The Skinny on Swivels & Snaps
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The Skinny On Swivels & Snaps More About Stan Stan's Archive 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- .