Should you use snap swivels with fishing lures? Underwater lure test
2021 ж. 21 Қар.
1 126 653 Рет қаралды
Are snap swivels good for fishing? Snaps and snap swivels have been used by fishermen for decades. Some love them, others hate them. They allow you to quickly change lures, but have some negative effects too. We review the pros and cons of using snaps and snap swivels, and test their effects on lure action and appearance underwater by using several crankbaits.
#crankbait
#snapswivel
#fishingbasics
#bassfishing
Quality content. Straightforward examples and explanations with awesome and very helpful underwater shots. Love your videos
Thanks for the comment! More to come!
Agree
I do this myself, @@FishingwithNat, due to using wire traces a lot. To give the lures more freedom to work their action properly, I usually attach at least a split ring to attach to the lure to the snap link/swivel. Finally, the reason I keep using them is that I fish waters where pike are plentiful, and the snap link/swivel is simply the business end of my wire trace. I currently find the FOX RAGE ones the handiest to buy and use; I did like the DAM EFZETTE traces in the lighter breaking strain weights, but my local/regular tackle shop stopped stocking them...
@@NobleKorhedron That makes good sense. Thanks for sharing.
There are so many myths in fishing and this is one of them. Swivels are great and there's no need to go without one. I even use steel leaders and I catch a bunch of different type of fish. I even use damaged or bent leaders and they catch fish. I use damaged lures that have lost their original action and I still catch a ton of fish. People think fishing is a high detail sport where every single thing matters. It doesn't.
Marling Baits on KZhead put hooks on a block of wood and caught fish. People definitely over-think fishing. They're not so picky.
@@BornIn1500 Exactly!
I've used a piece of soap as a lure. If the fish are biting they will hit anything
Sure when they are biting almost anyone with a decent rig can catch… when they are finicky that every little bit matters…
@@barry8458 There's no way for you to know what variable it is when they are finicky. How do you know if the fish wants a steel leader instead of a fluorocarbon leader? How do you know if the fish wants a snap swivel or no snap swivel? The fish might as well bite better on a steel leader and a snap swivel instead of no swivel an a fluorocarbon leader. The fish might want a braided line instead of a nylon or a fluorocarbon line. So yeah, while it MIGHT matter, there's absolutely no way for you to know what part matters and what combo matters which I would conclude to "use what you like best because you'll never know what the fish likes". Fishing is very time and place sensitive. What worked 30 minutes ago doesn't work now and what worked today won't tomorrow.
Pretty much tend to use snaps/swivels 80% of the time. Mainly for convenience of the quick change & reducing twists. The thing I never understood about the ctritism of 'changing the look of the lure" is that no one ever seems to mention the 2-3 big treble hooks hanging below the body of a lure having any effect on a fish's interpretation of the presentation. If they'll hit on replica minnow bait like a Rapala with unatural things (hooks) hanging off their body I don't see how something smaller like a snap would discourage a strike. Just thinking out loud here, if anyone has an reason/opinion I'm open to thoughts. 👍
I agree. Or the giant plastic lip sticking off of the front. I do think a snap or snap swivel can have a significant impact on the appearance if it is too large for the lure, or used on something like a simple jighead. But something bulky like a crankbait has plenty of unnatural things going on already and they work just fine.
Lures are decorated for people, not fish. If bass will bite a square block of wood with hooks hanging off it (marlingbaits did it 🤣) then the snap swivel wont affect any lure. It all comes down to how YOU fish it, personal preference, so shut up and cast already! Youre down a fish because youre taking too much time changing out!! 🤪👍 I guess its easier to blame the lure than it is the one using it 🤔🤣
@@halkael2317 I will say that I agree to a certain point. Saltwater, you're dead on, you can paint them rainbow if it tickles your fancy, the fish don't care because it still looks like food. Mucky/dark water color plays a part though. Try salmon fishing the Puyallup river in Peirce County, Washington state with a lure the same color as the water, you won't have much luck. Switch to pink/orange or chartreuse/orange though and you'll think the stars have aligned.
do u know anyway to setup a dropshot with snap swivels or attach weights to a texas rig?
@@jacobmoore6874don't ever please, even if new to fishing, I recommend using the Palomar and uni knot, east and Hella strong, also if you are using a combo that came with line, change it out because the line will not want to cooperate with you and will be finicky, so I use solely braid, good luck!
When they're biting almost anything works and when they're not, almost nothing works
That does seem to be true sometimes!
Truer words have not been said
THANKS! I switched away from snap swivels many years ago because everyone said they effect the action of crankbaits negatively! After watching your video testing I'm going back. More casts, more fish! Thank you!
I enjoy the convenience of snaps and the extra time spent fishing!
Thanks for your video on snap swivels, I used them quite often years ago and I stopped thinking they changed the appearance of the lure. After your video and seeing them in action in the water I am going back to snap swivels. Thanks
This past summer, I found it very convenient to change through multiple lures/hooks all day with one pre-tied Mustad Duo Snap (size 0). It is small enough to be inconspicuous yet plenty strong at 58 lbs rating. Ref MA028-BN
I like the idea of a small snap too (30-50lb rating). We rarely use line heavier than 20# except when punching mats for bass or targeting flathead catfish so those small snaps are fine for us.
