connect it to the quick snap.


fishing user avatarBassun reply : 

For most presentations I direct tie.  Carolina rigs always get a swivel, but no snap.  If I'm fishing a three way, say for whisker kitties, etc. I use a three way swivel, but no snaps.

 

However, my umbrellas all have swivel snaps on each lead.

 

That said, I also use an improved clinch knot too often and would probably have better luck using snaps on cranks than tying a clinch lol.  I have to think about it to even tie a Rapala knot instead lol.


fishing user avatarMr. Aquarium reply : 

look up tactical angler clips, they are super fast and easy to put on lures also super strong.  you can add a swivel to it and it will be so  awesome.  its all i use. i use it for saltwater as well as fresh

seriously look them up if you never used them, theres a few different brands, called fast clips.


fishing user avatarBluebasser86 reply : 

I use a snap sparingly, never a snap-swivel. Nothing I fish causes that much line twist that I have ever felt the need to add a snap-swivel.


fishing user avatarRSmall reply : 

I use snaps without swivels on everything.

 

As I've gotten older, I've become farsighted and tying knots throughout the day without reading glasses has become a major challenge.


fishing user avatarNattyboh74 reply : 

Thanks guys


fishing user avatarRuss E reply : 

This is just my opinion.

I do not use a snap swivel on anything. 

In the past I have lost nice fish because of snap failures. 

with all of the other variables in fishing, I don't want to add another failure point.

I do use crane swivels on a Carolina rig.


fishing user avatarWRB reply : 

Bass anglers tend to tie directly to hooks and may use are clip to attach some lures, snap swivels are rarely used. Trout anglers however use snap swivels more often to prevent line twist, different culture. For example the lake rig is the same as the Carolina rig with a snap swivel in lieu if a swivel. 

Tom


fishing user avatartcbass reply : 
  On 6/1/2018 at 12:23 AM, Weedwhacker said:

This is just my opinion.

I do not use a snap swivel on anything. 

In the past I have lost nice fish because of snap failures. 

with all of the other variables in fishing, I don't want to add another failure point.

I do use crane swivels on a Carolina rig.

 

 

I lost a large musky bc of a snap swivel blowing apart. 

 

The Mustad Fastach Snaps are very strong. A lot stronger than regular snaps. Not sure how strong the ones with swivels are. Most likely considerably weaker. 

 

 

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fishing user avatarjbsoonerfan reply : 

Anyone who blames a lost fish on a snap swivel or snap isn't being honest. I have horsed it 30 lb blue cats on a snap swivel. No bass is going to straighten out a snap swivel.

 

I use the KVD duo lock on all my treble hook moving baits.


fishing user avatartcbass reply : 
  On 6/1/2018 at 1:44 PM, jbsoonerfan said:

Anyone who blames a lost fish on a snap swivel or snap isn't being honest. I have horsed it 30 lb blue cats on a snap swivel. No bass is going to straighten out a snap swivel.

 

I use the KVD duo lock on all my treble hook moving baits.

 

Disagree. 

 

 

Caught a musky alongside my boat. I didn’t realized it was hooked and neither did it. It was just sitting there floating alongside the boat with my Ragetail Toad in it’s mouth. Friend went to net it and did it incorrectly going from the tail. The musky about a 20lber took off straight away and tore my swivel open. 

 

It was this kind of snap swivel. 

 

 

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fishing user avatarSam reply : 

Yes, but only on spinning rigs with light line for pond fishing Rooster Tails.

 

Trying to reduce line twist.

 

 


fishing user avatarWRB reply : 

The snap is usually the weak link, not the swivel. If the snap isn't latched it will open.

Tom


fishing user avatarjbsoonerfan reply : 
  On 6/1/2018 at 4:02 PM, tcbass said:

 

Disagree. 

 

 

Caught a musky alongside my boat. I didn’t realized it was hooked and neither did it. It was just sitting there floating alongside the boat with my Ragetail Toad in it’s mouth. Friend went to net it and did it incorrectly going from the tail. The musky about a 20lber took off straight away and tore my swivel open. 

 

It was this kind of snap swivel. 

 

 

8F7C0D06-0223-4EA1-B970-6B89EF8B893E.jpeg.f3e5660210b4c8390f756ed21ba46a96.jpeg

 

Learn to set your drag.


fishing user avatartcbass reply : 
  On 6/2/2018 at 4:50 AM, jbsoonerfan said:

 

Learn to set your drag.

 

I do know how to set my drag, thank you. 

 

I had the drag cranked down because I was setting the hook on frogs in lilly pads.

 

Wasn’t expecting a musky out of nowhere. 


fishing user avatarjbsoonerfan reply : 

So, you admit your drag was not set properly. A snap should not fail under normal fishing conditions (where the user does their job) Thanks for admitting it as I knew that was the case.


fishing user avatarrobbiez111 reply : 

Man JB, this is a forum to learn from each other not tell someone there a idiot or to prove your point. But gold star for you bud


fishing user avatarCrestliner2008 reply : 
  On 6/1/2018 at 1:44 PM, jbsoonerfan said:

Anyone who blames a lost fish on a snap swivel or snap isn't being honest. I have horsed it 30 lb blue cats on a snap swivel. No bass is going to straighten out a snap swivel.

