The best way to attach a fishing lure is... (split rings, swivels, loop knots tested underwater)

Snaps, split rings, swivels, loop knots...what's the best fishing knot or way to attach a lure to your fishing line or leader? In this video we test many different options with underwater video and slow-motion footage to get to the bottom of this debate of the best fishing knot or technique for tying a lure on. The following options were tested:
Loop knot
Direct tie with a snug knot (Trilene knot)
Crankbait snap
Split ring
Split ring + loop knot
Split ring + snap
Split ring + swivel

#bassfishing
#bassfishingtips
#howtofish
#fishingknot

[scottiebaldwin]

Great video. Answers questions that I’ve been asking for years. Good job.

[vypersoft]

You made the same point I have been making for years...everyone tells us not to use rings or clips because it is not natural...but we have 2/3 hooks hanging down, a big plastic nose, 2 or 3 colors a fish may not have ever seen and line running from the nose, and don't forget a spinning spoon (yeah, that's natural)....but that ring or that clip will cause the fish not to

[CytoplasmicGoo]

I’ve been use snaps or tac clips because I’m lazy, many of the guys tell me it makes for a poor presentation, I’ve since started direct tying and never really saw a difference in bites. Thank you for pointing out the treble hooks and other non natural junk that a lure has, I never really thought about it. I’m going back to my lazy way and the heck with the peer pressure.

[creepycraiyons]

Hadn’t been fishing since I was a kid with my dad. Forgot most of everything. Now I’m taking my boys out and this is the best channel I’ve found for reminding me about the knowledge I lost.

[jeremyowen]

I've always direct tied. If the lure came with a split ring I'd tie to that, if it didn't I'd just tie to the eye. Figured the companies already did enough testing for me anyway.
Considered adding a snap purely for the laziness aspect. I might try it a few days and see how it goes. The river I fish isn't super clear so I could probably get away with it.
Appreciate the underwater video, that's something I wouldn't be able to easily do myself.

[busy]

The snap is my go to with and without the split ring having that quick lure change is a plus

[kwikflikzyakadventures]

Canoe Man Loop knot with split ring, only lure attachment knot I use, great under water view of different knot attachments

[russellstewart]

Water clarity is a major factor for me, in central Ohio our lakes can sometimes be very cloudy almost like chocolate milk, less than 12 inches until the lure disappears. The point of attachment is then not as important as sound and vibration. Keep experimenting and remember to keep track of what works, but we’ve all had days where it seems nothing will and others when you swear they would hit a bare hook.

[jessejamesfishing]

Very insightful video, the underwater footage is going the extra mile. Thank you Nat!

[orionRS]

The best way to attach a lure is... dependant on lure it self. I have got lures that do not work well if there is no swivel + steel fishing line to balance it properly. I am not saying you are wrong, you are right, but only for types of lures you have.

[DanTheFireman]

Well done video, thank you for sharing. I'm usually a swivel/split ring guy mainly to save leader and reduce the amount of FG knots to tie. On a start/stop retrieve like a popper or big prop bait a stiff direct tie will keep the line out front and prevent fouling in the belly hook as the loose connection at the swivel, snap or loop will cause the line to hang down. I have also seen too many snaps fail on big fish. One important thing to do is test everything and not rely on manufacturer claims. I have had brand new line fail at half the stated rating, "fifty pound" split rings open like a paper clip with a thirty pound dumbbell and an expensive ball bearing swivel cost me the big fish of a costly trip when I discovered one of the rings wasn't welded. Inspect every bit especially if you're going for more than bass or trout.

[BER]

I'm 50years old and I've been using the swivel and split-ring for 25 some years.
It really helps a ultra-light spinning reel, to prevent help prevent line twist.
The baits do move more freely with more lifelike action.
It makes it fairly easy to change lures too, once you get used to the split rings

[fireguy]

I change out the round split rings to oval split rings. It prevents the line from getting in the split ring. It works really well action wise also.

[funonoldwheels]

I like your brief and to-the-point nature of your videos.

Also, I'm glad that my laziness isn't impeding my fishing.

[koorite.]

Great underwater demo! I use a snap to the split ring and have no issues catching fish on crankbaits.

[TheTacoCatcher]

Thanks for do the testing for us. I've heard for many years to never use a snap because it was "lazy" or would throw off the action, but at least for this type of lure i now know i don't have to worry.

[valencia_m__]

Wow, very impressive the action of the lures with the trilene knot. People always avoid snug knots because of the negative impact on the lure action, but this video makes that affirmation nonsense... Thanks for making this great content.

[wahivalleys]

I'm glad I watched this. I asked many fishing buddies, more experienced than me, if I should use swivels or tie straight on to the lures. They all said "tie directly." Now, I'd rather use swivels since they are NOT detrimental to the lure action. Wahi' Valleys

[jeffreyboucher]

I find this video both informative, and hilarious. So many anglers I've had discussions with in regards to "best way to rig, " will fight tooth and nail based on their personal beliefs or opinions. "it MUST be rigged this way for best action!"...well after watching this practical video, I see absolutely no major differences. Now granted, this underwater test only used one style of bait, but the premise remains valid. TLDR - knot choice, swivels, snap-ons, or split-rings have little to no effect on hard bait action. Do what's best for YOUR style of fishing, I like the method of using snap-on to quickly exchange baits, why? because I'm a lazy angler myself lol...

[VB-bklh]

The comments below about water clarity are pretty much spot on.
For me, overall I've had better luck with tying firmly directly to the lure, often using a fluorocarbon leader. In murky water, I worry less about the line or a snap being seen.
With a spinning reel, I like a swivel between the leader and the main line.
My general choice though is either a small snap right to the lure, or tie it on securely.
On several of my go-to lures though I keep them tied with a short length of fluorocarbon leader and I just switch out the lure and leader when I need to change baits. I found this the fastest way to make the change and not to lose any leader length. The swivel or snap swivel ahead of the leader are far less likely to be seen by the fish. Most of the water here is cedar water and fairly shallow, so leader sensitive fish can be picky on bright sunny days too. Another trick that someone showed me once was to use a short leader ahead of the lure with a snap swivel, camouflaged by a bit small hackle or skirt to give the impression of a fish chasing a meal.
I found a few particular areas where that works really well as a bass will take advantage of a 'distracted' fish.