Snaps, or tie direct? 2024

MrWrinkle reply :

I always tie line directly to jigs and worm hooks, but usually use snaps with cranks, spinnerbaits, etc, so I can swap out baits faster and easier. I've never had any problems with using snaps, but I see very few other people using them. So I'm curious as to what other folks do, and why?

Hammer 4 reply :

Always tie direct, unless the maker of the bait provides a snap or whatever.

Jig Man reply :

Good quality snaps:

jerk baits, crank baits, jigging spoons

Direct tie:

everything else

RandySBreth reply :

Snaps for hardbaits (cranks, jerkbaits).

Not just for quick lure changes, but because tying direct with a split ring is a weak connection. The gap on a split ring is often recommended as the right place to make your knot, but it can slide over to where the sharp ends can cut your line.

Doesn't happen with a snap.

The Bassinator reply :

They seem like a good idea for cranks and jerkbaits but would the weight affect suspending jerkbaits?

SDoolittle reply :

I use a snap swivel if I'm using a lure such as a spoon or in-line spinner that tend to cause a lot of line twist.

Stringjam reply :

Snaps on cranks.

You don't want to tie directly to a lure that is designed to dance - it kills the action.

SkilletSizeBass. reply :

I use a snap on most everything except worm hooks, jigs, etc.. I have never had a snap break, and it makes changing lures, which at times I do quite often, more easy and fast. And I've had my line slide down in the joint of a split ring which I don't like.

Sam reply :

Only once did I have a snap come apart.

Happened on the Rappahanock River in Virginia when a big catfish ate my Sexy Shad crankbait.

I was upset that I lost the lure when we saw it floating on the surface.

Lure was fine.

Snap was totalled.

Otherwise, no problems using snaps on cranks, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits and chatterbaits.

WanderLust reply :

Quote
They seem like a good idea for cranks and jerkbaits but would the weight affect suspending jerkbaits?

Depends on the size of the jerk bait. The small ones I just use a loop knot.

For cranks I like to use a snap until I discover the color / depth I need to be at.

OHIO reply :

I use snaps with all hardbaits that I use.

Only problem is that sometimes the snap gets caught up in spinnerbait blades/beads, but it's an easy fix.

BASSclary reply :

Snaps for cranks, but nothing more.

SDoolittle reply :

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Snaps on cranks.
You don't want to tie directly to a lure that is designed to dance - it kills the action.

That is why most crankbaits come with a split ring. If they don't, either add one or use a rapala knot.

J Francho reply :

Split rigs foul up, and a duo lock snap allows you to use a stronger palomar knot.

Glenn reply :

Quote
Good quality snaps:
jerk baits, crank baits, jigging spoons

Direct tie:

everything else

x10

I always remove the factory split rings on everything that comes with them.

DaveT63 reply :

OK, so what are good quality snaps? Brands/types to buy? To avoid?

Thanks,

Dave

Stringjam reply :

Quote
That is why most crankbaits come with a split ring. If they don't, either add one or use a rapala knot.

I prefer a quality snap over either of those options.

gabes reply :

I have used Berkley Cross Lock snaps for over 15 years and have never had one break. I use for cranks and jerkbaits only.

SirSnookalot reply :

I've been using duolocks much of the time this year, the weight is so insignifant that it does not inhibit the lure at all. The loop in the duolock gives the same action as tying a loopknot, which has been used and recommended by just about every guide or charter captain I've been with. I use one or the other for every single freshwater or saltwater lure with only exception a worm hook, simple clinch knot is more than adequate.

jdw174 reply :

Quote

Quote
Good quality snaps:
jerk baits, crank baits, jigging spoons

Direct tie:

everything else

x10

I always remove the factory split rings on everything that comes with them.

Likewise. First thing I do with new hardbaits is yank the split rings. Never had a problem with snaps.

MrWrinkle reply :

Wow -- lots of interesting replies! I've never removed the split rings from new lures before, but I've never had one fail on me. I can't see a (reasonable) situation in which they would be the weak point in a setup. So I just hook my snap right to them.

I also tend to use the smallest snap I can get away with. (Off the top of my head which size that is). Avoid the snaps that look like the below pic -- they'll open out on you with relatively little force. I've found the duo-lock or coastlock are very good.

helms83 reply :

Quote

Depends on the size of the jerk bait. The small ones I just use a loop knot.

For cranks I like to use a snap until I discover the color / depth I need to be at.

