Fishing Snaps and Clips: Are They Good or Bad and Should You Use Them? (underwater lure test)

Snaps, clips, and snap swivels allow for quick lure changes and saved time, and many brands have their own versions of these. But which style is easiest to use, and what effect do they each have on the appearance and action of the lure? Should you use snaps or snap swivels when fishing? This video takes a close look at each style of snap, how it works, and how it affects a lure's appearance and action with underwater video.

Links to these snaps:

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[ezraoh]

"what's another tiny piece of metal wire when the entire bait is made of metal". Thank you!! I've come across countless videos/fishermen hell bent on saying you should always direct tie your lures for appearance. I've always questioned this idea especially considering the massive treble hooks on most lures.

[andycrookshank]

I HATE tying leaders, so I use a snap on the end of my leaders for the sole reason that I don't want to replace the leader. I use the smallest snap that will handle the largest fish I'll realistically catch. I honestly haven't noticed a difference, but of course this is anecdotal. I even put hooks directly on snaps for softbait and bait fishing, even though everyone acts like it's some cardinal sin. Could I catch more fish if I tied directly to a hook? Maybe. Probably. But man it makes switching setups easier.

[darinmiller]

I saltwater fish, mostly in the Sea of Cortez, and use the paper clip style on every leader when using jigs/lures. Never know what they're biting on from day to day, and the ability to switch them in seconds is awesome instead of having to keep retying and shortening the leader. Never had one break or straighten out. I keep a selection of 3 different sizes. I've been using them for a few years, absolute game changer. If you haven't tried them, give them a shot. Guaranteed you'll be "hooked" lol!

[KnightSmasher]

I’m glad I came across this video. I’ve used swivels in the past but they’ve always seemed really bulky and the brass and steel mix creates a very unnatural look with the lures. Never really knew much about the clip options. These seem much more compact while still offering the versatility of easily switching between lures. I will definitely be looking to add this technique to the tackle box and give it a try.

[nickjackson]

I have a tiny single hook crankbait and some hard top water lures that I wish were a little heavier, because if I use them with a snap it causes the nose to point down as even the weight of a snap swivel is enough to effect the buoyancy. Other than that, I think they’re great! Since I’ve only gotten back into fishing recently it’s been good to tie directly so I can get confident with my knots, but as you said in the video sometimes I’d rather spend more time fishing!

[Bruno-mgve]

I love these kind of videos. They're just super informative and fun to watch. Could you also make a video or strengh test on a not a knot?

[Thoroughly_Wet]

Unless youre going for something super finicky like trout or using something that relies on natural action like certain bass presentations a snap is definitely ok to use.

[nikkiblack]

Thank you for proving my point 🎉🎉🎉 You're my hero for the day. Been sayin this all along

[davidwilliams]

Great video! Very informative! Really liked the underwater comparisons! Keep up the good work my friend!

[chazzzj]

Informative video. Really nice job on the under water comparison. On the first set I couldn’t see the line on the tie on. What type of line and size did you use? Again well done.

[martinschulz]

Good video. I will say though, always buy the quality upper end snaps and swivels in the small packages and stay away from the lower priced bulk ones.

[emach]

yup, that first one is all I use now. That second one is the one I grew up with. When I got back into fishing after a 20 year break I used them and it didn't take long before I started losing lures AND fish. The other ones were too much of a pain to get the lures and jig head off and on when in a hurry. Tried a loop knot. Worked great if you only plan on using one lure or if you like to continually keep having to tie knots every time you change your dang lure lolol Great video!

[joeenglish]

Been using snaps for 60 + years off and on. Never really noticed a difference. Now that I have arthritis in both hands they are definitely a go to item, especially since the go to knots have gotten more complicated.

[fishingwithohdad]

As I get older I appreciate the ease of a snap more and more. Never thought snap ever hindered the lures ability to catch fish. Good info. Thanks.

[BlackSoap]

Berkeley Cross-Lok is the only one I trust. Size it right, I’ e caught everything from Largemouth Bass to King Mackerel.

[ri-jmtn]

I’ve used snaps for 50+ years. The only time I don’t is when I’m using a spinner bait, which is direct tied. My old eyes like them too👍

[Rogerio]

I pair a size 0 VMC crankbait snap with size 8 Spro power swivel. Both are small but rated at 50 lbs. I get good action on the lure and the swivel helps prevent line twist.

i think you just go with the smallest snaps as much as possible visibility wise, usually even with a very small snap, the line almost always breaks first anyway. Amazing vid.

[chrishillard]

Do you always use a clip when attaching to split rings? I typically put a swivel on the leader to line connection for line twist. I don't like snap swivels at the lure as I think they are bulky.

[poivnio]

Man it's awesome you put so much work into showing just some lures underwater. Seems simple but I know that took a lot of filming! Also still trying to figure this out for myself. I fish little finesse plastics like trout magnets, even mini magnets, and with a #0 ball bearing snap swivel on the jighead, I've caught a ton of fish but still want something more delicate looking. Then I tried a ball bearing swivel further up my leader and a loop knot at the jighead... Same crap, always tying a new leader on after it gets too short. I hate pulling plastics on and off my jigheads to change colors, so the snap is almost mandatory so I can swap the whole jighead. Next I'm trying the swivel further up the leader, with some kind of home brewed split ring that can act as a snap at the jighead end.