Crank baits

[RayChamp]

Do I tie a crank bait directly to my line or use a snap? Thank you.

[scottcny]

use a light wire snap. gives the bait more freedom, alows you to change colors quickly. also helps prevent line twist.

[EricCO]

What if it has a split ring on it? Like thundersticks.

[Neal/CO]

I have always tied to split ring because I thought that was the whole purpose of including one?

[FJH1]

I've been using the Norman Speed Clips for five years now and love them. I pull all the split rings off of my cranks and just use this clip. It's great for trolling because I'm always changing lures looking for the "magic color of the day".

Best Regards,

FJH

[stewart]

Just thought I'd add that it's important to distinguish snaps from snaps that include swivels.Everyone here uses snap swivels, but for cranks plain snaps are fine.

The knock against split rings is the chance that the knot may weaken if it slid to where it opens.Have often connected a snap to a split ring though.After reading the previous post I'll try removing them to see what happens.

Tying direct to something like a #11 floating rapala does have some advantages. The knot can be placed higher or lower to affect how the bait runs.The smaller the bait the more important it is your knot be centered. Pushing the knot to the side can even be a way to tune your bait in a pinch.

[Mike B. (OK)]

Agree with the other posts, with a few comments. I use snaps on crank baits, for better action of the bait, and easier changes. In experimenting with suspending cranks, I have found that on many, the snap and the split ring are too much weight and make the nose sink. So I started taking the split rings off of my cranks, and use snaps only. The baits ride level that way, which I think is better.

[RayChamp]

Thanks for the info men.