@@FishingwithNat I’m looking to avoid line twist on my 60mm whopper plopper. I just got my first fishing pole and haven’t even spooled it yet. It’s a *Shimano Nasci 2500 spinning reel with Shimano Sellus 7.1 Med/fast action.* I’m doing a lot of research on KZhead and have obviously learned a lot. I’m starting with light topwater lures as a beginner running straight 8/lb mono. My question is to avoid line twist… would these be better than changing to the high quality SPro swivel setup? Also, if that style is better I’ve noticed Amazon has a 50/pack of the SPro style swivels and wondering if those would hold up enough, as I plan on buying more topwater lures and I think swivel setup mod’s would be best for my inexperience to avoid line twist. Are these better than the Spro’s in terms of strength or are the SPro the way to go to avoid losing an expensive lure
@@greg6162 Whopper Ploppers don't generally spin around unless you're moving them too fast over the water, so they should not give you a line twist problem. A swivel can cause problems on topwater baits because they can make the front end too heavy. I'd suggest just direct-tying to your Plopper without a swivel. That said, if you are in an area where you might catch a pike or musky by accident, you will want to have a fluoro or steel leader so they don't bite you off. In that case you can tie a joining knot like an FG or a double uni, or use a swivel to join the line to the leader.
My favorite, the best snaps ever!👏👏
@@greg6162 you will get twisting. I would run a snap swivel. As soon as you turn the handle and don't get line back on your spool it will twist. (Winding when the fish is running is the perfect example) basic physics really. The only time I don't run a swivel is on braid as it has next to no memory and can absorb the twists to a certain extent. monofilament (nylon) has memory and does not.
I realize that this video has some time on it, but as a new fisherman, with a young son, we’re both kinda learning together. This video answered a lot of questions that I had about using “helpful” devices to make our fishing experience easier and better. I’ve been told a few times that it really hurts your chances of catching fish, but as a newer fisherman, I don’t want to spend half the day cutting the line and rebooking up another line (again and again). You have a new subscriber, sir. Thank you for this info!
Thanks. Spending time switching baits is a good way to make your kid bored! Snaps can be so helpful for that. You might like our How to Teach a Kid How to Fish video kzhead.info/sun/Zpiliq1or6aEnGw/bejne.html and Beginner's Guide to Buying Fishing Gear kzhead.info/sun/pcyhcrSGjIqPnKs/bejne.html . Good luck - I hope you both catch some giants! It's a blast watching my young kids catch big ones.
When I'm fishing saltwater in my kayak where I can only have two or three rods, the ability to adapt and change quickly is essential. I used to be totally against snap swivels but they have made my life so much easier and being able to adjust to different depths while trolling for grouper is absolutely incredible
Agreed. I still usually bring 5-6 rods in my kayaks but I still like the convenience of snaps, especially for trolling crankbaits.
Where do you guys fish out of?
@@joeprimal2044 Mostly Wisconsin and Minnesota.
@@FishingwithNat Thanks. I'm stuck out here in Commiefornia. Enjoy you day.
My girlfriend was a grouper so I hope that was not meant to be demeaning.
I'm delighted that your channel came up as a recommendation for me. Subscribed! Your underwater cinematography is particularly excellent. Your point about making things easier with kids is spot on. I find there's a lot of parental intervention needed no matter what; but less is obviously better than more. (I took my kids bank fishing yesterday, and between tying rigs for them, untangling bird's nests, unhooking fish, and getting hooks down from trees, I barely had a moment to drop my own line in!)
You got that right. When I take kids fishing for the first few times, I usually leave my own gear at home. I end up plenty busy just keeping things going for the kids.
Also, several of our latest videos are packed with underwater footage that you might enjoy. Such as kzhead.info/sun/mL6Hc6yqnpWDZGw/bejne.html and kzhead.info/sun/hJSwmtOXh2WQpIU/bejne.html
@@FishingwithNatcycle of life, and all that
Great explanation. 95 percent of the videos on my channel I’m using snap swivels and I do a lot of squid fishing. Changing colours fast with small bite/feeding windows is essential not only with squid but with fish to see what colours sizes they are responding to. Nice work again on this video
Agreed. Thanks
Very well done videos. All I’ve seen have been excellent. Clear, concise, and very informative with great under water footage that shows how the bait is working.
Thank you
Well done video. This is a subject that is always debated and it's nice to see the action of the baits so clearly.
Thanks
When youre using snap with cranks, get rid of split ring. Producers keep those for people not using snaps, mostly not in europe(where its very common). So simply: line to crank - use ring between; snap to crank - get rid of the ring as it will affect the work of the lure. I got this knowledge from Salmo owner, who was designing lures for years.
Thanks for the tip. Salmos are great.
My grandad loved fishing snappers and tuna, he passed away when I was a kid, I never got to watch him reel one of those monsters in. I found his old tackle and it’s a bunch a new hooks, snaps, and swivels, it looks like that’s all he used. I never knew such an item existed. Very convenient, but I don’t always fish with a snap on, recently I’ve just been tying knots. I’m trying to notice a difference. Nice video 👍🏽
Snaps and swivels have their place, but aren't always the best option. Thanks for the comment - I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Thank you for sharing this! We have been showing your video to help others understand proper usage of swivels :)
Great - thanks for sharing it with others.
Glad you did this video. Recently lost the vision in my left eye and struggling with knots. The side by side demonstration you did shows me I'll be ok putting on a snap swivel before I leave the house and if something happens while I'm out I can tie a new one on in a shady area and be good to go. I cant do that with knots. Thank you.
