Years ago I used barrel swivels with snaps for convenience & got away from it after losing a fish or whatever.I can tie a lure on pretty quick anyways.
Last weekend I tried plain eagle claw snaps & like them.
What is your favorite snap if you use them?
I use tatical angler snaps. No swivel. Looks similar to a paper clip
I use very small Tactical Anglers Clips when fishing in the bay for trout and redfish. Offshore, use Spro Coast-Locks for trolling. Bought some Amys, but they don't look very sturdy to me.
Different fishing but I am getting away from snaps and use heavy splitrings and spitting pliars. I have seen $50.00+ lures lost due to the lure "eye" wearing through a snap.
I use light terminal stuff so most of my items are as small as I can find. I like plain black duo-lock snaps for lures, usually SB or Eagle Claw because they are cheap, but quick connect clips for jigs. I never tie directly to a split rig because the split has a tendency to nick and wear on the line. I'm not a fan of split rings, I usually remove them and throw them away. :-\
I use black plain barrel swivels (no snap) between my line and 3'/4'leader when fresh water trolling. Size is always as small as I can get by with. ;)
Split rings can be a major issue. Again I do much different fishing. I put a solid ring in the splitring and use a crimp to attach the 100# and up mono to the solid ring.
Quote from: Swami805 on May 01, 2026, 01:20:23 PMI use tatical angler snaps. No swivel. Looks similar to a paper clip
This is the way!
Often I use a split-ring to increase the wobbling action on lures, then a swivel up the line 2+ feet. Only bad thing is the increase of 2 extra knots at the swivel. I avoid the convince of snaps.
The Mustad ball bearing swivels with the Cross-lock snap are super strong and secure. Been fishing them for years and never had one fail. Bit spendy but you get what you pay for, sometimes.
I'll use any form or brand, copy of a tactical angler clip lol. Bass Pro actually makes some nice ones that are wider at the bottom, that offer a little more action. Also like to use a small, but very strong, barrel swivel clipped on a quality ss split ring, when I want some more action. Works really well when you work top waters and get them slashing side to side. Just tying a plain barrel on, really works great when you don't want to remove all the split rings from your plugs.
Presentation is everything. I don't think that snaps help.
Quote from: oc1 on May 04, 2026, 05:03:08 AMPresentation is everything. I don't think that snaps help.
I agree! I only use them with certain lures, and that's because they make changing lures easier and quicker. :D