Snap swivels

[GrizzlyAdams]

When and what jigs do you generally use snap swivels for? When and what jigs do you just tie direct. I have heard that small snap swivels are best for certain jigs or spoons in order to get the best action from the lure. Does anyone ever use the rapala knot when using specific jigs or spoons?

[nemoski]

I have never heard of the rapala knot. What is it?

[GrizzlyAdams]

I found it on a fishing knot web site. Grogs animated fishing knots on the web. It appears to leave a hole in the knot by the eyelet for the lure to get the most action. Thought maybe it would work for the darters and spoons but curious if any one else has tried it.

[muchowja]

I usually use one of those spring snaps. It doesn't have a swivel on it though.

[GrizzlyAdams]

For what jigs do you use them for.

[RiverFish]

I use swivels on most of my rods. It helps keep the jig from spinning when you are jigging it. If you are deadsticking you really don't need one.

[GrizzlyAdams]

Do you use just swivels up the line a little ways. I guess my question is when do you use a snap swivel directly to the lure. It would make for quicker switch outs but I have also heard that it is better to use these for certain jigs/spoons in order to get the most natural action. Most curious as to which lures/spoons specifically should be used with the snaps/snap swivels.

[BucksnDucks]

I never ever tie jigs directly to a snap. Fish are way to finicky imo to take a jig with a swivel directly above the jig. I do however tie a swivel to my main line, then a short 1-2 ft. leader of flurocarbon or some other sort of low-viz line tied to the jig. As far as the rapala knot, yes I also use that on raps jiggin raps. Not so sure if it is needed for ice-fishn but summer fish without a doubt the only knot to use on raps. The wobble is much much more definate using the rap knot versus your standard knots.

[Shaktom]

I use swivels on most of my rods. It helps keep the jig from spinning when you are jigging it. If you are deadsticking you really don't need one.

I quess I'll have to try it. Even with new line I have noticed a lot of spinning lately.

[efgh]

When using the rapla knot, retie often. It tends to weaken the line. Just my exp. after losing jigs and fish.

[looneyducer]

I don't tie anything direct, and I always put some sort of swivel in there someplace. I'll run a snap swivel attached directly to the lure when running 3/8 oz or bigger stuff -- Buckshots and the like -- but I generally tie to a swivel and then tie a florocarbon leader to a fast snap for anything smaller than that.

[RiverFish]

Grizzly,

I think the chubby darters recommend using a swivel attached directly to the lure to give the most action.

Make sure you buy good quality swivels if you are using them to reduce line/lure spinning.

[GrizzlyAdams]

Thanks for all the replies gentlemen. Does the color of the snap/swivel make a difference. Would it be best to try a red colored snap/swivel verses a plain colored one? I would also assume the smaller the better. (as long as it is strong enough) How many of you use them for jigging spoons such as buckshots, rattlin varmints. How about jiggin raps and the new rattlin flyer spoons?

[Northlander]

When and what jigs do you generally use snap swivels for? When and what jigs do you just tie direct. I have heard that small snap swivels are best for certain jigs or spoons in order to get the best action from the lure. Does anyone ever use the rapala knot when using specific jigs or spoons?

I never use a snap swivel while ice fishing. I use a cross lock snap to my spoons, jiggin raps etc. but tie direct to all jigs. I use a swivel up the line 8" -12" maybe more instead of a snap swivel at the lure. I dont like the action or lack of that a snap swivel puts on lures.

I use the smallest cross lock snap and swivel I can get away with. I usually use a black or brass it dont seem to matter.

[GrizzlyAdams]

Thanks N.L. That is what I was thinking. I wasn't sure what the cross locks were called so I was referring to them as snaps. Heading back up to Woody's next week to give it a try again and want the best action from my lures. I love learning new things when it comes to fishing. Awesome site. By the sounds of your fishing there Northlander, We should have come to visit you instead. Hopefully see you this summer for sure.

[Northlander]

Grizzlyadams we should still have a good bite until it closes at the end of the month. Come on up and we will see what we can do. If you cant make it this month than we will do summer for sure.

Say Hi to Woodie for me. Tel him to let me know when them big crappies turn back on.

Cross lock snaps are just one type of snap. I like them best because the seem to hold better than the straight armed ones. More secure of a locking position on them with the sharp hook that secures it. E-mail me and Ill send you the brand and # I use I cant remember it right now. I buy them in bulk 100-200 at a time. Its a lot cheaper that way.

[GrizzlyAdams]

Will do. Man them crappies would be a blast to get into. I will see how this month goes but will definatley be up there this summer with ya. Looking forward to it already. I will let Woody know to call ya when they find the crappis again. I really need to get my passport and border pass to chase down some of them crappies. Keep up the good fishin Steve!!!!!!

[BuckyBadger]

Did anyone catch last weeks Northland Adventures episode? Had Flirty Girty bait maker Dave Sumner ice fishing for perch. He showed a quick trick of how he ties his line directly around the neck of the jig eyelet. He didn't go through the eye hole at all. I didn't get a chance to DVR the show so I am not 100% sure how the knot goes. But he says it is a quick, easy way to tie on a jig. Allows some easy control of how you want the jig to ride. The jig sits more horizontal if you want, or tail up, or if you want to move the knot to the side for some spin.

Made a lot of sense if you want more control of how the jig rides or if it proves hard to feed the line through the eyelet for whatever reason, like hard to see or painted close and you don't want to chip away too much paint. Also easy to tie when you have cold fingers. My first thought was it would come off, but he says he has never lost a fish with this way of tying on a jig. Was pretty interesting, but I have never seen this before or thought about not going through the eyelet to tie on a jig.

[erickol]

on some of my spoons like Halis and forage minnows, I'll take a small swivel (not snap swivel), affix a small split ring on it and then the split ring to the lure eye. if you use the smallest you can find they really do not change the profile of the spoon much, even the smaller ones. Works great.