Leader Connections

[bonefish]

I just read an article where the author used split rings instead of snap-locks to connect the leader to the lure. He felt it was one less component to worry about failing. I've never heard of this before. Is this a common practice? Do many of you do this?

[porterhouse]

I also don't use snap-locks. I use split rings. Never had a split ring fail. I had a snap-lock fail. I learned my lesson.

Brian

[JRedig]

I do it too, had several snap's break.

[Dano_the_jigasaurus]

What kind of snaps did you guys have break?

I have used stringease for a couple seasons and not had a problem, but now I have probably jinxed myself....dang gonna have to use split rings now...

dan

[Rebel9921]

I've been using Stringease for past two years... but on several occasions, I've found that it has come undone... Im thinking about switching out stringease for splitrings...

It might be a good practice to replace those snaps that has come loose on more than 2 occasions... first time you notice it, it could be that you forgot to pop it in... second time... probably loose so switch it out...

I always carry extra snaps, splitrings (Wolverines), and 4 different hook sizes in a plano box in my tacklebox... pays to be prepared... I should add a butane torch and couple heat-shrink tubes to the box, just in case too...

[guideman]

They main reason snaps fail is because they are worn out from over use. They won't last forever, no matter how good they are. With that said, I use 150lb snaps on my leaders and I haven't had a single failure in over 30 years of Muskie fishing. Once they get easy to open, it's time to go to a new snap or a new leader.

JMHO.

"Ace"

Ace guide service.

[ole matty]

I ll be switchin to spilt ring soon.. Had snaps open itself on me few time...

[b1gf1sh1]

i started doing the splitring thing in saltwater down in florida. i was for awhile for freshwater but ive gone back to either quality snaps or directly crimping my leader onto the bait. but in saltwater you'll never get me using another snap. i've been thinking lately a Tarpon would be one heck of a fun time. never even tried for them really. i hear it's like a muskie being a slant 6 hornet on a bumpy dead end road and a tarpon being a 426 hemi-powered suped up dune buggy in a 500 mile desert race. besides 50-60 lbs. aint even that big.

[MuskieJunkie]

I replace my snaps and/or leaders ever season. I've heard that they can break due to metal fatigue from the opening and closing.

This winter I'm changing everything over to Berkley Cross-Lok #9s.

[mroyten]

Just buy a bag of snaps from Throne, keep them with you and replace them whenever necessary. They say when it loses color to replace- just use your judgment, better to replace it more often than not enough.

[kjgmh]

I have been using split rings for a couple of years. They too wear out and need to be replaced from time to time. Just have to remeber to bring split ring pliers, sucks when you forget them. Another plus is that in the fall I can change lures with my gloves on.

[bustin lips]

every lure in my box has a bucher split ring attached. snaps do fail so expect them to. split rings are easier and they rarely fail.