The Skinny On Swivels & Snaps

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Part 1

Many aspects of fishing are confusing to the newcomer just getting into the sport. One such is
when and when not to use a snap to attach a lure.

Something as small as a swivel or snap may not seem all that important. But sometimes little
things can and sometimes do make a big difference. That’s true of snaps and snap
swivels. There are instances where you want a snap swivel and others where just a snap is
necessary.

This choice of which way to go certainly applies to lures. There are some lures that just won’t
work worth a toot if you use use a snap swivel attached directly to it. A snap by itself is just
fine but forget about using a swivel along with it.

There are places where you want to use a snap and places where you
don't. If I'm fishing a plastic worm like I used to hook this nice bass I'll
always tie my line or leader directly to my hook.
This choice of which way to go certainly applies to lures. There are some lures that just won’t
work worth a toot if you use use a snap swivel attached directly to it. A snap by itself is just
fine but forget about using a swivel along with it.

There’s no question that this is more important with certain lures than it is with others.
Going the wrong way with some specific lures may destroy the action they have. They might
also alter the balance on other delicately balanced lures.

There are times, of course, when you will want to use a snap and swivel. In-line spinners
provide an example. Perhaps some readers are throwing in-line spinners for steelhead and
salmon. Years ago I interviewed a guy regarded as one of the top spinner experts in the
United States.

“Stan,” he said, “Any time you fish a spinner in heavy current," he said, "You can get line
twist. But don't attach a snap swivel right to the spinner's line tie to eliminate that twist. Tie
a quality ball bearing swivel to the end of your fishing line. Now get yourself about 12-inches
of leader. Attach one end of that 12-inch leader to the ball bearing swivel on the end of your
line. Now tie the other end of your leader directly to the spinner. That way you've still got
the swivel to help prevent line twist, but it's not down there at the eye of the lure to interfere
with its action."

This expert, and he’s just one I’ve talked to who had similar opinions, didn’t want his spinner
flopping around as it might if it’s attached directly to a snap swivel. If the spinner is tied
direct to the line, you are always pulling the spinner straight through the water. This results
in better action and better action means more fish.

If you'd like to do some casting with a famous Mack's Lure Wedding Ring®
spinner here's the way some experts do it. They attach ball bearing swivels
to the end of the their line. Choose the amount to leader you want. Tie one
end of the leader to the swivel at the end of your line and the other end
directly to the lure.
None of us, including this expert, want line twist. The way he attaches his ball bearing swivel
farther up at the end of his fishing line helps eliminate that problem.

Expert bass fishermen usually have some definite thoughts about snaps, especially when it
comes to fishing certain surface lures. The Zara Spook is a surface lure that’s been around
for ages. Few lures have stood up to the test that time eventually puts on everything.

Experienced anglers after either largemouth or smallmouth bass know a Zara is often at its
best when you are "Walkin” the Dog" with it. In this technique the lure is made to dance
from side to side by flips of the rod tip. Each flip of the rod tip is accompanied by half turns
of the reel handle.

You can still manipulate a Zara Spook in this fashion to a degree when you've tied your line
direct to the lure, but the snap makes it easier. Unlike a spinner where you want the lure to
pull straight ahead, now you want the lure to have all the freedom of movement possible. The
snap provides it.

Anyone who has read much research on bass fishing has undoubtedly come across the name
of Charlie Campbell. This Missouri expert was a nationally known a top water bass fishing
specialist even before professional bass fishing really got going.

Professional fishermen rely on USA Chain Swivels™ and Duo Snaps

because they will not accidentally pop open and are very effective at
preventing line twist.
He was an artist with the Zara Spook. He could make that darn thing do stuff like lots of us
try but never do manage to master the procedures required the way he did. I interviewed
Charlie once while doing a story about surface fishing for largemouth bass for a national
fishing magazine.

It didn't take long for to learn how Charlie felt about using swivels or snaps. Be sure to catch
my next Stan’s Corner column. I’ll share with you the interesting thoughts in this regard
that Charlie shared with me. That column will start right here January 1.

-To Be Continued-