fishndude

I only use snaps on my crank baits and jerk baits which give the lures more freedom to do what they are designed to do. They do save time, however don't forget to check your line and re-tie often. I never use them on soft plastics or jigs because I want as natural of a presentation as possible and usually these presentations are slower so the less amount of exposed metal the better in my opinion. Good luck.

Keep in mind it is for fun and not the Elite series. My first few tourneys were just as disappointing as yours but they only get better. If you can prefish the day before your next tournament and try as many spots as you can it will help build confidence which is the biggest part of success. Think of where the fish should be based on water temp., water clarity, current, pre spawn/spawn/post spawn. Go with your gut and fish the moment, not the past. Good luck next tournament. We all have those type of days no matter how many tourneys we fish.

Stay with Manufacture recommendations. Don't want to blow a lower unit to save a few bucks, plus if anything goes out at least you know you used the right oil. Just my two cents.