I do the samething. I use snaps for quick lure changes until I figure out a pattern (depth and/or color). When the bite turns off, I'll take the snap off to change the lures movement.

tyrius. reply :

Quote
Split rigs foul up, and a duo lock snap allows you to use a stronger palomar knot.

It's much easier to tie a palomar onto a snap and a palomar is much stronger than a loop knot. So, using a snap with a palomar gives me a much more secure connection to the lure.

Tie line to snap and hook snap directly to lure (no split ring).

BobP reply :

I think the optimum is tying direct to a split ring but I take them off and use a Norman Speed Clip so I can change baits more easily. I like them because they are symmetrical and will not introduce bias into the pull point. If you have a bait that's just Dead On Perfect and catches fish like crazy out of the box, I wouldn't change a thing! Even small changes like a different split ring size, changing to a clip or a snap can affect performance.

Dwight Hottle reply :

Better action on cranks & jerkbaits with a duolock snap. Line can get caught in a split ring & cause problems. Some lure manufactures even supply snaps on their baits like Luhr Jensen for better action.

Gangley reply :

Quote

Quote
Snaps on cranks.
You don't want to tie directly to a lure that is designed to dance - it kills the action.

That is why most crankbaits come with a split ring. If they don't, either add one or use a rapala knot.

Bankbeater reply :

Spinner baits, jigs, top water baits, and worm hooks get tied directly on. I use snaps for cranks, and lipless baits.

Dave P reply :

Dulock snaps on all hard baits.

nashontheriver reply :

obviously no 1 right answer, i will say i switched from snaps to direct tie on worm hooks and it seems to produce better for me. i've only had 1 snap break, but i had it on there for a long time.

TrippyJai reply :

I've always tied directly to the factory split ring, but sometimes a Palomar knot is annoying because of the treble hooks.

I was wondering if it's okay to tie this snap to the split ring without having to remove it first. Does it work and what issues are there by doing this?

.dsaavedra. reply :

i used to use snaps on crankbaits until i caught a little dink, no more than 12-13", and as i lifted the fish out of the water it was thrashing wildly and then suddenly dropped into the water, with my favorite crankbait stuck to its face.

this was a really special crankbait, and i was so angry to lose it, specially to a little dink bass. i knew the bass would eventually throw the crankbait, but i was certain he would go straight under the lilly pads i was fishing next to to lose the crank.

in my anger i cut the now open snap off the end of my line, and took all the snaps out of my tacklebox and threw them all in the lake.

about 10 min later i heard a lot of splashing and looked out and the bass had tossed my crank out in the middle of the lake. thankfully it floated and i went over and recovered it.

i don't use snaps anymore ;D

EastTexasBassin reply :

Quote
I've always tied directly to the factory split ring, but sometimes a Palomar knot is annoying because of the treble hooks.
I was wondering if it's okay to tie this snap to the split ring without having to remove it first. Does it work and what issues are there by doing this?

I just started using duolock snaps (love them!) but I haven't removed the split rings from my crankbaits yet. So far I haven't had any issues, but I'm going to remove them anyways because its just unnecessary hardware on the front of the bait and I don't think it looks right.

Owasco reply :

Quote
Snaps on cranks.
You don't want to tie directly to a lure that is designed to dance - it kills the action.

You should tie directly to the bait, but you should use a perfection loop knot or a surgeons loop knot.

J Francho reply :

Quote
You should tie directly to the bait, but you should use a perfection loop knot or a surgeons loop knot.

Those are two knots that have a significantly higher failure rate than the palomar that I use with a #2 snap.

Gatorbassman reply :

If I'm searching for the right crank and changing out frequently I will use a duo-loc and leave the split ring on. But as soon as I find the right one I will tie directly to the split ring.

philsoreel reply :

Quote

Quote
You should tie directly to the bait, but you should use a perfection loop knot or a surgeons loop knot.

Those are two knots that have a significantly higher failure rate than the palomar that I use with a #2 snap.

Do you use the #2 on all size cranks or would you go up for larger stuff? For example, smallest being a Lucky Craft Fat Mini SR up to a Bill Norman DD22.

I've never used a snap before but after reading this thread and thinking about how much time and line I go through changing cranks, I may try the duolock.

J Francho reply :

For stuff like LC RC3.5, Norman DD22, Rap dt16 and DT20, Bomber FF Shad, I'll use a #3. Big swimbaits get a #3 or #4, though some are better tied direct.

