What tends to work better, tying your line directly to the lure or using a snap swivel between the line and lure?  I've heard that tying directly on the lure gives the lure a more natural action but using a snap swivel is faster changing out lures if one isn't working and in some lure designs, it needed to prevent some serious line twist.  What method do you use?

Direct tie for hooks and single hook lures (jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits).

For most hard lures, a swivel is fine.

8-)

unless i am throwing an inline spinner for smallies i never ever use a snap swivel they make a lure have poor action especially top water lures because it causes them to sink slightly deeper than they are intended to causing them to have terrible action. Also you need to re-tie knots after you catch fish or the line starts to fray, so if you are depending on a snap swivel to not tie knots then that is just plain lazy. By the way how many pro anglers do you see using a snap swivel. The bottom line is get good at tying a knot you trust and take the time to tie that knot on any lure you use, it will pay of because you will catch more fish.

My preference is to tie directly to the lure. I use a loop knot for more action, especially on a slow retrieve, and the Trilene knot for a tighter wobble, or to keep the lure from "blowing out" on a fast retrieve.

On the clear waters that I fish, a snap swivel is definitely more visible and my catch rate went up when I got rid of them. They also tend to make the bait nose heavy. On a suspending jerkbait it ruins the action.

Snaps make changing lures easy, if a lure isnt working, but it will probably work if the snap is gone ;D

I use a swivel for flukes, and some crankbaits, but I use a leader to the lure to keep it from being nose heavy.

I use snaps, and I use swivels, but NEVER together.

Snap Swivels are for attaching weights to the line on a trolling rig. They just aren't robust enough for several jarring hooksets. They also foul the lure easily.

I tie direct for just about all single hook applications. For treble hooks, I remove the split ring on the bait, and use a Duo-loc snap. Use a Palomar knot to connect the snap. After each fish you catch, or every 5 or so casts, inspect the line and the knot. Retie as necessary.

For double fluke rigs, c-rigging, and other unweighted plastics, I will use a swivel.

I use a duo lock snap, NO SWIVEL; This is what I use , by Cabelas:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/standard-pod-wrapped.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat20293&rid=&indexId=cat20293&navAction=push&masterpathid=&navCount=1&parentType=index&parentId=cat20293&id=0011850

Berkeley and a few others make them also, I only recommend what I use.

A snap swivel caused 2 problems for me

On some lures: Like Original Floating Rapala and some cranks they altered the wobble of the lure

On some older ( especially wood) baits they seemed to hang up more easily on the rear treble hooks

These snaps do the job, let the lures action alone and they do not break

Lots of time my line is getting beat up from rocks or branches or something so I re-tie often and a snap swivel doesn't offer much to me except one more thing to scare the fish away!

I tie all of mine directly on. I save my swivels for C-riggin and my snap/swivels for bobber fishing!  8-)

When trowing crank baits i feel like the SNAPs give it a better wabble and the swivel will decrease the action. So if your ganna be throwing crank baits or traps i would go with a snaps. I dont throw swivels much cuase  i want the most out of every lure i throw

I retie my lures every time I switch (and if I dont switch I retie about every hour with crankbaits)  If I use a snap with crankbaits I will forget to retie it and end up losing the lure from bumping around in the rocks.

I tie.

i have better luck tying directly to the lure i use a palamer knot. i have my cranking rod and reel with 12lb flouro and i also tie this way for my jigs with braid

I agree with Muddy, I use the Duo Locks and I have not had a problem.