 

I use the KVD duo lock on all my treble hook moving baits.

Sorry to disagree. I've been a victim of a snap breaking and causing a lost lure (jerkbait) and fish (big smallmouth). That's being honest. It can happen. Any pierce of fishing equipment can fail. To deny that is foolishness. The odds of it happening maybe be remote, as in my case, but don't fool yourself. If it's made by man, it can fail.

 

I still use plain snaps with most lures and if I'm fishing spinners (inline only), I'll place a swivel about 18" - 20" above the line tie.


fishing user avatartcbass reply : 

Snaps are great but have a chance of breaking. Something like a Mustad Fastach can also break but it is stronger so there should be less chance of that. Use what works best for you. Good luck!


fishing user avatartcbass reply : 
  On 6/2/2018 at 6:20 AM, jbsoonerfan said:

So, you admit your drag was not set properly. A snap should not fail under normal fishing conditions (where the user does their job) Thanks for admitting it as I knew that was the case.

 

 

You are incorrect. Sorry. 

 

 

I set my drag properly for the technique I was using. It is a technique for bass which I was fishing. Not great for musky which I was not fishing for nor expecting. 

 

These article explains how to set your drag as I did. 

 

 

https://m.bassmaster.com/tips/dave-wolak-setting-drag

 

 

 

https://coloradooutdoorsmag.com/2017/08/01/summertime-bass-fishing-with-frogs/amp/

 

 

This forum is about fisherman helping fisherman, not proving who is right or wrong. It’s also not a forum to go after people. 

 

In this case you are wrong. You don’t need to admit it or apologize. 


fishing user avatarTurkey sandwich reply : 

No need to be all preachy, fellas.  Having the drag tensioned almost all the way down makes good sense for frog fishing.  Using a snap, however, wouldn't be my first choice.  I've seen most snaps fail (models like the Mustard posted above are the exception) resulting in lots of cursing.  I'll fish swivels on baits likely to twist 12-24" up the leader, generally.  For in-line spinners, spoons, and some soft plastic worm techniques, this makes good sense.  For almost everything else, it doesn't really serve a purpose.  As for snaps, I use them on my crank bait rods pretty religiously because they don't impede action (I might even argue that a snap or loop knot actually helps add action to the bait) on crankbaits, and make switching them out much, much easier.  Other than that, they generally do more harm than good.  

 

General rule, if you don't see better guides or elite tournament guys doing something, there's generally a reason.


fishing user avatarjbsoonerfan reply : 
  On 6/3/2018 at 2:50 AM, Turkey sandwich said:

No need to be all preachy, fellas.  Having the drag tensioned almost all the way down makes good sense for frog fishing.  Using a snap, however, wouldn't be my first choice.  I've seen most snaps fail (models like the Mustard posted above are the exception) resulting in lots of cursing.  I'll fish swivels on baits likely to twist 12-24" up the leader, generally.  For in-line spinners, spoons, and some soft plastic worm techniques, this makes good sense.  For almost everything else, it doesn't really serve a purpose.  As for snaps, I use them on my crank bait rods pretty religiously because they don't impede action (I might even argue that a snap or loop knot actually helps add action to the bait) on crankbaits, and make switching them out much, much easier.  Other than that, they generally do more harm than good.  

 

General rule, if you don't see better guides or elite tournament guys doing something, there's generally a reason.

Exactly my point. Under normal fishing conditions, when used properly, a snap or snap swivel will not fail. YES, once in a while a fish may bend one, but it shouldn't under normal fishing conditions. SO, I actually was trying to help the OP by saying there are options that he should fish with and have plenty of confidence in. Then we got "well one time at band camp" guys coming in with their story about one fish in their life that broke a snap or swivel. Sorry, I rubbed you guys the wrong way and you had to tell me about the "one" time.

 

I will go back to Everything Else and listen to Big Bill talk about the "one" time he saw Bigfoot.


fishing user avatartcbass reply : 
  On 6/3/2018 at 5:48 AM, jbsoonerfan said:

Exactly my point. Under normal fishing conditions, when used properly, a snap or snap swivel will not fail. YES, once in a while a fish may bend one, but it shouldn't under normal fishing conditions. SO, I actually was trying to help the OP by saying there are options that he should fish with and have plenty of confidence in. Then we got "well one time at band camp" guys coming in with their story about one fish in their life that broke a snap or swivel. Sorry, I rubbed you guys the wrong way and you had to tell me about the "one" time.

 

I will go back to Everything Else and listen to Big Bill talk about the "one" time he saw Bigfoot.