TrippyJai reply :

Quote
If I'm searching for the right crank and changing out frequently I will use a duo-loc and leave the split ring on. But as soon as I find the right one I will tie directly to the split ring.

I think I've found my solution. Thanks a lot.

Owasco reply :

Quote

Quote
You should tie directly to the bait, but you should use a perfection loop knot or a surgeons loop knot.

Those are two knots that have a significantly higher failure rate than the palomar that I use with a #2 snap.

Interesting.

I suppose it makes sense, I use the palomer knot for almost every lure, or hook for that matter with the exception of cranks. I'll have to look into your method.

Thank you

Stringjam reply :

Quote

Quote
Snaps on cranks.
You don't want to tie directly to a lure that is designed to dance - it kills the action.

You should tie directly to the bait, but you should use a perfection loop knot or a surgeons loop knot.

I've used loop knots.....I greatly prefer snaps.

muskiebassfisher reply :

i use snaps on everything from soft jerk baits and crankbaits to worms. it makes changing lures fast and once you get used to the feel, they make no difference. i prefer the feel of a line directly attached because you feel more connected to the lure. but if you're not catching anything with that particular lure the quick change outweighs that benefit.

piscicidal reply :

From "Secrets of a Champion"...KVD uses snaps on all hardbaits. He also says don't remove the split rings, as it impedes the action of the lure.

twors reply :

Quote
Even small changes like a different split ring size, changing to a clip or a snap can affect performance.

+1, I had a small Mann's crank that wouuldn't swim worth a hoot till I removed the overly to large from the package split ring. The water turbulence flowing around the split ring wrecked havoc on that small billed crank.

scattergun2570 reply :

Quote
I always tie line directly to jigs and worm hooks, but usually use snaps with cranks, spinnerbaits, etc, so I can swap out baits faster and easier. I've never had any problems with using snaps, but I see very few other people using them. So I'm curious as to what other folks do, and why?

I have fished almost everything with a snaplock. I never had trouble catching Bass. And yes,,that includes Jigs,,do it all the time.

fishfordollars reply :

I don't own a snap lock of any kind.

RoLo reply :

When fishing with soft-plastic lures I always tie direct, either to the hook or jig.

For plugs and spoons though, I generally go with a 'plain' snap (NOT a snap-swivel).

This offers the ability to make quick lure changes, and also enhances the action of many lures.

Purely as a bonus, a snap also extends the life of the line because knot-tying leads to re-spooling.

In addition, when tying to lures with treble hooks, a snap is much more user-friendly

than a palomar knot (I use uni-knots so this doesn't apply to me).

In my experience, the Coastlock Snap is the clear winner,

a powerful little snap that's easy to open & close.

I began using Rosco Coastlock Snaps in saltwater (in the 1960s).

In freshwater I use the No.32 x 50-lb snap and No.33 x 75 lb snap.

The larger No. 33 snap offers two advantages:

> It's extremely easy to open and close

> It can handle the shock of non-stretch braided line.

(Lesser snaps can bust or pop open with a fish on a short line or out of water).

Roger

Juggernoob reply :

I've tried the Norman Speed Clips but they were too small to work with, I've since switched to Duo Lock snaps to the split ring but from following this thread I will try removing the split rings.

scrutch reply :

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I use snaps with all hardbaits that I use.
Only problem is that sometimes the snap gets caught up in spinnerbait blades/beads, but it's an easy fix.

Small rubber band around the wire right after the snap fixes this.

OHIO reply :

Quote

Quote
I use snaps with all hardbaits that I use.
Only problem is that sometimes the snap gets caught up in spinnerbait blades/beads, but it's an easy fix.

Small rubber band around the wire right after the snap fixes this.

Thanks for the advice. I just bought a ton of small rubberbands to keep skirts on jigs and what not, so I will try that.

J Francho reply :

Don't use snaps on spinnerbaits.

OHIO reply :

Why?

RoLo reply :

Quote
Why?

They're okay on a looped wire eyelet, but can slide down the arm of an open R-bend

Roger

SirSnookalot reply :

I use a duolock on spinnerbaits, they do get offcenter sometimes but shaking the rod tip realigns them pretty easy and fast.

Dan-K reply :

Norman quick snaps for all hard baits, remove split rings. Direct tie for spinners and buzz.

Lafishman reply :

I have pretty good results with the no knot fas-snap. But I may try the quick swirls. I have lost a bait or two with the fas-snap, but it was from using one that was too large.

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Snaps, or tie direct? 2024

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