Snaps are really valuable for times when knot-tying is difficult. That could be from a vision issue, shaky hands, cold fingers, etc. I'm glad the video was helpful to you - thanks for the comment.
Good point on the straightening out drawback. Caught a 10lb pike while fishing for smaller species this summer on a setup that included a light snap swivel. Barely got it in the boat as the snap was almost completely pulled off. My knot was in perfect shape. I still use snap swivels all the time for convenience but only use heavier duty ones. The slight performance issues with some lures is worth it.
I would agree. I use snaps a lot but they need to be strong enough to handle the gear you are using and the type of fish you are after.
Underrated channel. Keep up the good work!
Thanks!
Your video really makes sense when it comes to using top water lures. I never thought the weight wouls pull it down enough. Thanks for the insite..
Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks.
Thanks for the straightforward info. Can be overwhelming trying to figure out what’s relevant.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment.
I was really excited to see this vid as I fish with a snap swivel and have always wondered if there was a difference. With the snap only all 3 lures seemed to flick back and forth a little slower than either of the other set ups. The straight tie and snap swivel set ups seemed to work about the same. It was certainly close enough to convince me to keep using the snap-swivels on everything but topwater. One thing I will mention, I've also often wondered if having that metal snap swivel somehow alerts/spooks the fish enough to hesitate and not bite. If it could be done in a somewhat scientific way, I would love to see a video that managed to compare the strike rate of fish on the same lure each set up in these different ways.
I cut off the extra part and just use the hook makes it smaller, I’ve never had a problem doing that
A fish hitting a lure wont notice if anything the extra sound will trigger them more they are hitting on motion and sound most the time anyways alot of people that troll walleys use tin weights instead of lead for this reason they click louder off rocks on the bottom
@@TheGoodOlBoyzChannel I've often thought about trying it cause I also feel like there could be advantages to not having the swivel part simply due to the fact that whatever you snap on truly will act like it's tied straight to the line since it can't freely rotate anymore. Actually after thinkin n typing this out I believe I will give it a shot lol.
Yeah, I think the extra noise or flash from the metal may actually increase strikes.
I look at things like underspins, spinnerbaits, and chatterbaits and suddenly a tiny snap doesn't seem like much extra hardware to affect the appearance of the lure or spook it away. Those baits have all kinds of junk sticking out and they still catch fish.
Great video, I found it interesting that the snap/swivel made the lure action faster than the snap on its own. I figured the added weight of the swivel would slow down the lure.
Yeah. Crankbaits are pretty highly tuned, so it's interesting how the extra bulk/weight can impact a bait in different ways.
Helpful video! I've been moving back towards swivels, especially when I'm expecting aggressive or reaction strikes vs. finesse fishing.
I agree - good plan
I use a no8 snap swivel for feeder fishing no probs handy for changing rigs quickly
Quality content! I really like ur flow of thoughts and demonstration. keep up the excellent work. 👍🏻
Thanks - glad you enjoyed it!
Great quality underwater shots!
Thanks Lee!
Thank you for that demonstration, it was quite informative! IMO, after watching this, it would seem that swivels or snap swivels are good to go in every situation but with the floating lure, it seemed to swim somewhat more "nose-down" with the swivel than without.
Definitely. And some swivels/snap swivels are heavier than others, so how much they throw the lure off balance can vary.
I think this would also vary from lure to lure depending on size. If it's a small swivel on a very buoyant lure, you'd expect the upward tension on the line to more than cancel out the effect.
@@urusledge Yeah I would agree. I tend to use the lightest swivels and snaps I can find with this effect in mind (as long as the snap strength rating is still appropriate)
I always wondered about the action when using a snap or swivel your underwater video was. 👍 great.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the video. We just did another video comparing snaps, split rings, loop knots, and more with lots of underwater footage: kzhead.info/sun/oLaMmKptq4uDd6c/bejne.html
Hi NAT Thank you for the posting of this video. Appreciate your efforts and insights
Thanks for the feedback. Glad you enjoyed this video.
I just found your channel. The lure video was recommended. Great content!! I got a lot out of the swivel video, too, as I use swivels on the majority of poles. Would you possibly do a video on the different types of hooks/sizes? Maybe one on sinkers, too?
Both of those are on my list. I'm working on 5 other videos at the current time but I'll get there! Thanks for the suggestion and the comment.
It definitely looks like the lures move differently, with the snap swivel looking closer to the direct tie than the snap alone, which looked to slow down the action of the lure quite a bit. Really interesting stuff, thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks for the observations!
Kinda noticed that too, but I’m thinking.. it didn’t do too much to the action. Yeah it’s somewhat of a trade off but I mainly stopped using them because I use a lot of topwater and lightweight baits that would suffer from having the weight of the snap or swivel. But I’m probably gonna go back to using them for other things.
I have a child who’s interested in fishing. Using a snap swivel for his set up is a great idea. Thank you for the idea!
Or at least a snap. It doesn't necessarily need to be a snap swivel. Either one will allow for quick and easy lure changes without tying knots.
Thank you! I had no idea what these were! Great knowledge and tips!
Thank you.
nice view, very informative! happy fishing!
Thank you and happy fishing!
I use a snap swivel for everything! I even use it to tie my leader to my main line. It's easy and I don't have line twists. I use a loop knot at the start end of leader to connect to snap swivel that's tied to end of main line. 👍
Interesting. Thanks for the comment.
