In at tournament you may want to use snaps to save time when changing baits.

 

Fun fishing you can tie direct for everything.

 

Personal preference.

I think if you follow this or any forum for a period of time you will discover people are catching all kinds of fish with all kinds of different gear and set ups.  I don't think it makes much of difference what's done, as long as it works for you.  What works for me in freshwater is 10-15# braided line with about a 20" leader connected with a BB swivel or quality power swivel, never a deviation.  When I'm using lures with exposed hooks I'll use a duolock snap, not so much with the idea of quick change as I stay with a lure quite a while before I change it, but to keep using my same leader unless it has too much abrasion. 

Great replies. Thanks

I'm headed out this morning to see what I can catch.

Have used a good quality duo lock for years. Have not had a weed problem but then haven't lived in the south long either. Strength wise...no problems and use for top water too. I like to change lures quite a bit and also feel that the duo gives the bait free'er movement.

Tight Lines

I tie directly to the lure. I believe that crankbait type lures would be a lure that you could use a snap swivel with and not see much of a difference in catch rate. With something like a jig I would say that a snap swivel is going to have a bigger negative impact.

I've seen these: http://www.cabelas.com/product/No-Knot-Fast-Snaps/701927.uts ... They seem like they would be the least-intrusive option for quick changes.

Along the shore I've been finding a startling number of stray hooks connected to lures via huge snap swivels...just scratch my head and pick them up to be recycled.

There is a reason you're finding them junked along the shore.

Newbie here but been lurking for some time.

 

Just wanted to see what percent of you tie direct to what ever your fishing or do you use a snap swivel?

I know a snap is quicker to change etc. DO you think it really matters or hepls catch or deter the fish?

 

Thanks in advance.

Maleko

I recently tried Dual locks on my RES and hated them. They made that lure have a much wider wobble that tying it to the split ring, and I ended up catching everything but bass. Stuck the split rings back on them, and now I'm starting to hammer the bass again. I wish I could find some dual locks are the same thickness of the split rings so I can use them without affecting the action. I did love being able to change out lures quickly though.

I use snap swivels on crankbaits and spinnerbaits, but never on a jig or soft plastic. I don't like my soft plastics to spin in the water and jigs are usually fished to cover. I don't use a swivel on a jig because it tends to get caught up more.

Direct for me. Extra items = more chance of something going wrong.

always direct

plus I have seen more snaps fail than I have properly tied knots

I tie directly to all my lures. Polymar knot is quick and easy once you learn it. Also very strong.