do you guys use any swivels or snaps when you are setting up your rods. i see a lot of people tieing the hook directly to the line in the picks on the forums.

Never use "hardware" when I'm bass fishing, unless the lure comes with one from the manufacturer ( like split rings on crankbaits). Learn to tie a couple of knots that would give you the most strenght & lure action. After you practice a bit, you will be able to tie knots as fast as if you would use "hardware". Anyhow, you need to check your line often knicks/freing(?sp) and cut a couple of ft to the fresh(er) line and retie your hook or lure.

Tight lines,Alex

Because I have a tremor problem, I use snaps on everything.  If I didn't, re-tying a knot could take me as long as fifteen minutes. :'(

I use Norman Speed Clips on all of my crankbaits.  I take the split rings off of the crankbait and hook the norman speed clip right on the eye.   You can get them at Bass Pro Shops and several other places.  I have never lost a fish because of the speed clip.  

I use snaps on almost all of my hardbaits.

I use the Norman speed clips wherever I can, too.

I only use swivels on jigging spoons.  I use snaps on cranks.  Everything else is tied directly to the bait.

Crankbaits get snaps.  Jigs, spinnerbaits, t-rigs, and c-rigs all get tied on.

what exactly is the benefit to the snaps on crankbait? is it because your constanly switching them, or because it gives the bait more freedom.

am wondering because now that i have some crank baits, and i plan on buying some more hard baits like that, i am thinking of getting some of the clips.

I use Norman speed clips because I can change crankbaits quickly.  When tournament fishing or fishing for fun I use a lot of crankbaits untill I find the right color, action, etc.  So I may switch several crankbaits in one day.

What if the world record bass was to hit your bait?

I always fish as if that lunker is gonna be calling.   With that said, the more ties, the more terminal tackle added, the better a chance of something failing me.

If at all possible, I keep it all simple.  

Matt

Yeah I agree with most of you guys. Cranks and jerks always get a snap. Never had one fail on me yet.

snaps on cranks and jerk baits.

quality snaps on most hardbaits

I have been using Duolock 20# snaps the past month or so based on a friends advice for all hardbaits and love them. Never had an issue. Anyone use use the duolock?

I retie enough that snaps/swivels are pointless for me- I always tie to a split ring on hard baits except the ones that are designed for the snaps- like a luhr jensen, and I still retie like I am obsessive compulsive LOL- acutally I always check the line for any abrassion but find it a lot

I like snaps for almost all of my hardbaits for two reasons:

1. Quick changing.  I don't care how fast you are at tying knots, no one can tie a knot faster than he can switch lures with a snap.

2. I don't like tying line directly to split rings because I'm always worried that the sharp edges will fray/cut the line.  

If you do hook into a world record and you break off at the snap, your drag was set too tight.

$0.02

Preference is to keep it simple and tie directly to the hook/lure - that't the fly fisherman in me - but do prefer to limit as many "connections" as I can.  However,   if I only have a limited amount of time I can spend on the water, will put on a snap so that I can quickly change out lures.  Keep several fluoro leaders made up with 1/0 - 3/0 hooks in case want to the throw a worm or two and can leave the snap on.

Eddie

I like to use a quality snap on most of my crankbaits and jerkbaits.  I re-tie often still due to nicks in the line, but it seems to give the bait a little more freedom to move.  I use Evergreen snaps BTW.