Crankbait attachment

[Rick-Wy.]

For casting purposes I have always used the rapala knot. However, it is pain to re-tie when lure changing.

In the past (here on the board) I noticed that some use a clip type connection (round on both ends).

Does the clip impair the action of the lure versus using the rapala knot? Trade off is the pain of the re-tie.

Also clip type with or without swivel?

Rick

[WAeyes]

Ricky, the round end of a plain (no swivel) snap will not affect the action on your cranks. Just make sure you do not use one that is bigger than you need. Cabelas has quality cross-lock snaps in their catalog in quantities. If you buy 6 at time, they get expensive.

[RayChamp]

Whats the problem if you use a swivel? Also, any problem using a swivel or barrel when trolling with crankbaits?

[Rick-Wy.]

WAeyes

So, no swivel correct?

Also, regular knot attachment of choice for the connection to the snap, or the loop rapala knot?

Rick

[WAeyes]

I prefer not using a swivel for casting because it is not needed and just adds more hardware in front of lure which may affect lure action. For trolling cranks I don't think it is necassary either, but I may be wrong. Usually swivels are needed when line twist will be problem such as from trolling spinners. Yes, a regular clinch knot or whatever you call it for attaching mono to snaps. Use palomar knot for braided lines.

[GORD]

The Rapala knot works good, but like you say, it's a pain to retie. It's common sense.... the loop will stay open with stiff heavy mono, but will instantly collapse with lighter limp mono. What I find works best all around is the Berkley crankbait snaps. Berkley crank bait snaps are light and have a rounded loop that is designed to allow maximum crank action. It's easy to change cranks and the loop never collapses.

[Leo Kam]

I've been using Duo-Lok Snaps in size #2 for ages and have never had a problem losing fish with them. No swivel as it cuts down the cranks wiggle. Palomar Knot when using braided line and Uni-Knot with mono. Duo-Loks are available at most major retailers and catalog sales. When ordering, be sure it says Duo-Lok Snaps and NOT Interlocking Snaps. Size #1 is perfect for panfish lures and attaching spinner rigs when trolling.

[Dodge1]

Berkleys snaps but if you can't find them use Cabelas

Never use a swivel, it reduces the action of the crank

Like the palomar knot for most everything except joining lines

[WAeyes]

Rick, Leo Kam is correct on the name of those snaps. After checking the tackle box today, I use Cabelas Premium Duolock Snaps size #1. They are the smallest ones at 1/2" long. These are different from a "crosslock" snap. I think they are stronger and more dependable than the crosslock snap. The #1 size works fine for most shallow cranks or countdown raps. You may need a larger size for big lipped diving cranks that have the connection right on the lip. You can find these snaps in Cabelas Tackle Shop catalog on page 128, half way down on the far left, item E in the picture.

[chuck]

I don't know of anyone running cranks (wiggle warts, Hot & Tots) without swivels. I work as a 1st mate & I know about 20 other boats, when trowling u need swivels.

[Leo Kam]

No you dont.

[Hawgeye]

My guess in why commercial Charters like to use swivels is that it diminishes the chances of poorly tuned lures fouling other lines by not allowing quite as much sway in the lure. I have cranked both ways and I prefer no swivel. There should be no need for a swivel since a lure has no twisting action if it is tuned correctly...

[Backwater Eddy]

I would agree with WAeyes on this one, no swivel on casted baits is my rule. A quality cross lock or Duo-Lock on large baits will do.

A snap and swivel combination is a good choice for speed trolling as you tend to get more roll over's and line twist on a long pass. Especially if you are making frequent contact with the bottom or weeds.

WAeyes and I come from a school of thought that are fond of loose wobblers that need a light as possable connection free of any extra weight. Wobble up a piggy is the shore casters motto! EH WAeyes?

In conditions with a lot of weeds I make a fine 7 strand wire leader 8-10" long with a swivel on the (TOP) end of the leader and the cross lock on the lower end to alow for deflection of weeds and alow for a ripping action to free the weeds if they accumulate on the hooks. Good bet if there are a few pike around too! I like this option for speed trolling also for the same reasons.

Lure weight and lure action has a lot to do with my choice of a snap or a snap swivel & leader combo.

Backwater Eddy

[walleye herbie]

>Rick,
Are you Rick M. from Glenrock. If so I am glad to see your hitting the pro side of the PWT. I will see you at Chamberlin. Good luck this summer.

[FJH1]

I use the Norman Speed Clip. Easy to use, doesn't seem to impair action. I've used them for a number of years with absolutely no complaints.

Best Regards,

FJH