A question about crankbaits and interlock snap swivels?

Question

When your fishing crankbaits do you attach an interlock swivels so you can change lures easily or do you tie them directly to the line? What effect to the bait do you think using a swivel will have on the running depth?

The swivels I'm talking about looks like this-http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_6276_100010005_100000000_100010000_100-10-5

Answer 1

I am pretty sure you already know the answer to this question but here are my two cents worth.
If fishing waters that are known to have toothy fish (Mushky, Pike, Wahoo, Tigerfish, etc...) a wire leader with a cross lock snap swivel as you have shown is the only consideration for attaching crankbaits to your line. When fishing waters known to be free of toothy critters or for fishing bass as an example, I will attach my line directly to the split ring on lures that come with one to provide for a free moving bait that looks more natural. On other lures that do not come with an split ring to tie onto, I use a loop knot or tie directly to the wire on the front of the bait. Re-tying knots doesn't take much effort and is advisable when fishing crankbaits in areas where lines are constantly coming into contact whith rocks, trees or other abrasive thing below the surface that wear and nick you line reducing it's strength. The effect a snap swivel will have on your lures running depth is minimal and could be measured in inches or fractions of inches except on very small floating lures such a Rapala minnow.
At times a swivel can become fouled with weeds and trash on the retrieve or get tangled in your hooks while casting which obviously wouldn't be very productive way to fish. Some fisherman will tell you they actually prefer a swivel because it adds flash to the lure and they can change lures faster. I suppose at times that could help in certain instances.
Okay, there's my two cents worth and about a nickel extra.

Good fishin' friend!

Answer 2

Oops just noticed that you said snap SWIVEL
Yes they will affect the action of your lure way more so than the style we use....we use ones like this http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_7816_100010005_100000000_100010000_100-10-5

Wife uses those snaps on her crank baits all the time, and I use them occasionally, that being said she always catches more fish than I do when we are crank bait fishing. Weather it is she is more patient and reels slower or what I have no idea but the truth is she is a much better with a crank bait than I am.

The only difference I have noticed is when using a real shallow crank bait, the snaps will make the bait run a little deeper.

Also have read if using a snap the ring on the crank bait should be removed.

Guess like anything else it is a trial and error and personal preference. If it works, use it!

Answer 3

I always tie directly to the line as, I have always been afraid that if I used a swivel and, caught a big one, He might bend the swivel and, get off. also, most swivels, are made of brass which, adds a little bit of weight to the end of the line making the lure run six to eight inches deeper than normal.
Good Luck this Season.

Answer 4

I always use that type snap swivel or even a small leader snap swivel combination. If I was fishing for small game like crappie, I might just tie a lure to my line. But I have lost to many nice fish years ago not using a swivel, or small leader set up and having my line cut into.

Answer 5

I tried them nightfishing with crankbaits, so I didnt have to retie my knots in the dark. It was a big mistake because I had a large bass straighten my swivel and take my lure. So I dont use snap swivels anymore. Plus they do affect the lure action like said above

Answer 6

I hate to say it but yes when i do get lazy and the bass arent biting i will use a swivel to attach a crankbait. I usually dont because i believe crankbaits work wonders tied directly on. Swivels tend to lessen the action and bass love action.

Answer 7

at one time I fished often with crankbaits for bass and I used a snap minus the swivel, they worked well & made for way quick changes though they do foul the lure once in a while. check the link, I used the smallest version of these.

Answer 8

I never use a swivel for use with a crank bait you will find baits work much better when tied directly to the line and yes others can work well with a good loop knot!

Answer 9

I always tie directly on the line for the best action