Snap on Weights

[David V]

I went to purchase some offshore snap on releases for adding weights to my line for trolling harness(50/50 method of trolling). They were $7.99 for two of the heavy red releases. I was wondering if I could use the medium black releases instead? They were $10.99 for four. The internal tension spring looked the same? Are the medium releases strong enough or would the force of the water cause them to fall off? Has anyone ever added a snap swivel around the main line to catch the snap weight if it comes off? That way it would only slide down to the lure. Your advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Pitts]

I would stick with the red releases because that is what comes with the snap weight kit to start with. Of the 10 times I have used snap weights I have never lost any except for the one I dropped overboard when I was removing with a fish on oops gone poof.
The black releases are lighter weight and may work ok for the lightest weights but for the money not worth it to skimp.
Another thought is go get 2 Offshore planer boards that come with black clips which are too light then get 4 red clips or better yet get the new clip that just came out ????? and replace the black clips on the boards. Then you have 4 black clips that you can try with snap weights and they didn't cost a dime LOL

Pitts

[Steve(CO)]

Yep. I put snap swivels on all my snap weights just as you suggest. I have never had one pop off, but I could easliy see dropping it as I took it off the line to reel in a fish, so I paly it safe. The only concern might be if you have a really big fish and you don't want that weight bumping him (her) in the nose and possibly jarring the hook loose. I just haven't worried about that at the price of the snap weights.

[FROGMAN]

The red OR-16 is the clip of choice for use with the snap weight system. The newer versions have a pin in the center to help hold on superlines. I rig all of my snap weights with snap swivels as you describe, however I only attach them to the line if I'm trolling near the bottom with snaggy stuff around. In open water I really don't worry about losing them. Good Luck.

Keith Segar
NPAA #260

[Johnnie Candle]

Look for the Pro-Pointer snap weight kit at a Scheel's store in your area. Work just as good and less costly. Web site is www.pro-pointer.com

Keep the line tight,

Johnnie Candle

[REELMAN]

Try the Mr. Walleye clips. They hold a lot better, in my opinion, than the red, black or what ever off shore clip.

[SUPERTROLLER]

Steve, you can stop the weight from sliding all the way to the fish by putting a speedo bead on the line. If you are not familiar with these, they are a plastic bead that has several grooves molded into them for wrapping the line in to hold them a set distance up the line from your lure. If they are not available in your area, you could also put a small split shot on the line. Anything to stop the weight from getting down to the lure to give the fish some leverage on your hooks. About 3 ft. up-line is fine.

[JCarp]

Adding the snap swivel has merit if your fishing snaggy stuff or bumping bottom. I usually try to lose other stuff in those situations and save the snap weights for open water. Consider 3-ways or if you want long leads, use a rubber band rig in those situations. Thread a med? diameter long unbroken rubber band through the eye of a bell sinker, then thread one end of the rubber band through the loop on the other end and pull tight. Now lay the band across the line and thread the sinker through the loop between the line and other end of the band. Break the band inside the boat to save the weight when you get the big one. Seen it done w/up to 4 oz.

My opinion:

I like my Willie's Snappers for 4 or more oz. (Now the Offshore Snapper??? - Offshores descript and picture appear to match match my Willie's). It has a pin that prevents accidental loss unless the line breaks. Minor slippage with fireline if your "touching" snags.

Next, the Church Tackle/Mr. Walleye/Roach clips beat the old style red or black Offshore clips for fireline. I haven't used the new dimpled ones.

For 2 Oz or less on mono, anything works. I've used black Offshores removed from new boards (switching to roach clips). Red clips not used out of tattle flag kits, and inexpensive (maybe $12 for 8?)generic, steel with large round cork pads that are sold as releases for mast/ski boards. If the spring in the clip can be adjusted, slide it towards the pads.