Got my first one in the mail from Tackle Warehouse the other day. I was surprised to see no split ring on the front of the bait. I didn't feel like I should tie directly to the front of the bait but I couldn't imagine my $25 wouldn't include a split ring if it didn't need one. I didn't want to use a loop knot because I have little confidence in the strength of loop knots (not a good thing with an expensive bait on the line). I ended up using a tiny snap and didn't have any problem catching fish and it seemed to have plenty of action. So what do you guys do with this bait?

Yeah, same here. I just got 3 from TW and none of them had split rings. All of my others, which I bought locally, had split rings from the factory. So obviously they changed something. Pretty cheesy for a $25 bait to cut corners like that. I just added split rings to them.

I have 2 and they both came with split rings.

All the ones I have came with a split ring. Must be something with the newest models. Seems like there are always differences between years or batches...

I just got mine from Tackle Warehouse in the Fall and it had a split ring, the almost rectangular split ring.

Hmm...Just a glitch, mine all have split rings. I don't think it's a big deal.

I had to go look, I've got a few new in box yet. All have rings except an Ito TN Shad.

Alright I guess maybe it's something they changed then or maybe just a mishap. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to do something to kill the action on my bait. I love the package on this bait though. A sheet of $100 bills for a background? Just a nice little reminder how much they cost I guess .