I’ve read a lot of sources on the snap vs. tying direct to split ring debate for cranks & jerkbaits. In the past I’ve always tied direct myself, but would like to experiment with snaps. Rather than removing the split ring on the baits, can they be left in place while adding a snap to the line tie next to it? Would this affect the baits action?

 

Joe

I imagine it would effect the action a little bit. Especially on suspending jerkbaits.  But I do it all of the time and still catch fish.  

 

Sometimes I tie directly, and sometimes I use a snap.  So I leave the split rings on all of the time.  Sometimes I attach the snap next to the split rings, and sometimes I attach it to the split rings itself.  I can't say that I've noticed a difference, but my water is very stained, so I can't say for sure how much difference there is.  Not enough for me to feel or notice by the number of bites, anyway.

I use VMC Touch Lok Snaps and snap them directly to the split ring.  They are low profile compared to normal snaps. I don't see them having any negative impact on the action of any baits that I throw.

14 minutes ago, Koz said:

I use VMC Touch Lok Snaps and snap them directly to the split ring.  They are low profile compared to normal snaps.

Thanks for the reply. I have the Duolock snaps. Is there much difference between the two?

3 minutes ago, 5/0 said:

Thanks for the reply. I have the Duolock snaps. Is there much difference between the two?

Yes. The Duolocks are a bit bulkier. I've fished with both and prefer the smaller, streamlined Touch Lok.

I removed the split rings from almost all my cranks/traps/jerks this past summer and have gone to small duo snaps and have no plans to go back. The ability to cycle through baits and colors in high percentage areas has produced so many more fish for me that I wouldn't have caught otherwise. They're so small that they don't effect the action at all.

 

The size of the snap makes more difference to me than where you snap the bait. A slightly bulkier snap really seems to get caught in everything. I snap to the split rings every time.