20 replies to this topic

[throwback]

I've noticed most anglers tie baits directly on. I grew up using swivels, but I've started tieing lures on. Do swivels really impede lure performance and scare fish?

[Marty]

I've noticed most anglers tie baits directly on. I grew up using swivels, but I've started tieing lures on. Do swivels really impede lure performance and scare fish?

I strongly suspect that a swivel impedes lure performance much less than many people believe.

I use swivels only when fishing something like an inline spinner. The rest of the time I use small duolock snaps.

[Fishmaster10]

I stopped using swivels not because they hindered my lure performance but because they have the tendency of coming undone once in a while, while fighting a big fish.

[Scorcher214]

Ya, i just use the snaps, no swivel. Great for using cranks and spinnerbaits.

[KenG85]

I keep a snap on my crankbait rod. I think it works just perfect, but you have to remove the o-rings. I've limited myself to using only crankbaits that accept a snap directly to the baits eye. It allows me to exchange baits very quickly. Recently I found I was catching fish deflecting off rocks in varied depths. So I could keep switching cranks to make sure I was deflecting.

I've been debating starting a thread where we can share crankbait brands and models that accept a snap.

[throwback]

So the little duolock snap thingys work? What type of bait do you NOT use a snap with? I like changing lures a lot without having to tie a knot each time.

[KenG85]

Snaps are awesome. Just use them in place of an o-ring. And don't forget to check your line from time to time. When it's damaged you must retie
.
I suppose you can use them for jigs and spinnerbaits but I think its just another part to get hung up. For those I prefer tie directly, plus I dont change them nearly as much as the baits with o-rings (cranks, jerks, topwater).

[Fish Chris]

Any time you can use one less piece of hardware, the better.

No. I never use snaps.

Fish

[SirSnookalot]

I always use a duolock for my freshwater fishing and just some of the time for my saltwater, I see no reason to remove the split ring, I may even add one to my spoons that don't come with one. Use the right size duolock and replace them after a few outings. I have had only 1 duolock open up in years of using them and this was due to not replacing soon enough, this happen in saltwater.
When I forego the snap a double wrapped loopknot is the only knot I use.

[Bigbarge50]

I just started using a snap and swivel again when I use a fluke..... No more line twists and helps the fall occur a little quicker

I think those are two big pluses.

Other than that, it is direct tie on, including cranks.

I do use one of those lateral perch jigs and did notice quite a bit of line twisting, so maybe will use one with that too.

[1nstinct]

jigs/plastics-direct
cranks-snaps
spinners-snap + swivel(clamp down the snap a little and it help from opening up)

[SausageFingers]

I used to but now I tie direct. Someone mentioned it earlier - its one less piece of hardware to worry about.

[Raul]

Snap-swivel combo: only one type of bait I tie with it ---> In-line spinners, no matter how sphisticated and what the manufacturer claims they always twist the line.

Snaps ? yes, I do use snaps, not oftenly, actually rarely I use a snap, since I have the habit of checking and cutting my line frequently I prefer to cut and retie when I want to change lures, I´m not in such a hurry to change lures that wasting precious 30 seconds in tying a new knot is such a hassle.

[Fish Chris]

Oh and hey, as far as changing lures go, just tie on the right lure in the first place, and you have to bother with changing it

I think On my last 12 hour trip, I changed lures once.... from a Hud, to a Wakebait Junior.... But I don't know why. I never catch anything on that beautiful, $75 thing

Peace,
Fish

[KenG85]

There was a lot of digression from the original question. But I think the answer is no. Snaps do not impede lure performance when used in place of an o-ring. And they definately don't scare fish away.

The only way you'll figure it out for yourself is to give it a try.