How Do You Tie Your Crankbaits?

[TNRoostertail]

I have recently switch to at least a fluorocarbon leader if not a full spool on all my rods, I have done this and had better luck on the clearer lakes in my area. I see a lot of guys using a "clip" style snap lock on the tour and on a lot of YouTube vids. Does the snap lock hurt your chances on strikes in your opinions? If not I would sure like to start using them to make bait swaps easier and faster. Thx

[BigBass94]

I don't really notice a difference in action on most crankbaits. However, there are some baits that I feel it hurts the action, especially balsa baits. Personally, I don't use a snap anymore. I've gotten fast enough at tying knots that I don't need a snap. Just test your bait with a snap before you throw it.

[John Jackson]

I always use a cross lock snap. It gives more action to a bait (unless you use a loop knot). It also lets the snap & eye take the horizontal movement stress instead of the line to eye connection.

[mingo72]

LOOP IS BEST FOR ME

[dstep0]

Cross lock snap for small cranks and flat sided baits.
Direct tie for any wide wobble baits.

[fluke1987]

Direct tie on everything...doesn't take me long to re-tie

[TNRoostertail]

Right on. Good info and it seems its a split decision. Just goes to show how different we all are in a good way. I will try both and see if the clasp produces less strikes in my area. What knot do you guys like? I used the improved clinch mostly. Some times a palomar if the hook or eye is bigger or with braid.

[TrackerPro16]

I do both but went to BIG snaps most days after watching another 'old' guy using them. I have noticed NO difference at all in the bite...

[DrewFlu33]

I've found that a snap gives ice fishing lures more action as compared to a split ring from watching them on a camera. I'm confident that this applies to cranks in the open water as well, though I rarely do it.

Instead, I'm with Mingo on this. I like a loop knot (Rapala knot) if I think of it and am not in a big hurry. Seems to be stronger overall and allow a wider wobble on those types of cranks that wobble. I just don't tie it enough to be very good at it so it takes me longer than it should. I end up not doing it due to laziness. If you're worried about the snap being visible and preventing bites, this is a great way to get around that though.

[fluke1987]

Right on. Good info and it seems its a split decision. Just goes to show how different we all are in a good way. I will try both and see if the clasp produces less strikes in my area. What knot do you guys like? I used the improved clinch mostly. Some times a palomar if the hook or eye is bigger or with braid.

Improved clinch knot here as well

[wakeeater]

Palomar on flouro. No problems at all

[born 2 fish]

I use a snap

[TNRoostertail]

Solid info guys, really opened me up to using a snap and trying it out.

[onetime]

I tried using snaps for a trip or two, just wasn't for me. I direct tie with an improved clinch in no time. I replace all factory split rings with the oval shape, I only tie a loop knot on light poppers, like a YM quarter.

[krindgen]

For years I've been using the snap to the O-ring cuzz I'm lazy. I'd like to get to using a snap without the O-ring but that means removing all those O-rings. Lazy. Not enough time, just wanna go fishing. Just like changing hooks, but these things add up. I tie direct to the smaller baits.

[basscatcher89]

Rods where I change a bunch like my trolling rods I use a snap. Rest I tie direct.

[TNRoostertail]

I ran a snap tonight and it was nice. We went down to the dam spillway and fished the breaks to find some white bass. Took me 6 changes before I found the right color shad rap. I tried tied and snapped and because the water was super clear in one break I could see the action. I am no expert but it looked almost identical, honestly the snap looked like it had a little more action. I looked at the rapala knot respectively and in the water it works just like a larger snap. I will use snaps with my medium to larger baits and tie on the smaller stuff I believe from here on out. I will continue to swap every once in a while though if I find schooling fish and see if there is a difference.

[Walkabout7781]

I've used the Norman "snap", and liked it ok, but I really don't fish cranks or topwaters much.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Norma...cpage-NSC.html

[johnnybass]

Palomar on flouro. No problems at all

I thought you weren't supposed to use palomars on fluoro?

[RazorCat]

Palomar knot to a Norman Speed Clip or Magnum Speed Clip depending on the size of the crankbait.
The Magnum clip works equally well on Floating frogs with braid.