Using Snaps 2025

Rhino68W reply :

I am a bank fisherman who normally goes out with 2 baitcasting and 1 spinning setup. I normally fish ponds, so I frequently have to change lures depending on the situation. I hate tying on lure after lure after lure. I am thinking of starting to use Snaps.

Do they really affect the amount of fish you catch that much?

And what types of lures should I use or not use them on?

Dwight Hottle reply :

Plain snaps will not affect the amount of fish you catch versus tying direct. I use them all the time for jerkbaits & cranks. You can use them for topwater treble hook baits as well. For jigs & soft plastics I just tie direct.

I like to use duolock snaps.

Catch and Grease reply :

I'll put in my 2¢...

DO NOT cheap out on snaps...

StormEasy reply :

i rarely use snaps, but on the few days that i do, i use them on everything except texas rigged plastics with a weight and jigs. but i like to retie after every catch, snap or not

Smokinal reply :

I only use snaps on my crankbait rods. Everything else gets tied direct, all the time. I'm picky as far as how my baits look and I don't want anything else on it that doesn't need to be there. They also catch too much grass.

lazyfish01001 reply :

I use a snap swivel 100% of the time. I guess it can affect the amount of fish you catch because of the time you spend to retie on every bait. It makes changing bait so much faster. I use 30 lb test braid on my spinner and use the palomar knot. That being said, I don't need to change my swivel often. I think it's good practice to retie your swivel after a seriously stressful catch and each fishing trip. I have never once had a palomar knot come untied with this braided line.

The only fish that are ever attracted to the snap swivel are fish I don't want to catch, being either too small for my lure, or too small to even take my hook.

Since march this year, I am at 83 bass. I am really trying hard to get to 100 by november. Next week I am heading to Green River Lake to catch at least 17 more keeper size bass to seal the deal.

I have found the brass snaps are usually cheap and slid around in the clasp. Don't use one where the wire is straight, a curved end is way more secure. This is an example of the curved end. http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Ball-Bearing-Swivel-with-Interlock-Snap/product/6276/?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&om_mmc=shopping_googleproductextensions&kpid=6276&kpid=6276_Black_4

GOOD LUCK!

buzzed bait reply :

maybe just me, but sometimes i find them more difficult to fool with than just tying a quick palomar knot....

Darren. reply :

On 10/9/2014 at 5:31 AM, Rhino68W said:

I am a bank fisherman who normally goes out with 2 baitcasting and 1 spinning setup. I normally fish ponds, so I frequently have to change lures depending on the situation. I hate tying on lure after lure after lure. I am thinking of starting to use Snaps.

Do they really affect the amount of fish you catch that much?

And what types of lures should I use or not use them on?

I use Norman Speed Clips 99% of the time -- on a particular rod I use for lures. For worm fishing/soft plastics, wacky/TX/Mojo/Jika, I tie directly to the hook.

The speed clips are a slimmer profile than duo lock snaps (which I have, and have used, but don't now).

The trick to the speed clips is to not squeeze them open, that's too tough. Just turn the looped section sideways and "slide" it onto the eye of the lure. Easy, fast, "speed clip".

desmobob reply :

I used to use snaps almost all the time, until I lost a monster bass when one opened. Since then, I tried the Mustad "Fastach" device. Not really a clip or snap; more like a fancy loop. I've been using them for over a month now and have just ordered more. I like them.

I don't notice any difference in fish catching. Some lures benefit from having the nice, round loop to swing, shake, wiggle and swim from... it doesn't cramp their action at all, and offers more freedom of movement than even loop knots.

Tight lines,

Bob

buzzed bait reply :

On 10/9/2014 at 8:13 AM, DarrenM said:

I use Norman Speed Clips 99% of the time -- on a particular rod I use for lures. For worm fishing/soft plastics, wacky/TX/Mojo/Jika, I tie directly to the hook.

The speed clips are a slimmer profile than duo lock snaps (which I have, and have used, but don't now).

The trick to the speed clips is to not squeeze them open, that's too tough. Just turn the looped section sideways and "slide" it onto the eye of the lure. Easy, fast, "speed clip".

i think i still have some speed clips around.... you may make me re-visit the situation with this whole slide them in rather than squeeze them scenario....