 

No worries bro. Good fishing!


fishing user avatarBankbeater reply : 

I use snaps for moving baits, and topwaters.  Anything being worked along the bottom gets tied on.


fishing user avatargovallis reply : 

I always do and never worry about twisting. But I separate the swivel and snap 18" apart, then I don't worry about any potential influence to the action of the bait and fish have less chance to see them being not together. I use the smallest ones, giving the least chance for fish to see them.


fishing user avatarSubaqua Adinterim reply : 

image.png.c73ca856c3beffc8af889b4382a27e18.png

 

I use the above type all the time.  I will not use for for attaching lures such as a blade bait or chatterbait that I tie direct to the snap on the lure, or with a jig or hook which are tied direct to the line ( I may use a swivel without a snap, a few feet above the knot to prevent line twist).  A swivel with a snap as pictured above, makes changing lures such as crankbaits, frogs, or spinnerbaits much easier, especially in a kayak.  Benefits, besides being able to change out lures faster; are that swivels cut down on line twist and also help to avoid torque on the lure when fighting and landing a fish, thus cutting down on line break offs or hooks shaking out.

 

I recommend the above type of snap swivel (crosslok) as I have never had one fail over years of usage.  Anything can fail, however, I will not use the type that was cited as failing in this thread, which is secured by inserting the end into a small metal tab. That style, in my experience, is more likely to fail because of the flawed design - note: I have not used that style in years because of experienced failures.

 

I have had no failures with the crosslok style and recommend the use or the smallest possible size for your application as well as a quality brand such as Spro, Sampo, etc.  Also, I prefer a snap that has a more rounded bend in the front, rather than an angled or squared off front.  Fishing is supposed to be fun, so use whatever makes your experience more enjoyable and have fun.

 

 


fishing user avatarKoz reply : 

Lately I've been using these VMC Duolock Snap Swivels in black.

 

 

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fishing user avatarbhoff reply : 

Once I became proficient at tying knots I never really saw the need for them. Just another thing to get snagged with.


fishing user avatarbitsandbass reply : 
  On 6/1/2018 at 4:02 PM, tcbass said:

 

Disagree. 

 

 

Caught a musky alongside my boat. I didn’t realized it was hooked and neither did it. It was just sitting there floating alongside the boat with my Ragetail Toad in it’s mouth. Friend went to net it and did it incorrectly going from the tail. The musky about a 20lber took off straight away and tore my swivel open. 

 

It was this kind of snap swivel. 

 

 

8F7C0D06-0223-4EA1-B970-6B89EF8B893E.jpeg.f3e5660210b4c8390f756ed21ba46a96.jpeg

 

I use these and really like being able to switch lures. 


fishing user avatarsoflabasser reply : 
  On 6/7/2018 at 2:18 AM, bhoff said:

Once I became proficient at tying knots I never really saw the need for them. Just another thing to get snagged with.

Wel said @bhoff. I do not use snaps and prefer tying my knots directly to my lures. 

  On 5/31/2018 at 12:23 AM, Pro Logcatcher said:

I do not. I know there are other people on the forums that do, but I can tie a knot pretty speedy. Also, you might have to retie more than you think as your line gets abraded from rocks/trees/etc.

I agree that you need to retie often since line gets damaged from all the rocks and other structure that we tend to bass fish in.

  On 5/31/2018 at 12:54 AM, snake95 said:

The prevailing response you'll get is to learn to tie knots well.  I want to emphasize what a good idea that is.

With YouTube there are zillions of references on tying knots, and there are lots of great resources out there.

Its just an essential skill for any angler and while lots of guys have their favorites, if you learn to tie several types, you will learn about what it is that makes a good knot good, and why different knots work better for different line types and diameters.

Really suggest you make it a priority to get good with knots.

 You still need to re-tie periodically to get rid of abraded line and replace the knot throughout the day.

I agree with you that knowing how to tie knots well and quickly is better than using snaps for bass fishing. Checking your line often for abrasion, cutting off damaged line, and tying a good knot is something every fisherman needs to know how to do well.


fishing user avatarNHBull reply : 

Snaps for CB, or Jerks , At least until I figure out what to use.

.......or if I want a nose down look.

 

.....Also, sometimes a swivel on a fluke It I want it to run a tad deeper, but seldom


fishing user avatarAriffy reply : 

I use wire leaders since my lake is filled to the brim with pike, thinking of switching to fluorocarbon 

NylonCoatedWireLeaderAssort.jpg


fishing user avatarsoflabasser reply : 
  On 6/7/2018 at 8:27 AM, Ariffy said:

I use wire leaders since my lake is filled to the brim with pike, thinking of switching to fluorocarbon 

NylonCoatedWireLeaderAssort.jpg

You can buy flexible wire leader that you can tie with a uni to uni knot to the mainline and tie the other end of the leader to a lure.


fishing user avatarbitsandbass reply : 

I use braid >> swivel >> mono leader >> snap >> lure.

 

I use the snap to switch between the rapala original floating minnow, beetlespins and a 1/0 bass hook + wacky senko / o-ring.  This is what I use 99% of the time.  Does the job. 

 

But what about moving the snap to the braid, and then pre-trying mono leaders to lures with a swivel on the end?

 

So braid >>> snap >>> swivel >>> mono leader >>> lure?

 

Do you think this would be better for presentation / lure action?




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