I use a plain barrel swivel between main line and leader
@@linh811 Me too if I'm using a bait that produces a lot of twist like an inline spinner or a spoon.
Linh and Nat: I have 5 go to rod/reels with snap swivel ready to load my leaders that is 1 foot in length with a small loop knot that is tied to my jigs, swimb baits, wacky rigs, TX rigs, Carolina rigs, jerkbaits, swimbaits, chatterbaits, poppers, crankbaits, etc and stored in my tackle box. I can change out my baits and quickly to continue fishing. It works as I still can catch bass, which I target. It really is a time saver for me. Try it, you will be surprised and satisfied, like I was...
@@paules0099 I always have several rods ready to go with a swivel from my braid to fluoro leader, and a snap on the other end ready to quickly switch between baits. I direct-tie some baits, but I use snaps quite often.
Very informative video...I never really used any of these when using lures and I probably should start...thanks for the video and the explanations
Thanks - glad you found it helpful!
Your underwater footage is great comparing the snaps with the direct tied lures. I'll be subscribing and checking out your other videos!
Thanks William. I think you would also like the underwater footage in our recent "All About Crankbaits" video kzhead.info/sun/hJSwmtOXh2WQpIU/bejne.html
There was no difference 😂
@@robertlane370 I think most baits tend to have a strong enough action that they are pretty much unaffected by snaps and even snap swivels. The bigger difference is the change in appearance with a large snap swivel added in.
The snaps I like to use are the paperclip shaped and you don't have to unclip it. Very nice for older ones with arthritis that can't tie knots anymore or fiddle with a tiny snap to unhook it. You just maneuver the eye of the bait around they bend and it comes off. I caught a 34" redfish on them and no failure and I used a 3/8oz Rebbel pop r without it hindering the functionality of the bait.
Great tip - thanks for sharing
Sounds handy. Got a link for some?
The other day I thought I'd try the snap swivel, my buddy said it was a bad idea that the fish would see it (pretty clear water) but I insisted saying that I'd use the torpedo and keep the snap swivel out of the water. I know its against protocol, but I was the only one who caught that day. lol. After watching this video, I'll probably be a little more selective. Thanks!! (update after finishing, I won't use snap again in these cases. That thing really stands out in the video!
Snap swivels definitely can stand out a lot. It's a tool worth using at some times and not others.
If fish aren’t bothered by the sight of giant treble hooks hanging from many lures, they’re not even noticing the presence of a snap or swivel.
@@JoshuaStevensMaps I would agree. There are some small spinners and things that are impacted more than large crankbaits or something, but in general I think the snap or swivel has a pretty minimal effect.
why not tie your lure directly to the line, and tie the snap swivel 12-16 inches from your lure? then tie to your reel line directly or snap on to a swivel
@@ssj4cronoA lot of people tie swivels further up the line to keep the lure looking and acting as natural as possible, or add a leader to the bait this way. Tying a snap swivel up the line isn't commonly done to my knowledge, although some people will tie a bit of line and a loop knot on all of their lures and tie a snap or split ring to the main line. Then they can quickly swap out lures but avoid adding any extra hardware directly in front of the lures.
great video!!! i've been using them for yrs. based on ur comments and examples... i'll keep usimg them 👍
Thanks. Glad you found it useful.
omg dude all your videos and tests are so good holy crap
Thanks for the nice comment. More to come!
yah I’ve had the snap straighten out on me but I still prefer the straight wire snaps because they are easier. And yes sometimes they do mess up the lure action but that is when you cut them off and then tie them back on, later on.
Interesting. Thanks for the comment.
I bought some small barrel swivel with safety snaps today so I can interchange lures in 10 seconds instead of 10 minutes. And the fact that I even searched for and watched this actually make me feel like I know what I'm doing. 🤣😀
The speed at which you can switch lures is a huge benefit to snaps and snap swivels. I especially appreciate that when the air and water are cold - less time that I need to have my gloves off.
You earned my subscription and like due to quick concise thoughtful information!!! I had this same Thought while I was fishing two weeks ago in the kelp beds with a spoon
Glad you found it useful! Thanks.
Good video. Very helpful. As a general rule I will use snaps for crank baits. But never for soft plastics or top water lures. But this just confirms that they are great for crank baits. Thank you for posting this.
Same here - I don't use them for soft plastics or topwater baits either. I almost always use them with cranks.
Thanks, Nat. I used snap swivels as a kid, but moved away from them as I got older. I think they do affect the motion of most lures. But thank you for doing some experiments and for your clarifying explanation and especially for your underwater video shots. 🎣😎👍🏼
Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed the video.
I’ve used an ultralight snap for my lures for years . Very convenient, as for cons , who knows. Maybe fish see the snap 🤷♂️I’ve not witnessed this. Great video, Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪
I use snaps a lot, especially with crankbaits. I think a small snap is hardly noticeable against a crankbait lip, especially compared to the treble hooks and split rings underneath the bait. The convenience of a snap is great.
Great video. I recently started using tactical clips for some techniques and love em.
Thanks. I use snaps often with crankbaits and I enjoy their convenience.
Thanks for the info, it's greatly appreciated.
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Really appreciate this video. It's something I've always wondered. I've never been the best at tying on lures and always like the convenience of using snaps even though it seems like the "pros" look down on them. Messing up the action of the lure was always the biggest complaint I've heard and from your tests I see minimal to no noticeable change in the action. You did a good job explaining the pros and cons and the showing clear video of the action.
Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed the video.
yeah same here. always wondered as I bounce back/forth between both methods. I agree I see extremely minimal change of the action between the two, so I'm glad I'm not losing too much using snap swivels sometimes.
@@Mike_Jones68 Glad to hear it was a useful video for you. Thanks for the comment.
I personally love snap connections. I am a kayak fisher and that are fast and easy.I only use jigs and have caught huge fish and no problem at all with the extremely unlikely "straightening out" .In fact I've never heard of this but I don't think anyone uses straight clips anymore.
95% of my fishing is from kayaks, and I enjoy the quick lure changes with snaps too. I think the straight-wire clips are getting less common over time as people realize that other styles are better.
had 3 snap swivels straighten out on me this last season and they weren't even straight wire ones. There are literally HEAPS of cheap alloy ex China ones out there these days that you can easily straighten out and they are nowhere near their advertised breaking strain. I only use proper shark clips now.
Excellent video!!! If you use the rapala knot which makes a loop at the end of the knot it allows a lot more freedome of movement of the lure than tying tight to lure.
True, loop knots are great for allowing more lure movement. I still prefer the snap though after running a strength test of 7 different knots including a non-slip loop knot. I did not test the Rapala knot specifically though. kzhead.info/sun/aq1rodxsiWp6moU/bejne.html
One fix to keep the integrity of the snap swivel is to separate them. Use a barrel swivel to connect the main line to the leader then put a proper weight snap to the lure. You get the function of the swivel to negate line twist and the snap for quick change. Works great.
That could affect casting if your leader is a few feet long like I like to do it. But if I was using a short leader this is how I'd do it. It's how I have my ice combos set up since you don't need to cast
Yep, I do this when I want to keep as much hardware off of the lure itself, especially with small inline spinners. I mention that in our recent in-depth video on inline spinners. kzhead.info/sun/mL6Hc6yqnpWDZGw/bejne.html
Definitely. A leader more than a couple feet long will cause issues with this, especially when kayak fishing from a seated position (you can't have a lot of line hanging down during a cast).
@@sunmock I've never had issues with it. And I generally run a long 2 ft leader but when casting spinners, I usually keep it around 18 in. Good points though
Tactical angler power clips are the way to go in the surf for sure. So simple a child can use. yet brutally strong and wont open given the design.
Those look nice. I haven't tried them yet though.
Thanks for the study here, very interesting. I try to tie a leader to my lurers and use a snap swivel on my line. That gives me the best of both worlds, I can make quick changes and still get the natural lure action. The down side is storing lures with a bunch of leaders and the prep time.
Thanks for the comment. That's a common and sensible way to do it. Like you said, the downside is all those leaders hanging off.
Thank u for this Video!!! 🔥🔥💪🏾
I'm glad you found it useful!
Thank you for a nicely done video on a subject useful to fishermen. Here, you have allowed a good forum for discussion. Where I fish (Mid-Atlantic region, USA), I find few fishermen who use snaps without swivels. Most tie a lure on directly, but use a snap swivel if they're using an in-line spinner, such as a Mepps or Roostertail, or a spoon. I feel using a swivel in this manner does no harm, but does nothing to prevent line twist. For prevention of line twist, the coefficient of friction in the swivel would have to be lower than the line's resistance to twisting, which I believe is impossible. Therefore, I almost always use a snap for quick lure changes (I use Kahara #0), but no swivel. If I'm fishing with a twisty lure, such as a Mepps or Dare Devil, I just accept that I'm gonna get a twisted line and will have to deal with it later. If you think a swivel will prevent the twist, I think you're fooling yourself. I like the underwater shots and you are wise to let the viewers draw their own conclusions. I didn't detect a significant difference in the action of the lures shown.
Thanks for your comment. You make good points. Sometimes I think a swivel does more to reduce line twist when it is placed further up the line rather than as part of a snap swivel combination.
@@FishingwithNat I feel that putting the swivel further up helps with line twist as well. The length of line tends to buffer the twist until they are in synch.
@@chrisneill4765 Thanks for the comment. That's my train of thought too.
Snaps never mattered to the fish for me as long as the pond was prosperous.
If the fish are hungry enough, they will strike the swivel or the line instead of the bait!
Ive always used snaps to hold my weights when cat fishing using a Carolina rig. I always assumed the barrel weight would disrupt the action of my cranks glad to see it won't
It seemed to have a minimal effect from my testing.
A snap is a great replacement for the split ring that comes on many lures. It still allows for freedom of movement for the lure , but eliminates the problem of the line getting caught and possibly damaged in the coils of the ring. I also will often use a snap swivel when using an in line spinner. It helps reduce and or eliminate line twist.
I completely agree. You might enjoy this video where I compare a bunch of those options: kzhead.info/sun/oLaMmKptq4uDd6c/bejne.html
Worth mentioning that Kevin VanDam said that he usually uses a snap on his crankbaits, but not a snap-swivel. He, of course, is a bass fisherman, so it maybe doesn't apply to other types of fish. Also, just imo in cases where a snap might affect the action of the lure, keep in mind that predatory fish are often most attracted to erratic baits, since looks injured.
I definitely prefer regular snaps on crankbaits, not snap swivels. And you never know if the effect of the snap might actually change the lure's action to be MORE enticing to a fish.
