Swivel connectors or direct tying?

[Jaypo]

When tackling the walters, what is your preference for connecting your line to your crank baits? Do you use a snap on swivel or do they cause too much distraction where it is better to tie directly to the lure?

Also, what types of knots are best?

Where is a good on-line resource to learn more about different types of knots?

Man... I have a lot of questions!

[slick814]

Well, as far as my personal taste goes, when tying crankbaits like Rapalas, I prefer tying direct to the lure. When using a spinner or lindy rig, I like a barrel swivel. Snap swivels are fine if you like the ability to do quick changes, etc. but I just don't use them a lot.
As far a knots go, that's one of those things that depends on what you're doing...
I highly recommend a HSOforum from Austrailia called Fishingcarins.com for the knot tying info. They've got a lot of solid info with pictures, and explanations of when to and not to use different knots.
And you can never go wrong with a Palomar in most situations, but that's just my opinion...

------------------
Fishin' is life
The rest is just details

[riverrat56]

For tying on i use one of 2 methods, my favorite way is to tie about a 3 ft mono leader of the same or maybe a few lbs heavier onto the crank, then tie a loop at the end or use a small swivel, then i attach that to the snap swivel on the main line.( this is baiscally done so the action isnt affected by the snap and i can still change easily) if a crank doesnt have a leader on it i just tie directly i think it causes the crank to run better that with the swivel leading it. i always tie an imporved clinche knot.

[LocalGuide]

I like 2 methods. My #1 that I have been using is a Duolock Snap (they dont have a swivel on them). That way the crank dont get act fouled as easy. Also it is a faster way to change baits too.
The otherwise I would normally tie a palomar knot to my cranks. But at night when your trolling its kinda a pain in the butt to re-tie in the dark, its even worse when its cold out. So I like to use a regular snap.

------------------
And keep those hooks sharp!

[Borch]

Same here as Localguide. Use the Doulock snap. They are light but strong and allow full action of the lure. Plus it's much easier to change cranks.

As far as knots go I use the improved clinch most for mono. Use the trilene most for supperbraids. Use the blood or surgeons knot for connecting two lines of roughly equal diameter. Other than that it's a sne;ll knot for making livebait rigs.

Do a search for fishing knots and you'll find several sites. I'm just not remembering any specific sites off the top of my head right now.

Borch

Borch

[slick814]

Whoops...

I misspelled the HSOforum that I mentioned. It's fishingcairns.com NOT carins... sorry about that.
If you do a google search for fishing knots, there's a lot of good ones out there as well, I just happened to find that the one from Aus. has good info on each knot & when & how to use them.

------------------
Fishin' is life
The rest is just details

[Mike Walerak]

I also use the duoloc snaps. They don't have a swivel to foul the action of the plug. At times I will put a swivel about two feet up the line to prevent the line from twising twisting.
mw

[Jaypo]

Slick -

Great HSOforum! I wasn't sure what the names of the knots were that I was tying and now I'm more educated on them. Great resource for others starting out.

[CrawlerKing]

I also use snaps...especially when trolling at night...When I'm casting shads to rip rap and shallow rocks, then I will tie direct...if I use a snap it seems like my lure gets fouled too often.

[musky hunter]

Usually I would tie direct. But if fish are finicky put on a snap swivel. Reason: the action of the lures are a little different and slightly more lively. A direct tie dampens the motion of the lure because it has to work the line through the water. A snap has low friction around the eye to allow the lure more freedom of motion.

[Oldtyme]

I've heard the same thing musky hunter.
I was watching an episode about trolling crankbaits for crappie. They said to use the snap swivels for the best lure action.

Tommorow I'm going to try my luck trolling crankbaits for the first time. Should be exciting (and entertaining for others to watch ) While I am hoping for crappie, I wouldn't mind catching a walleye or two (or three). I know my light action rod/reel can handle a bigger fish, just takes longer to get in.

[Northlander]

What type and size cranks do you guys use for Crappie. Ever use drop lines instead of the back treble?

[P.DONA]

Do you guys think the fish see the black duosnap in front of the lure?? I've been wondering about using snap swivels, and tying direct, too. Snaps are soooo much easier to change lures..

[Mike Walerak]

Quote:

---

Do you guys think the fish see the black duosnap in front of the lure??

---

I use snaps nearly 100% of the time. I do not feel the fish see them. I do however feel that a swivel can impair the action of the lure. Many times I tie a swivel a few feet up the line. This can save many nightmares from the tangles that result from line twist. I have used the swivel snaps and caught fish though. I guess it just might depend on the day.

[Mike Walerak]

Quote:

---

What type and size cranks do you guys use for Crappie?

---

I catch crappies quite often on #11 husky jerks. They actually smack them harder than the walleyes.

mw

[MikeYager - Suzuki]

I used to tie on to cranks when trolling with mono. Now I use a swivel because it's such a pain to cut and retie super lines. I am much more willing to change lures that way.