I don't treat heavier lures any different than a lighter ones, loopknot for me.  I have used duolocks in the past without incident, don't think they inhibit lure movement.  I see people all the time using the cheapest of snap swivels without incident as well.  I prefer a clean set up without any extra hardware although I'm not convinced I catch any more fish than others doing differently.  I'm using 20# braid with 30# leader, I do not care to use wire.

Fishing both saltwater and freshwater everyday one thing I know for sure, whatever the knot of choice is tie it correctly.  I keep my knots real simple, they all work fine.

Could someone explain why swimbaits need a special knot?

No snaps or swivels, I tie direct. If the bait comes with a split ring, I tie to that. If it doesn't come with one, well, I don't use a split ring then!

Not every knot is ideal for heavier line. Some knots like a SDJ are actually designed I guess you can say for heavier line.

The reason I don't use FC line is it weakens under casting stress, both the knots and main line and is expensive to change out after a days fishing. Don't like braid for casting heavy swimbaits. What works is mono and the less expensive mono's are also large diameter compared to premium small diameter mono. You can either use and change the less expense line often or invest in small diameter premium mono like Defier and go up in lb test for a safe margin and change it less often....no panacea's.

Tie whatever knot you feel gives 100% knot strength and use 25 lb test line for the heavier expense lures.

Tom

Not every knot is ideal for heavier line. Some knots like a SDJ are actually designed I guess you can say for heavier line.

Exactly

I'm with deep on this one. I figure if they put a snap/split ring on the bait, it's because that's how it works best. They want you to catch fish so you'll buy more. I use a SDJ for most of my big bait fishing. 

I'm with deep on this one. I figure if they put a snap/split ring on the bait, it's because that's how it works best. They want you to catch fish so you'll buy more. I use a SDJ for most of my big bait fishing. 

I use lures just the way they come out of the package, don't add or subtract, even on spoons.  At one time I did, even added BB swivels to spoons, no more.

I don't use swimbaits per se, at times I use larger windcheater lures and on my surf rods I use 4oz spoons.  My knot selection based on objective, that being holding the lure as well as holding the fish, not the expense of the lure, although my waxwings are in the $20 area.  Using spinning with braid and leader (both mono & F/C), the loopknot is my choice.

I'm with deep on this one. I figure if they put a snap/split ring on the bait, it's because that's how it works best. They want you to catch fish so you'll buy more. I use a SDJ for most of my big bait fishing.

Yea I agree with that usually. But I still experiment to see what works for me. For example I don't like the split ring on my Deps but on S-Wavers I add a split ring.

Yea I agree with that usually. But I still experiment to see what works for me. For example I don't like the split ring on my Deps but on S-Wavers I add a split ring.

Thought about a split ring on my s wavers before. I tie to the ring on Deps. Keeps it fluid. Tied direct give an unnatural head nod

Thought about a split ring on my s wavers before. I tie to the ring on Deps. Keeps it fluid. Tied direct give an unnatural head nod

Well the thing with the Deps is I think I have a better feel for the head turns. Also when you use a ring from slack line or a stop to make it glide way out feel like it takes longer to get it to start gliding fully. When you first start up it doesn't glide fully because the ring isnt fully in contact yet.

Faster gear ratio will remedy the slow response at the beginning of your cast