Swivels are essential for closed face/spincast reels too. If you fish with kids using one of these reels, they help greatly with line twist. I think all spin reels are prone to line twist, but with spincast reels, the twisted line can tie a knot in itself around the reel, and because of the closed design it is a pain to clear.
I agree. I hate spincast reels myself, and usually teach kids how to fish with spinning reels and bypass the usual beginner spincast reel altogether.
I’ve used snap swivels my entire life and have never had one straighten out on me. Granted I am mainly a lake angler fishing for bass, trout, bluegill and catfish. I have hooked some 10+ lbs catfish using Eagle Claw snap swivels and haven’t had an issue with snap failure. Thanks for the video! It was very interesting to watch and does give people a great topic to discuss and think about!
Yeah river and lake any is probably fine but 40+ lb fish is when you could get straightened out
Thanks
You'd have to make sure you're using a super heavy snap for those. Lots of people use heavy snaps for musky fishing with 80# braid (myself included but with 50# braid)
just last season I had THREE straighten out on me and lost two fish of a lifetime because of it. Not straight wire ones either. Absolute junk alloy metal. Cheap and nasty.
saw this on my recommended fees and thought I would take a peek. great presentation and the underwater video was great. I have all my life since I can remember used barrel swivel snaps. I have had no issues with loosing fish or not catching any b cause "it made my lures not run proper". I have used them in top water and caught massive 8-12 pound bass. bottom fishing and caught 20-30 pound catfish. I have even caught crappie, trout, bluegill and perch all without issue. I can not use bait cast reels so I have stuck with spin casters and everyone knows how you can get line twists from using them, however by using a barrell snap swivel I have no line twist and can easily change between top water and use crank baits or even plastic lures on bottom or just a weight and hook for bottom bait fishing. I would say it's more a matter of preference then it is anything else. oh and one other thing....just because someone uses barrell snap swivels doesn't nessa rally mean they can't fish.....my cousin is a fishing guide and stays up the night before he goes fishing rigging up about 10 poles with different baits/lures and places them in the bow of his boat, I in the other hand use these barrell snap swivels and take 3 poles, medium heavy, light duty, ultra lite, and as the fish bites change from top to bottom or in between I have out fished him and his arsenal of poles everytime we go out. he informed me that in most fishing tournaments they are not allowed to use swivels, snaps or barrell snap swivels so I think that is where the "myth of use" may have derived from. cast'em, hook'em, fight'em, catch'em.
Interesting. I've never heard of a tournament banning use of swivels or snaps. I'm not sure what the purpose of that rule would be.
Great video, this is my take: when you have 20 rods pre rigged on the boat you don't need the snap, in my case I only use 6 rods (4 baitcasters & 2 spinning) so snaps are a must for quick change and they work wonders...maybe someday I won't need them lol.
Yes, that's definitely an exception if you can simply switch entire rods instead of switching out a lure! I usually take 6 rods on my kayak (2 medium-heavy, 2 medium, and 2 light/UL) and I use snaps quite often to change lures quickly.
I've used snap swivels my entire life, until recently when I started using soft plastic baits, but anytime I use hard baits I use snap swivels, or just swivels as I referred to them. I've never had a problem catching fish of an species with a swivel attached to the lure. And I've always wondered why rapalas have a split ring on the eyelet, if not to attach a snap or at least an actual swivel, which I use when water is real clear.
I have used them also for over 60 years, on soft plastic worms I make a 14" leader. I have never had a problem with them.
Agreed. I don't use them with soft plastics (or spinnerbaits) either, but I use them a lot with hard baits.
@@FishingwithNat I used them with spinnerbaits once and made a mess of it.
With in line spinners like Mepps I use a snap swivel and it works great
@@hadleytorres8171 Some spinnerbaits with a twisted loop connection can be used with snaps, but the typical R-shaped connection does not work well with a snap.
Norman Speed Clips have always been my go to…. Never have broke one or lost a fish from it. Easily changes and allows the lure to move freely and doesn’t weight the lure down.
Another great option
VeryniceVideo.Ihave been thru thisanddecidecase to case when atthe water. Thanks for sharing this video.🐟🎣🍀Tight lines out there and stay healthy
Thanks
I will use a snap swivel in pretty much every situation. I switch my baits very often depending on what I feel like using, what the fish are biting, what I’m fishing for, what the location permits, etc. one issue that I get with snap swivels is that certain rigging setups aren’t meant to be done with a snap swivel on (like a drop shot rig) but other then stuff like that I love snap swivels.
Agreed. Thanks for the feedback.
I tie swivel with Braid on one side And appropriate length fc leader on other side Loop Knot on lure When the fc shortens after 3-4 loop Knots I take a new Fluorocarbon line and carry on the game
A solid plan. Thanks for the comment.
@@FishingwithNat thanks
Nice , concise video. It was strange to here the same music I recently used in one of my own videos.
Thanks. Hooray for open source music tracks!
I really like simple Snaps for my light River-setup where I allmost only present small (4-8gram) Jigspinner/Spinmad's/Tailspinner. I fell in love with these things, as they have a very favourable weight distribution and they do not drill your line at all, which is why the Snap is perfectly fine with them and the setup looks clean and minimalistic. No idea if the fish really care, but I do, lol.
Good points. Light snaps are good for convenience while having a minimal impact on appearance or weight distribution.
I just make sure my snap is more than double the lb test of the line, so 8lb test, minimum of a 20lb snap. Never had an issue with a snap bending out, definitely worth it instead of retying every lure change.