Rhino68W reply :

On 10/9/2014 at 9:09 AM, desmobob said:

I used to use snaps almost all the time, until I lost a monster bass when one opened. Since then, I tried the Mustad "Fastach" device. Not really a clip or snap; more like a fancy loop. I've been using them for over a month now and have just ordered more. I like them.

I don't notice any difference in fish catching. Some lures benefit from having the nice, round loop to swing, shake, wiggle and swim from... it doesn't cramp their action at all, and offers more freedom of movement than even loop knots.

Tight lines,

Bob

I think I might just have to try these out.

ClackerBuzz reply :

if it's good enough for Dwight Hottle and Mike Long it's good enough for me

warpath58 reply :

I have been using the spro split snaps they have been holding very well.

einscodek reply :

At one point I also thought the clips were the way to go til I lost one on a clip.

Look at a clip and you can see with a fish thrashing around, the line or split ring could enter the exit arm of any clip

I lost a fish on a clip and I lost a walking lure as well.. it was thrashing around topwater walkin and must have worked its way out

shanksmare reply :

I don't use snaps very often. I prefer to retie the lure. The line often gets frayed near the lure from contact with wood, rock, other debris and hopefully fish lips. I have lost many decent fish because I was to busy (lazy) to retie after catching a fish.

My experiences with Dou Lock snaps have been less than positive. One memory that stands out occurred 15 or 20 years ago. I was bouncing a 3 oz. bucktail jig on the Cape Cod Canal bottom during an early morning East tide. I hooked up to a large fish (40 - 50+#'s). After fighting the fish for over half an hour I finally got her near the rockswhen suddenly my line went slack. I mentally kicked myself for putting too much pressure on the fish and breaking the 50# leader. When I reeled the line in much to my dismay I discovered that the 80# Dou Lock snap was completely destroyed. Both sections had straightened out.

I still use snaps frop surf fishing but never Dou Locks, always CoastLocks or Pomponette style snaps. If I have the fish of a lifetime on my line I don't want a Dou Lock snap also connected to my line. Once burned .....

WIGuide reply :

I used to use snap swivels all the time but much of the water I fish is shallow and grassy and they would grab onto more grass so I started tying direct. I still use them on the rods I have for my clients. If you use them, don't go the cheap rout as it will end in heartbreak. I use the Bass Pro ball bearing fast-lock snaps. Have yet to have one fail.

Darren. reply :

On 10/9/2014 at 10:43 AM, ClackerBuzz said:

if it's good enough for Dwight Hottle and Mike Long it's good enough for me

I have not seen any black or chrome Speed Clips -- I'm assuming he's talking about Norman Speed Clips? They only come in an un polished stainless steel as far as I know.

Darren. reply :

On 10/9/2014 at 10:03 AM, buzzed bait said:
i think i still have some speed clips around.... you may make me re-visit the situation with this whole slide them in rather than squeeze them scenario....

I really makes life better. Can't remember where I saw that tip. Might've been in the Bass Pro reviews, or another forum.

It isn't easy to explain, hope it makes sense to you.

shanksmare reply :

On 10/9/2014 at 10:24 PM, DarrenM said:
I have not seen any black or chrome Speed Clips -- I'm assuming he's talking about Norman Speed Clips? They only come in an un polished stainless steel as far as I know.

The clip/snap he is holding in the video is a Dou Lock snap.

Darren. reply :

On 10/9/2014 at 10:43 PM, shanksmare said:
The clip/snap he is holding in the video is a Dou Lock snap.

Ah. I couldn't tell what he was holding. But I just replayed the beginning and zoomed in. You're correct. Thanks.

Choporoz reply :

-I don't think it takes me any longer to retie than to use snaps or speed clips

-My fumble-fingers and thumbs don't handle snaps or clips all that well anyway

-My knots almost never collect salad debris

-Back when I used snaps and clips, I got lazy about checking line for nicks

-I don't know if it makes a difference to the bass, but if not having the extra hardware MIGHT help, its good enough to boost my confidence, even if just a little.

