Snaps and Split Rings

[Ice Cold Peanuts]

I like using a snap when I throw a crankbait, trap or a jerk bait. These all come with a split ring. Do I want to remove the split ring and just go with the snap? Is there too much hardware when using both at the same time? Would the action be reduced if I only use the snap?

[BassmanRudy]

I just use the clip part.

[Smallie_Stalker]

Some people use both but most will use one or the other.

I personally take the split ring off as soon as I open the bait. To fish it I prefer Norman Speed Clips because they are round like a split ring giving you the same action, but they open very easily like a snap. To me it's the best of both worlds.

If you use a snap like a cross-lock snap you are changing the action some  because of the shape of the snap.

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[Ice Cold Peanuts]

Understood. Thanks guys.

[Larry Francis]

I also use the snap on MOST. One thing you will need to look at is some crank baits the hoop is set deep into the bill and this makes a snap almost impossible to get on. In those instances I tie on the split ring directly.

Also there are some baits that this will greatly effect the action. The one I know that it makes a big difference in the action is the Spook. I tie directly onto a spook as it makes the walk the dog action way better.

Just a couple things to consider when doing this.

[Smallie_Stalker]

I also use the snap on MOST. One thing you will need to look at is some crank baits the hoop is set deep into the bill and this makes a snap almost impossible to get on. In those instances I tie on the split ring directly.

Also there are some baits that this will greatly effect the action. The one I know that it makes a big difference in the action is the Spook. I toe directly onto a spook as it makes the walk the dog action way better.

Just a couple things to consider when doing this.

You bring up a good point about the Spook Larry. I tie most topwaters directly with no ring or snap almost exclusively. Sometimes I will tie a jerkbait, crankbait or lipless crank this way also. 

On baits like a Spook or a popper I agree it makes them easier to walk.



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[Capt. BassinLou]

Yes sir,,,, all of my walking baits have a split ring on them.

[Smallie_Stalker]

Yes sir,,,, all of my walking baits have a split ring on them.

Even your frogs?


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[Capt. BassinLou]

Yes sir,,,, all of my walking baits have a split ring on them.

Even your frogs?


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No sir. Just hard walking baits.

[Smallie_Stalker]

Yes sir,,,, all of my walking baits have a split ring on them.

Even your frogs?


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No sir. Just hard walking baits.

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[Larry Francis]

Yes sir,,,, all of my walking baits have a split ring on them.

Even your frogs?


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No sir. Just hard walking baits.

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Frogs HOP !

[D.W. Verts]

Wow. Old guy here.

I use split rings (round or the new "oval" ones) on all of my crank and jerkbaits. I would NEVER throw a Zara Spook without a #3 snap, #2's on smaller walking baits like a Chug Bug. And I use a heavy #3 split ring on all of my frogs too. Just, wow.

Getting to be an older guy. And I reckon it shows.

Dale

[Ice Cold Peanuts]

Well, I guess it's a personal preference then.

[Princeton_Man]

Well, I guess it's a personal preference then.

Try it both ways and decide for yourself. I use the Norman Lures Speed Clips which are a bit like a split ring with a handle and I prefer removing the split rings and attaching directly to the bait. First, it's much easier than attaching to a split ring. Second, the weight and action of my cranks and jerks are unchanged.


The Norman Lures Speed Clips aren't for everyone. Some love them while others can't seem to master them. You should pick up a pack and compare them to snaps.

[Donald Garner]

I use Split Rings on all my crankbaits.  When I throw a frog I tie directly to the bait itself.  I tried using those Speed Clips for a season but gave up on them. 

I have FAT FINGERS and had Operator Headspace and Timing issues using them 

[Larry Francis]

Wow. Old guy here.

I use split rings (round or the new "oval" ones) on all of my crank and jerkbaits. I would NEVER throw a Zara Spook without a #3 snap, #2's on smaller walking baits like a Chug Bug. And I use a heavy #3 split ring on all of my frogs too. Just, wow.

Getting to be an older guy. And I reckon it shows.

Dale

I am sure it is a personal preference. If you are catching fish then keep on doing it. I have said it before " Fishing is about confidence in what you are doing"

[D.W. Verts]

Larry, that's as true of a statement as anyone could ever make.

Dale

[Kal-Kevin]

I use clips on most hard bait, but found out some clips will not hold up to the jerk baits action of some baits. I know the round end of the speed clip is nice and act like a split ring but for some reason as I jerk the bait it would come off the speed clip. The only thing I have been able to figure out is each time you jerk on the bait it would open the ring a touch till it caught enough to move around the ring part and come off. I use the ones that look like a baby pin style since nothing comes off them even a big pike can not bend them enough to come lose.

[coldfront]

I tie directly onto a spook as it makes the walk the dog action way better.

direct tie or loop knot?

[Larry Francis]

I tie directly to the Hoop. On the Spook type baits I have found that a split ring or a snap will actually lessen the swinging back and forth. It is simple to test. Try it both ways when you are walking the dog with it, and you will see that direct will make it swing back and forth further. It is a substantial difference.

I also like the action better on my Splash it's. (Pop R style baits)

My point of me saying this was to simply make people aware of the difference the action creates. Some may say it does not matter and some  say it does. My OCD says it does and I am stickin with that. LOL

[Oldfart9999]

I use Cross Lok on cranks, sometimes on jerks, Pop Rs and spooks I tie direct and tight. The only reason I switch up with jerks depends on what I'm doing.
Rodney

[Hobious]

I just bought a bunch of Teckle Kicknockers to hand out as gift for an upcoming fishing camping trip.  I am flying in, so I didnt prep food or drinks, etc.  so I am bringing gifts.   these dudes will not drop $20 on a Japanese topwater.  I did it for them.

I was so bummed to see that that lure didnt have a split ring or snap...for $20?  wow.  I bought some ovals and slipped them on.  my eyes are getting to the point ovals are a pain.  rounds are easier for me.

rings on all hard topwaters for me.  well, not the popper.  but maybe I should.

[Oldfart9999]

Yes sir,,,, all of my walking baits have a split ring on them.

I've found times when tying direct to slow down the swing works better, takes a bit of experimenting.
Rodney