Snap Swivels & Artificial Lures: Should You Use Snap Swivels With Fishing Lures?

Here's a question we get a lot...

Should you use snap swivels with artificial lures?

It sounds like a good idea, right?

It's so quick to swap out lures, so when the fish aren't biting, you don't need to retie a whole new knot, you can just snap on a new lure.

But is the time you save worth it?

No!

See why in the video below.

Have any questions about using snap swivels with artificial lures?

Let us know in the comments below!

[JonHauge]

I’ve been using tactical clips which have a smaller profile. Fishing with friends who don’t, I have caught fish when they haven’t. I’m still catching fish in the clear waters around Pensacola. If the water is super clear I wouldn’t use. I mostly fish from a kayak and take just two rods so it’s helpful with switching from plastics to hardbaits quickly. I won’t claim it doesn’t spook fish, but for me the ease of switching baits outweighs that. From my experience when the bite is on I’m getting as many strikes as those not using it and when it’s a grind I’ve caught fish when others on the same trip were not.

[Grimzeal]

I use tiny snaps because changing lures and trying colours is key to me. And when fishing with braid and a leader I'd waste a lot of fluocarbon. Honestly I don't think I catch any less

[nummachinegunneroif]

The one you are using in your demo is Massive. They make much smaller swivels and snaps rated for 30 lbs which have a minimum foot print and no effect on lure performance and presentation. Small Norton's speed clip with small swivel is awesome setup for rapid lure changes.

[yakrunnerz]

Believe it or not I've outfished many people using snap swivels....I haven't used them in a while cause I only use a couple lures now....slam shady!

[shudgins]

I learned a neat trick from an old fisherman friend. Tie the loop knot on the lure, then tie a loop knot on the other end of of the leader. Use only a snap clip (it doesn’t have to be large) on the main line. The leader remains on the lure and you have fast change out. When not in use, just roll the leader up, past the free end thru the roll and stash it in your box. Since I wade fish primarily, it’s much easier than trying to tie a new knot while standing in the water with all your gear. Good luck

[darkinertia]

what about tactical clips? snap swivels are usually trash anyways but tactical clips are strong and low profile

[jimpayne]

I hate tying knots on the water and pre tie swim baits and jigs with 3 foot Fluor leader and a swivel. Then I can snap it on or off quickly. I store premade lures and jigs in small (pill size) zip lock bags. Works great for me.

[edxx]

Could you possibly have picked a bigger snap swivel for this demo? What about just a small snap, no swivel?

[victorhgomez]

I always use Norton quick twist the small size with no problem at all, the one that you are showing is huge.

[joeycardenas]

Make a video and see if theres a difference. That would be awesome to see the results

[kyfisher]

maybe try smaller snaps or tactical clips

[HURSTROCKET]

Do you use direct line or use a leader and a swivel to main? Or tie from leader to main? Can you use a swivel from main to leader?

[TheFishingMommy]

I honestly don’t think tying a loop knot is appreciably any slower than dealing with a snap or snap swivel. I have arthritis and my eyesight isn’t that good, but even still...I can tie my go-to knots with my eyes closed at this point. Just practice practice practice!

[baddogastro]

So what if you use a real small snap swivel.

[jeremy_]

VMC Crankbait snaps are the deal. Used by pro bass fisherman and made to not impact crankbait action (other lures as well) = good enough for mid/bottomish-water column straight retrievers (swimbaits, cranks, etc.) have not had an issue with topwater walking or wakebaits either. Note, they are a lot smaller/lighter than other convention swivel/snap options.

[jasl]

Power clips are the only kind of quick connect I'll use with a lure. The micro is rated at 50 lbs and it's tiny. If the water is pretty clear I won't use anything though because it definitely will affect the bite

[fatherandsonsfishing]

Helpful info, thanks! How much difference in lure action is there between tying a loop knot and tying the knot directly on the lure?

[GabrielGonzalez-mhex]

How about tactical anglers clip way smaller than those

[rickkitashima]

What is the size of the swivel snap clips in this video?

[surfcat]

Sometimes it makes a difference and sometimes it doesn't . I fish in the dark for striped bass in the surf and have been using a small coast lock with the bearing removed for many years. Usually in the rough surf in the dark it doesn't affect the bite. If targeting pelagics (.false albacore, Spanish mackerel etc) in the day light I tie direct cause it WILL be the difference between getting bit or not. I have seen tactical angler speed clips fail quite a few times so I don't use them. Tying knots at night standing in the surf is difficult so it is also convenient. Freshwater I always tie direct.