Cross lock Snaps

[gmetime24]

I just read about cross locking snaps and how they can change the action on a crankbait or jerkbait.  Sounds like they might have a time and place but I was wondering if many guys use these snaps? If so, what brand and what lb test to you prefer? 

[Manxfishing]

Love snaps

You what the duo locks, there a big round bend (I like #4's)
The cross locks come to point and that will screw up the action of the baits

[djkimmel]

I rarely used crosslock snaps for crankbaits because the bend is narrow and not round. You do get some erratic behavior from a crankbait with them but not the kind I normally want. I guess I could see for some baits it might be a unique action that helps on certain days? I also had, for what little I used them, more problems with them coming open and being stretched out straight, costing me fish I didn't want to lose. Been a long time since I've tried them.

I've always preferred wider, round bend snaps. Many people say to not use snaps at all for crankbaits. Maybe I would catch more fish without them?? I haven't tested the theory to any great extent. Just like the convenience of snaps for switching baits and I prefer a round snap than trying questionable loops knots to get more action from crankbaits.

[fiker]

I saw a kvd seminar once where he said that he used snaps with jerk baits.  He claimed he gets better action.

[gmetime24]

I saw a kvd seminar once where he said that he used snaps with jerk baits.  He claimed he gets better action.

I actually read about snaps in KVDs book Secrets of a Champion. I know the book is a little old but it seemed like a good idea for more erratic action especially on jerkbaits. He said to use the berkely brand in size 3

[djkimmel]

That might be one of those exceptions when you actually want an erratic action. Same for some shallow crankbaits or jerking some crankbaits. Might be able to use it to make a crankbait run under a dock too?

[Manxfishing]

A snap won't give you a erratic action

Think of them as a quick change Rapala knot
You get the full motion of the bait and you can change colors allot faster

A snap swivel will kill the motion

[Got Fish??]

I rarely use snaps when bass fishing. If I use them at all, it is mostly for muskyes, walleye or pike. I believe that it is a visual thing as much as an action thing. Putting a splitring on your bait first helps with action. When I do use snaps. I use a one piece snap or crossover snap. They will pull more pounds per size of snap. As far as going through alot of line. When i am halfway through the season. I run low and change line, halfway through the season. I think most tournaments anglers change line at least once a year. Remember to properly  dispose off your used line.

[gmetime24]

Thanks for all your input fellas. I'm going to buy a couple different snaps and run some baits in clear water or in a pool and see what difference I can notice

[djkimmel]

A non-round snap will affect the action of plugs. Many of the pros I've talked to over the years say even a round bend, small snap kills some of the action. I'm not sure how much or what it does. Lots of variables involved in the action of a lure.

When I fished lots of tournaments, and was full of youth and vigor, I changed line every day during tournaments on all the reels I used more than a few casts during the competition. Of course, I only changed part of the spool to whatever cheaper backing I had on the spool first.