I'm in your camp re: connections dictated by presentation (lure, movement, speed, depth). That said I'm a no snap guy. All split rings. Very secure (but I'm a musky guy) Nevertheless. Leaders can play a big part in lure action as well. Walk the dog type really benefit from a lightweight single strand wire leader (musky guy , remember?). For the rest of you, think stiff. Dead fish orient most any position. Pike are susceptible to oddly (even upside down) positioned bait., especially very early in the year. Matt! Thank you for thought provoking content! 👍
Hi Matt. Thanks for this video. I agree with your reasoning if one focusses entirely on bass fishing and soft plastics. However, as a person hailing from Germany, where there are no bass (there are zander and big European perch) but lots of pike, and living in Quebec, where there are both lots of bass and pike, I tend to use wire leaders in almost all my lure fishing. If I'm not out for big pike or musky I usually use fine 1x7 or 7x7 steel wire which is strong, thin and soft. The reason is that I do not want to risk breaking off a pike (or musky) with one or potentially multiple hooks in its mouth. It's a matter of care for and fairness to the fish. Given that, I almost always use snaps. All in all, I find it works well for both bass and pike.
I'm with you and Mikey Balzz on this- I always use a snap on my hard baits so I can change them out quickly. Never lost even a single fish doing this so no reason not to. For soft baits, jigs, jig heads I just tie straight to bait. Never used a loop knot. I keep knots simple ... Palomar for everything and double uni for braid to fluoro, that's it
Interesting topic and a well thought out opinion. I've found snaps a bit disappointing, having lost fish due to the small stainless wire bending/opening...bet perhaps I was using too light ones. Now, and especially with braid/leader, I tie on, but takes time. I appreciated the discussion of the 'Finisher'. I have one tied on with a loop knot to redo now. lol
Snaps go on Crankbaits, lipless, and sometimes spinnerbaits for me. I use some surgical tubing to keep the snap in place when I’m throwing spinnerbaits into wood. I think it helps the bait pivot over branches better.
Never use a loop knot. But if a crank bait, say a Wiggle Wart, comes with a snap, then I'll use it. If it's not producing bites, then I'll remove the snap and try it again.
Thanks Matt. I hope people realize just how valuable this sort of video is. It’s great to have someone who can speed you down the learning curve. As someone who only gets to fish one day a week (on a good week) to save the time of having to figure this stuff out yourself is golden. Really appreciate it.
Meh.. I use a loop knot on one shallow jerkbait i have because it won't dart with a small twitch otherwise. Haven't found any other use case and it's a pain to tie. Maybe I'll give it another test based on this nifty info.
Randy, yes, they are customers that agreed to terms and conditions and codes of conduct. They are all free to boycott MLF or compete elsewhere. I often wonder why they don't all band together and leverage to start a new tournament trail. To think that you could spread FBD, and there not be consequences, is crazy. Just because someone is a customer does not mean that there are no rules to follow. If you break the rules, you can lose the privilege of use.
Good info! I also appreciate you getting right into the meat of the video rather than all your advertising first like you used to - having it at the end is a much better format! Thanks!
Generally speaking, to generate more bites, a snap, a loop knot or tying direct is required to achieve a more efficient or effective presentation. Tying direct can at times, also reduce tangles on certain lures as many of us know. A loop knot is highly overrated in fly fishing because of the tangle factor. Generally speaking, agree with this video to help generate more bites with better choices. Generally speaking...
Regarding your Neenah, WI sweatshirt: I am looking for a guy from Neenah who I worked with in Yellowstone National Park in 1981 as a park employee in a grocery store. He is 66 years old and Name is Ken; we called him Ken #4. I am guessing he may be Active in the Outdoors Community in Neenah or that general area. We were also some of the first people who fly fished the Big Horn River in 1981 when it was first opened to the public. We were saying don't go above the high water mark; sniper fire on the Big Horn because the Native Americans were not too happy with the river being opened We also backpacked 18 miles up Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park before it became famous. We caught a lot of Cutthroats on dry flies. We packed in old rubberized waders because Gore-Tex waders had not been invented yet. We also fly fished Grebe Lake for Arctic Grayling in YNP in 1981 shortly after President Carter had fished it. Anyway, since you are prominent in the Outdoors Community, if you know this fellow I'd appreciate you putting me in touch. I am recently retired.
Ha this is Funny as I just bought some tiny split rings to put on lead head Jigs for Walleye fishing a Leadhead Jig 1/4oz and a 4inch Jerk shad or ringworm. I was thinking snap jigging it would put more action to the bait. I have no idea if this is good or bad but I am going to try it and see if it makes a difference. TC
Good video. Thought provoking! I agree with your observations. I've always used the split ring (or substituted a snap to make changes easier) on jerkbaits. I've never tried it but since these get the hard darting action from working the rod tip, would they also work better tied directly without a ring or snap - or are they an exception?