....and....maybe just because I'm old(er) now, I kind of like tying a knot....at least I get some small measure of satisfaction from a good knot that I don't get from fumbling with a snap or clip

CWB reply :

I use these on my crankbait setup: http://www.***.com/Kahara_Quick_Lock_Snap

These are by far the best I've used. Landed several large pike and a few muskies over 45" while cranking for bass and never had an issue. And those toothy guys like to shake their heads.

SirSnookalot reply :

What ever your preference is.

My own take is that I have given up using duolocks, however I never had a negative issue using them. I tie my lures with a loopknot or clinch for jigs. I fish both fresh and salt and the fish can get pretty good size. I tie on a fresh leader for each outing.

On the flip side I have friends on the jettie catching the same kind of fish that I do, many of them do not do what I do. They use both braid and mono tied to a swivel, knots are seldom retied or swivels replaced. Some use wire with the cheapest snap/swivels and wire with no shock leader, these snap swivels seldom get changed. These set ups are totally unprofessional, too bulky with hardware, risk salt water corrosion, yet I have never seen one fail. These guys catch as many fish as I do, and lose less lures, go figure...........lol.

Sam reply :

When tournament fishing and ever second counts using snaps is a great way to change your treble hook baits, spinnerbaits, Chatterbait, some swimming jigs and buzzbaits. in order to cut down on the amount of rods you are using.

You have to set up your spinnerbaits, some swimming jigs and buzzbaits to be able to use snaps.

When fun fishing do as you wish.

hatrix reply :

On 10/9/2014 at 10:43 AM, ClackerBuzz said:

if it's good enough for Dwight Hottle and Mike Long it's good enough for me

Those are not speed clips there just a normal style snap.

On 10/9/2014 at 10:59 AM, warpath58 said:
I have been using the spro split snaps they have been holding very well.spro split snaps.jpg

I have some of those in a few different sizes and they seemed ok. I liked them a lot more when I first started using them. There is a few issues with them though. The heavier sizes is to big to fit through the eye on a lot of things or if you do get it through its in there tight and doesn't move freely. Also a few times I have looked at my bait and it somehow started to come off and would be in between the 2 layers.

are probably the best snap + swivel I have ever used. They are high quality swivels for sure but the spro stuff is expensive. The split snaps are $5 for only 8.

There is also these neat little snaps I have that are like a 3/4 circle type thing. You pull it over the eye on like crankbaits and stuff and it snaps down around it. I don't remember who makes them but there tiny and are super secure on the lure. I don't find the norman speed clips to be all that secure. You can get some nice duolocks that are for sure not going to open up or come off. Some of mine you can't even hardly open it up with your fingers. You need to squeeze them with a pair of needle nose.

SirSnookalot reply :

That's true, some of the larger duolocks can be hard to open, 1 inchers is about as big as I like them to be, I'm only using them now on a barracuda set up. For all my other fishing I tie everything.

Texas Pride reply :

I use clips and don't see any problem with them I catch all kinds of fish with them I fish from the shore and small ponds also and clips are so handy especially when I hike a mile or two to get to the banks and I only have two poles and my pocket tackle box and I have to change a lot of lures

ClackerBuzz reply :

i got to try norman speed clips last weekend and thought they were junk. i even took Darren's recommendation of working the eye sideways. the wire is so fine gauge that they flex while squeezing and hardly open. and they are too small to accept jig eye's so whats the point if you have to change out ur speed clips while changing out ur lures. they were very hard to handle with my hands in 65 deg water. i already know how things are going to go with 35 deg water on my fingers.

chatterbaits come with duo locks and i love them. and i ordered some cross lock snaps to see which i prefer

smalljaw67 reply :

I use Duo Lock snaps when fishing crankbaits only, anything like a jig or any hooks get tied direct. When using the snap with crankbaits, I used to take the split rings off and my buddy never took them off and he told me there wasn't a problem so I tried it myself and I have not experienced any negative problems so I hook the snap to the split ring if the crank I'm fishing has a split ring on it. I should also note that I don't use the snaps on jerkbaits or topwaters, the one exception is a wake bait but I treat that as a super shallow crank but no snaps for jerkbaits or topwaters.

Mike L reply :

Norman's are designed to be used without the split ring.

Take it off first, if you're not doing it already, makes it much, much easier.

Mike

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