Do you use a snap, swivel, clip, split ring, something similar/different or straight to the swimbait?  I'm mostly talking about smaller-medium swimbaits less than 2 oz.  If you do what kind and what size?

Thanks!

When I use a snap it's Berkley Cross Loc, size 3 for crankbaits, smaller swimbaits, size 6 for the heavier swimbaits 2 to 8 oz. the cross loc will not open from big fish biting on it or come open by mistake, if you snap the clip properly!

Tom

I use standard locking snap swivels on my all my plastics/C rigs. With all my crankbaits/topwater lures I use the ball bearing locking snap swivels for the smoother side to side movement. It gives the solid body lures a little more wiggle too.

Soft swimbait or hard swimbait?

I cant comment about the paddle tail tubes like the Basstrix. When it comes to what I call "real swimbaits" in general they perform best the way the bait maker sends them out. If they don't have a snap. don't put one on. If they do have a snap leave it on.

I cant comment about the paddle tail tubes like the Basstrix. When it comes to what I call "real swimbaits" in general they perform best the way the bait maker sends them out. If they don't have a snap. don't put one on. If they do have a snap leave it on.

In general, I agree with you, that goes for crankbaits too.  Sometimes swimbaits come in packaging where snaps are used to secure the bait in the package.  It can be hard to tell what the bait maker had in mind.  

I generally agree with Matt on this, the maker knows his lure and wants you to catch fish with it! You can however upgrade snaps. The exception being I don't like snap swivels, too heavy, too long and too obvious to the fish.

I also use snaps on Huds at times, black color cross-locs, because the hook eye is often covered with plastic and I can tie a more reliable knot and like the action with a strong light weight snap.

Tom

I use a snap on baits I intend on "working"

 

If fishing like a jig or a straight retrieve, I tie direct.

Ive been using mostly oval shaped split rings. Keeps the line from sliding into the split. 

Thanks for the input guys, sounds like it's almost a personal preference.  Although i like the thought of how it comes is how it's supposed to be fished....

I have been using Bouz split rings for awhile now.  Started using them for my saltwater applications but they work great for my freshwater swimbaits:

 

I'm interested in these, where did you get them?  Are they large enough to go on the huge rings of some swimbaits?  I use oval split rings on all my crankbaits and would like to put them on some of my hard swimbaits.  I bought a pack of the Worth Power Oval Split Rings but I still had trouble getting them on some baits without deforming.