to snap or not to snap

[Clogston29]

i always use a snap with plugs. coastlock with large plugs, small breakaways and duolocks with smaller plugs (bombers, etc.). I feel that the fish I miss because they see the snap balance out the fish that I catch because I was able to change lures quickly and easily. if I tied direct, I'd end up leaving a plug on longer than I should out of laziness. if I did more daytime site fishing, I'd probably ditch the snap and lighten the leader, but at night, I've never noticed a problem.

oh, by the way, the smaller breakaways and duolocks will break your heart, but I use them anyway and just try to be careful and pray. lost one of the biggest fish that I've hooked to a straightened duolock in the wash.

[striperman36]

I alway use a snap regardless. Breakaways for sure. Have broken every other one.

[Flaptail]

What's good for another may not be good for you. I use a breakaway kwik link connector, never had an issue and certainly no failures like sampo or coastline snaps did. I used to use ball bearing swivels but they are a. too expensive and b. A Krok ss swivel works just as good if not better as they don't corrode as fast.

Tying direct is essential in some applications like excessive fire in the water or moonlit nights. I do way with both swivel and snap/connector on nights the fire is heavy and lessen the leader pound test as well.

But these are from my experience, there are many other ways to accomplish the same thing and some may be better. It what works for you.

Just because someone writes an article don't take it as gospel. It's thier personal experience, yours will be different and if whatever way your rigging works for you, as they say, don't fix it. Writers give advice based on thier experience, I do it, I am sure Steve does the same but you may know something we don't which I find is more common than one could know as there are thousands of ways to rig and take bass, to say one is better than another can only be based on ones experience and there is always something to learn thats what I love about sharing tactics and technique.

[ThrowingTimber]

if the 4/0 trebles dangling off the lure arent a deterant to the fish strking...... why would a snap be? now if you're fishing albies, tuna etc its a whole diff ball game, but bass and blues should be np.

[fishaholic18]

Originally Posted by ThrowingTimber

if the 4/0 trebles dangling off the lure arent a deterant to the fish strking...... why would a snap be?

Thats what I figure too Vic.
Although, I usually tie direct, no snap or swivel(just a matter of pref.). I hardly ever have a line twist problem. I primarily use 50# PP with a mono shock leader tied with an albrite knot.

[Rockport24]

Flap hit it right on the head I think. It's all a matter of preference and what works for you. It is good to hear what the "high liners" do though, it makes you think about better ways to do things.
I used to only tie direct, but have been using snaps for the last two years and don't notice any issues.
in reply to F-18's comment on the leader tied to the main line, I think Canalman had a good article about that in the fisherman at one point. that sounds like a good tactic, especially if you fish rocky areas and use braid as your main line.
DZ also had a great post a while back about going leaderless on full moon nights and it making a difference in hooking up.

[fishaholic18]

Originally Posted by Rockport24

in reply to F-18's comment on the leader tied to the main line, I think Canalman had a good article about that in the fisherman at one point. that sounds like a good tactic, especially if you fish rocky areas and use braid as your main line.

I think you are correct on that.