There has got to be a better solution for using a snap with a spinnerbait than a little dental rubber band. I’m referring of course to keeping the snap from sliding down the spinnerbait wire, to date I’ve been putting a small rubber band on the tie point but they always pop off.

There is. 

If you insist on using a snap,

the twisted wire arm type baits are really your only option.

Or you could just give in, and tie directly to the bait.

You know, like a real bass fisherman.

A-Jay

 

Split ring, wrapping opening with braid or some type of tubing. Split ring has to big enough to go over R bend and small enough that it won't go over your split ring. Braid needs to be tied/wrapped. Doesn't take a lot of effort but still an extra step. I grabbed some old tubing from work years ago and I like that the best.

I always tie directly.  There is zero benefit to using snaps, swivels, or split rings regarding the action of the bait.  They just collect weeds.

2 minutes ago, Glenn said:

I always tie directly.  There is zero benefit to using snaps, swivels, or split rings regarding the action of the bait.  They just collect weeds.

Who said it was for improving the action? It’s obviously for being able to quickly and easily switch between baits when trying to find a pattern.

Some of my spinnerbaits are the discontinued terminator brand and they require a direct tie.

 

I will occasionally use a duo lock snap when I’m crank bait fishing. That’s about it though.

23 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

There is. 

If you insist on using a snap,

the twisted wire arm type baits are really your only option.

Or you could just give in, and tie directly to the bait.

You know, like a real bass fisherman.

A-Jay

 

Well when you’re on moving water in a kayak with only 4 setups and need to quickly switch presentations before being blown out of a hole, or are simply going through the motions of trying to figure out what they want you don’t always have the luxury of tying direct.

I understand what the OP is getting at here. Not everyone has 15 setups ready to go. So when the requirement to swiftly switch colors or similar lures, a snap becomes a benefit. See my example above when switching crank baits frequently.

 

But it may be at the expense of losing action in some lures, snagging on weeds, or sliding down the frame of an open framed spinnerbait.

 

2 minutes ago, gim said:

I understand what the OP is getting at here. Not everyone has 15 setups ready to go. So when the requirement to swiftly switch colors or similar lures, a snap becomes a benefit. See my example above when switching crank baits frequently.

 

But it may be at the expense of losing action in some lures, snagging on weeds, or sliding down the frame of an open framed spinnerbait.

 

Exactly, I’m on my kayak with 4-5 rigs max, 2 spinning 2 casting. 

20 minutes ago, ohioguy25 said:

Well when you’re on moving water and need to quickly switch presentations before being blown out of a hole, or are simply going through the motions of trying to figure out what they want you don’t always have the luxury of tying direct.

Every type of bass fishing has challenges and compromises. 

When it's important to us and when we know what they are,

sometimes we are able to set ourselves up to fish more effectively in advance.

Could be looked at like a luxury.

I am certain that this is one of those same situations.

For instance, 'when' you chose to retie, could make a big difference.

Sounds like earlier is better than later when it come to drifting up to a potential big fish holding spot or area.

Or you could use an anchor.

Good Luck

A-Jay

 

 

Casting gear will slow down drifting up the wire but I have very preferred spinnerbaits and prefer direct tie.

Kinda expensive but a VMC .002 crossover ring will prevent drifting if you want to change out baits.

I was a "professional backseater" for 12 years, fishing over 200 tournaments.  I carried about 5 rods most of the time. Still, I always tied directly to spinnerbaits, and have caught thousands of bass on spinnerbaits over the decades.  

 

However I've only drifted a few times - still caught 'em on spinnerbaits - but I don't much experience from a kayak.

 

Now an inflatable raft, on the other hand....  

To answer your question......I use a VERY small piece of heat shrink tubing and compress the spinnerbait slightly while heating shrink tubing and until it cools.

Just use a piece big enough to not cover the eye of the R-bend.

Figure eight and twist the ends of a small wire at the tie.  A bread bag tie works fine, but the twist ties manufacturers use to secure their products in the packaging are even better.

 

Of all the solutions listed here, I like heat shrink the best.  However, I would cover the eye, shrink, and then poke a hole.  

I use small rings made for attaching leaders for some saltwater applications.  The ring slides over the R bend, and then use a regular snap to connect the spinnerbait to your line.  Not only does this let you use a snap, but it keeps the line from sliding down the wire.  Your spinnerbait will last much longer if the line doesn't slide down the wire.  I lost a couple of monster bass from the line sliding down the wire causing the wire to straighten out, and the line to get caught in the spinnerbait clevis. After that I use closed wire forms as much as possible, but still have many R bends.  I haven't had a bass break a spinnerbait since I started using the ring and snap method.  Of course the spinnerbaits still get bent and replaced, but not as often.  I also use the same rod for crankbaits as spinnerbaits.  Using a snap on this rod makes changing baits much faster.  I'm very good at tying knots, but when the wind is blowing 30 MPH and my kayak is drifting all over the place, sure is nice to be able to use a snap. 

 

Pre-rig your spinnerbait with a short leader that ends in a loop knot.

I wrap the R with braid then cover it with shrink tubing.  Additionally it keeps the wire from deforming when boating a fish thus increasing the life of the bait.

 

On my buzzbaits I use skirt tying wire for the same reason Jig Man noted above- when you boat flip them or they tangle in the net the wire deforms a lot less and you get them running true faster.  You could do the same if you really wanted to use a snap.  Or you could just tie direct.  It takes 10 seconds to tie a knot.  Or if a spinnerbait is the limiting factor, then just put one on a rod and leave it there.  use the other 4 rods to swap around baits.  Sure, there is always a solution to something, but maybe there is also a better way.  

13 hours ago, Hoosierman said:

To answer your question......I use a VERY small piece of heat shrink tubing and compress the spinnerbait slightly while heating shrink tubing and until it cools.

Just use a piece big enough to not cover the eye of the R-bend.

 

X2

13 hours ago, Hoosierman said:

To answer your question......I use a VERY small piece of heat shrink tubing and compress the spinnerbait slightly while heating shrink tubing and until it cools.

Just use a piece big enough to not cover the eye of the R-bend.

I read that this eventually can work it’s way off as well, no?

Two wraps of 20ga wire, easy & durable.

 

I typically always run snaps on my spinnerbaits.  Never really had an issue.  If the lure fouls, I just give it a jiggle or two and it corrects itself and away I go fishing again.

Shrink wrap, perhaps? 

Not sure if it's a better option, but I use some small diameter copolymer line and a drop of super glue.