Good tip. I approach it the same way.
@@FishingwithNat Brilliant minds think alike!
With the Palomar Knot I have no issue retying. The only issue is that everytime you tie something on, you lose a little line. I:
@@desertrainfrog1691 No big deal to lose a little line here and there, although it's more of a pain if it's your leader getting shortened each time. Eventually it becomes too short and you have to set up a new leader too.
@@desertrainfrog1691 Do what works for you, but I like to fish, not tie knots.A good quality snap won't open, and lure changes are a snap, no pun intended!
I believe in no snap swivel due to action and weight restrictions but i live next to a lake dominated by snake northerns, so i use them anyways. Especially for spinnerbaits. I never got comfortable tying mono to fluoro leader
Northerns can sure be frustrating. I just lost one on a tip up this morning. 20# fluoro sliced off like butter.
I'm still undecided but your video helps a lot. Thanks much. 👈🏽👍🏽
Fair enough. Thanks for the comment. :)
Lures that I use frequently, I’ll tie a mono leader to with a loop at the other end to attach to a swivel snap. I tend to use braided line so having the snap swivel saves a lot of headaches when it comes to tying in.
Absolutely. I use braid to fluoro leaders often, and a snap saves a lot of headache from re-tying leaders.
I have heard the argument that the snaps and snap swivels would not look right to the fish. How do they justify that argument when that fish looking lure has 3 huge treble hooks hanging from it?
I agree. And some lures don't look like anything that a fish would naturally see. In those cases, you're relying on the fish to hit it mostly out of aggression, so a swivel or snap swivel wouldn't make any difference anyway.
Yeah, there's not really any spinnerbaits swimming around my natural waters as it is.
You said exactly what I be saying !
It really doesn't look like the swivels did much to the action of the bait. I will say for some baits like the flicker shad that the swivel stuck out visually, which may make a difference in clear water with finicky fish. There is definitely pros and cons to consider with them. I don't mind shortening my leader over time because retying knots is good especially after catching fish, hitting rocks, or getting snagged. I do agree that with frequent bait changing that they are really great to have and I always run a barrel swivel with inline spinners. Another tool in the box that's great for some situations but not others. I would never consider using a snap for a jig or single hook swimbait like a mimic minnow. I think those finesse presentations would be hampered greatly by the swivel, not to mention impact fall rate which is one of the most critical components of effective jigging. Very cool video. Might consider using snaps with crankbaits if I'm trying to dial in on a specific crankbait style or color, and then direct tie once I'm confident on what the fish want.
Yep, I agree. I wouldn't them with jigs either, unless *maybe* I paired a large jig with a very small snap. I think the best application for snaps is with crankbaits/jerkbaits and snap swivels are best with in-line spinners and spoons.
Just wanted to add your awesome thanks for the video always appreciate it
Thanks - I appreciate the comment.
Love the VMC Crank snap….if I need a swivel I run it up the line not connected to the snap. Have had days were a buddy was using my hot crank and he could not catch a thing and I was killing it with my back up crank, same exact crank only to have a look at his connect which was a Snap Swivel. Huge difference that day. On your direct tie, would have liked to see a loop knot added to the mix.
I am planning to compare a loop knot to a snap in the future. I don't tie loop knots very often anymore after examining the results of our Strongest Knot Test video kzhead.info/sun/aq1rodxsiWp6moU/bejne.html
It's not a simple answer. -Specific lure requires it to avoid line-twist. -They are terrible in water with debris. -They can improve lure-action, but the opposite can happen too.
I agree. And yes, they will pick up debris in the water - that is worth mentioning.
For cranking I like using the Bill Normans Speed clips. They come in 2 sizes, normal will cover small and medium chrankbaits and jerkbaits. Magnum will cover bigger stuff. They are small and strong. I have never lost a fish or biat while using them for 30 + years. They can be a bit harder to open if you have weak fingers but they will not open up like a snap if you bounce a bait off of hard objects.
Good tip - thanks for the comment.
Wow that was such a difference in the flicker shad thx
Thanks for watching.
Yep, I only remove them for top water. However big or multi-sectional (more than 2) swimbaits the action could be affected, I need to get some more time with them to decide. Great vid, subbed.
Cool. Thanks for the feedback.
I have allways used a leader with snaps an swivels... when I use lures, for fast change. Only go straight when using live bait, thanks for the video!
Sounds pretty similar to my strategy, although I still direct tie with jigs and spinnerbaits in addition to bare hooks.
@@FishingwithNat Plain and simple. 💪
@@CzarWilkins Thanks.
Subbed! Thanks for the video, very informative stuff. I literally just got back from picking up some snap swivels and was looking for the best knots. To me, the convenience and the extra time spent fishing make it worth it since I don't get to go out for very long if I want to go out often. I fish for bass and I've tried both with and without a swivel and I've noticed no difference in bites whatsoever.
* no difference as long as the swivel is black like the hook on my Ned Rig. Stay away from the golden stuff.
@@PlayaWebDesign I don't tend to use snap swivels on a ned rig. I would either direct-tie to that or maybe use a very small snap if I am trying different weights/colors of jigs. I will actually use gold and silver snaps and snap swivels to match the colors of those baits, especially with inline spinners where I will match the blade color to the snap and/or swivel.
