Church tackle releases on Offshore board

[Homer]

I picked up some Church tackle "super" releases to run on my Offshore in-line boards, because I sometimes run Fireline and super deep diving crankbaits (e.g. Manns Stretch 25+), and have been unable to master the wrap-around technique on the Offshore releases with as much tension as this set-up puts on. Now I have some questions:

1. What do I do with the back release on the board? Do I switch to a snap swivel, like on my Wille boards, or leave the original Offshore release on? If I stick with the Offshore heavy duty release in back, will it be able to hold, or does the front release receive the brunt of the pull?

2. Will these Church releases really hold Fireline? I was shocked at how easy they were to open up, and find it hard to believe they'll hold under fire.

Two other related comments:

1. They were $2.50 cheaper per pair at Lakeside Tackle than they were at the Dundee Cabelas. I got to support a local bait shop *and* save money.

2. Church must not be marketing these releases as upgrades for owners of other brands. No instructions of any kind came with them.

[Dave]

Just put the new releases on the front and I replace the black off shore release with the red ones. Will hold fireline no problem.

[Chairman]

Take a look at the new "Snapper" release that Off Shore is Marketing now. It is the "final answer" to fireline and the tattle flags. Will last a lot longer than some of the other releases used on Off Shore boards made by other companies. They are available where Off Shore products are sold.

[SUPERTROLLER]

Is this the same "Snapper" release that Wille came out with several years ago. Did you buy the rights to that or is this a diffrent model that you have come up with and just happened to name it the same? Thanks for any information.

[Homer]

I did look for them, but neither Lakeside nor Cabelas had them.

[REELMAN]

Put the Church clips on both the front release and the back. If you are running fire line they hold very well. Also if you are using the tattle tail flag system they are the way to go. I can't really comment on the new releases from offshore. I have never used them. They do look awfully large on the board. They might work, don't get me wrong. I just know that the Church clips do work. Also if you are using the tattle tail flag set up go and buy a C-73 spring at your local hardware. It is far superior to the off shore spring. This I do know.

[rob]

gander mountain sells offshore boards but they dont have new releases ,cabellas has a package deal 2 boards with flags but no new releases available why should i buy somthing that isnt what i want or have to use other releases to make it work?

[Chad]

I made the conversion about 3 years ago. I changed all the offshore clips to Roachclips. The rear ones are easy. Just take the OS clips off the split ring and put the new ones on. The front ones take a little work. You will need to drill a small hole to incert the nipple. the nipple on the boards arm keeps the clip from sliding around. Find a bit that is about the right size-maybe a little small. You will find it usefull to center punch or use a nail to make a small dent so that your bit does not slide all over the place. You will also need something to shim with. I just used the old clip. the problem is that the old clips are thick and the roach clips are very thin. the nut on the board is capped. You can either cut down the screw or put the old clip on backwards on the underside of the arm to act as a shim.

[Sandman]

Bruce, Just saw the new releases last night at our Walleyes Unlimited meeting with Mark Brumbaugh. I and others have been trying to get some for over a year but dont find them in your newsletter or on Walleye Centrals site for ordering products. They are not at the retail stores carrying your boards in our area so how do we order the product???? HELP

[FJH1]

Yes, this is the same "Snapper" release that was marketed by Wille. The Snapper is an awesome release. I've been using them for a few seasons now (with Fireline) and have had zero problems. The nice thing about the Snapper is that you can close it two different ways. You can close it by snapping the lever towards the board, or away from the board. I like to close the clip by snapping the lever away from the board. This method utilizes a pin that "captures" the line. Say, for example your board takes a very hard hit, big eye or musky... Many times this hit will dislodge the board from the line no matter what clip you are using. With the Snapper, if for some reason the line comes detached from the clip the capture pin only allows the board to slide down the line, the board won't float away causing you to have to reverse course to retrieve it. Also, the Snapper pads don't stick together, those of you using red or black clips are familiar with this. I mounted my Snapper clips inboard on the existing Off-Shore stainless bracket by drilling another hole. This will balance the board better, and it's very clean looking. I also like the Snapper in cold weather, it's pretty easy to flip open with gloves on. Also the tension is fully adjustable. Now the disclaimer: I don't work for Snapper, Off-Shore or even personally know the Chairman. I just like the Snapper.

Best Regards,

FJH

[Gary Gray]

The New Snapper Release by Off Shore, is the best release out there, Bar none. It has been proven on all the new Super lines, and has passed all test. Best way to obtaiin the Snapper, is check with local dealers, if they don't have them, tell them to order them from their Reps, so you guys can have them for the upcomming season. I believe, the last time I talked to Bruce, he made mention that they should be out around mid-Feb. If you still can't find them at local dealers, I suggest calling the factory, to see when they will be out. I have run them since they were in the prototypt stage 4yrs ago, they are by far, the best release out there.

Good Luck Fishing,
Gary Gray,#10

[SUPERTROLLER]

Thanks FJH1. I too have used the Snapper releases for a couple yrs. I put them on my Wille's boards and have not had a problem with fireline since. I also flip the snap forward to keep the line trapped into the releases, just in case one ever did come loose. I really like them and would highly recommend them to anyone thinking about a change. Have never used the Church releases but have heard that they also hold fireline well from people that do use them.

[Jersey John]

Can you help me get these SNAPPER releases from offshore. I looked at their web site and saw nothing as well as in the newsletter. How much are they and where can I order them from. Thanks to all who answer. JJ