@@FishingwithNat Thanks for your reply! The problem that I have is that I bike to my usual fishing spot, so I need to disassemble my rod every time, so I can easily transport it on my bike (I attach it to the frame of the bike, lengthwise). I can't get the entire Ned Rig through the guides of the rod, obviously, so having a way to detach the rig is a world changer.
@@PlayaWebDesign Got it. That sounds like it works well for your situation then, especially if you've had good success!
@@FishingwithNat thanks man, at the spot now, fingers crossed. I tied directly this time. Keep the good content coming, I'll be watching.
I use approximately a foot or more of leader tied to the lure with a swivel at the other end. Then the snap on the line is easily attached to lure or baits without affecting its action.
That works. Thanks for sharing.
Great job keep up the good work ❤️
Thanks. Check out these similar videos on crankbaits, spinners, and chatterbaits: Crankbaits: kzhead.info/sun/hJSwmtOXh2WQpIU/bejne.html Spinners: kzhead.info/sun/mL6Hc6yqnpWDZGw/bejne.html Chatterbaits: kzhead.info/sun/qdtphsaffqdtg2w/bejne.html
I fish with alot of top water so last year i switched from a snap swivel to just a snap and it improved the action of the lure
Definitely. A snap swivel is usually too much weight on the front of a topwater bait. Thanks for the comment.
I like to use them, it just makes fishing so much easier. my biggest problem with them though is that they are big and way more visible that just a line, especially on those crank baits
Snap swivels are really visible for sure, but snaps have gotten smaller and stronger over time. The VMC crankbait snaps are my go-to snaps now - they are pretty small but strong for their size.
Fantastic video! In my experience snap swivels do occasionally affect how true crank baits and spinnerbaits run. Its a great tool though especially with younger anglers.
I agree.
If you are using lures or live baits that are moving steady through the water, then snap swivels, even wire leaders are not a problem. Casting and cranking in or trolling. But if your techniques involve slow moving rigs or bottom fishing with worms, shrimps, crabs, etc, and saltwater species, then I have found the fish are picky with snaps, wire leaders, etc. In those cases, I go braid to flouro direct, no snaps or swivels. Also depends on target species. If going for bluegills, hell, I see them biting the silver swivel itself as much as the bait.
Yes, I agree. I don't generally use any snaps or snap swivels when bottom fishing or bobber fishing. I have used snaps while bouncing jigs on the bottom for walleyes/perch, and that seems to work fine too. Your bluegill comment is right on - they don't care at all. They bite swivels, snaps, line, bobbers, knots, and even leg hair if you're wading in the water!
Oooooh ive been using them differently. Ive been pre-setting a bunch of different leaders, and attaching a snap swivel to my main line. Then i attach a leader with a perfection loop knot to the snap swivel so if i get caught on something i can break off down by the leader quickly with a new rig. I havent broken line while having a fish on ever as of now, but i do get caught on the occasion branch, log, preverbal tire at the bottom of a lake every now and again and it helps. Not sure if it messes with anything presentation-wise given that my swivel is about 5-10 inches from the actual bait/lure but my rigs are fast to change out, and im still catching fish every time i head to the pond. Still, its good to know i wasnt necessarily using them the “right” way I suppose. Oops.
A lot of people use snap swivels that way. Sounds like you're catching plenty of fish with that method, so keep doing what you're doing! 🙂
Changed my mind. I fish with a lot of guys who use swivels and some that don’t. I’ll pass this along. I’m a direct tie but will give it a ride.
Thanks - I'm glad you found the video useful.
swivels are one of those tackle items that are all personal preference, if you like it, use it, and vice versa, i like using them when i’m switching out lures a lot, but most of the time i don’t mind tying a knot or two
Right. They are definitely very convenient when you want to switch between a lot of lures.
Thank you for sharing this video, fish on
You're welcome - tight lines!
I’ve used barrel swivels all my life. I enjoy the convenience of changing lures quickly
Me too
I have been running snap swivels sense the 90's when I was a kid. Makes life much easier as i tend to experiment with different lures if I dont get a hit on what I'm using. Never straightened one out before popping the line even when caught in a tree when using 20-30lb line. I'll admit I'm biased but to me they are the way to go. Other thing I like I go fishing while riding the harley. I have had the wind let a hook come out an eyelet on the pole and tap my helmet (lucky it didnt hook me) but with a snap i can take the hook off and have the snap locked to the pole to prevent it coming loose and causing a possible injury.
I like to take lures off before putting rods in the car too. The lures probably won't hook my face, but they can hook anyone in the back seat, my dog, or my seats. Attaching a snap to the rod without a lure eliminates that risk. I use snaps a lot and just make sure to use an appropriate strength snap for the type of gear I'm using.
I’ve been on the fence about whether I should continue to use them, but honestly I think I’ll keep em. I saw little to no discernible difference in the action of the lures. Currently I’m running swivel snaps but I think after the mention of additional lure weight I’m going to be moving towards strictly using snaps alone. It’s only other thing I’ve noticed is that they tend to grab a bit more scum and debris than a simple knot, but that’s a small price to pay for keeping your leader long.
They will definitely grab onto plants and debris in the water more, but like you said, I think the convenience outweighs that issue in most cases.
Great video, thank you . I use snaps swivels.
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video.
I stopped using snap swivels about 10 years ago because the crappie in the lakes I fished refused to bite anything that had weights or snaps, and it's also around the time I started using floating lures.
Crappies can be picky and they like to take a close look at lures before biting. I don't use snaps or weights with crappie lures either.