In saltwater fishing you have to use a loop knot because you’re using such a large size leader 40+ floro! But never ever a snap! Have had them fail to many times in my younger years
With direct tying Rapalas,I move the line tie either up or down a little depending if I want more or less wobble. An old infisherman tip. What do you think? Always like a loop with zara spooks. It gets walking quicker and moves a little more side to side.
Matt can you talk about why and how you rig the Shad Impact bait with the tush. You show that bait all the time with the eye about a 1/4 inch in front of the nose of the bait. Thanks
Hey! I seen a natl'geographic on t.v. once about some tiny ocean fish that comes vertical out of a burrow! But I've never seen that in the real world in freshwater where we all bass fish. Pinning a bait horizontal is huge for those open- water techniques!
What about a Zara Spook or walking bait. Are they an exception? Have no action on their own until you jerk the rod and give back slack, but seems their side to side walking the dog action would benefit from a snap or loop knot.
Thanx. One more… When a crankbait for example has a split-ring on the front will that suffice and allow the bait to have max action if tied directly to the split-ring or would you use a snap or loop-knot to attach to the split-ring?
Great Info Matt! We think there are some important caveats to note. Weight balance (as you know) plays a big roll. This is especially important for Panfish anglers as most of their tackle is front heavy. So a loop knot helps keep those smaller baits in a horizontal, especially underneath a float. The second thing that's valuable to mention is bait shape. Wider or more asymmetrical baits do perform better under "free swinging attachment" than those with a more uniform symmetrical shape. This is another reason it's important to have multiple rods in the boat even if they have similar (but different ) baits attached. :)
Kenta Kimura uses a split ring on his 6" Magdrafts to allow for more head roll. I found that interesting. I also got paired up with Ricky Green in a BASS tournament on Eufaula way back in the day, and he used a snap on his jigs to roll over cover better. Also interesting (but not something I adopted!).
I'll use a snap lock but not the swivel snap on crankbaits and jerkbaits but I dont use them for soft plastics. I just stick to the improved clinch knot. It never failed me yet. I'll also use a barrel swivel on the baits that can twist your line more if need be.
Not gonna lie, i was afraid you were going to say don't use loop knots, cause i'm a big fan of the knot for certain baits. I agree with you 100%. What would you do with a jerkbait, where the action is imparted through the rod and by reeling it in like a crankbait? I personally use a loop knot for this bait.
In a kayak, with limited rods, I'm snappin baby. Thanks Matt.
You bet!
I'm in your camp re: connections dictated by presentation (lure, movement, speed, depth). That said I'm a no snap guy. All split rings. Very secure (but I'm a musky guy) Nevertheless.
Leaders can play a big part in lure action as well. Walk the dog type really benefit from a lightweight single strand wire leader (musky guy , remember?). For the rest of you, think stiff.
Dead fish orient most any position. Pike are susceptible to oddly (even upside down) positioned bait., especially very early in the year.
Matt! Thank you for thought provoking content! 👍
You bet!
Hi Matt. Thanks for this video. I agree with your reasoning if one focusses entirely on bass fishing and soft plastics. However, as a person hailing from Germany, where there are no bass (there are zander and big European perch) but lots of pike, and living in Quebec, where there are both lots of bass and pike, I tend to use wire leaders in almost all my lure fishing. If I'm not out for big pike or musky I usually use fine 1x7 or 7x7 steel wire which is strong, thin and soft. The reason is that I do not want to risk breaking off a pike (or musky) with one or potentially multiple hooks in its mouth. It's a matter of care for and fairness to the fish. Given that, I almost always use snaps. All in all, I find it works well for both bass and pike.
Thanks for sharing!
I'm with you and Mikey Balzz on this- I always use a snap on my hard baits so I can change them out quickly. Never lost even a single fish doing this so no reason not to. For soft baits, jigs, jig heads I just tie straight to bait. Never used a loop knot. I keep knots simple ... Palomar for everything and double uni for braid to fluoro, that's it
Thanks for watching!
Me too. Exactly.
That was very well said and put into perspective. Thanks as always
Thanks!
Interesting topic and a well thought out opinion.
I've found snaps a bit disappointing, having lost fish due to the small stainless wire bending/opening...bet perhaps I was using too light ones. Now, and especially with braid/leader, I tie on, but takes time.
I appreciated the discussion of the 'Finisher'. I have one tied on with a loop knot to redo now. lol
Give both a try and use what works for you. Thanks for watching!
Snaps go on Crankbaits, lipless, and sometimes spinnerbaits for me. I use some surgical tubing to keep the snap in place when I’m throwing spinnerbaits into wood. I think it helps the bait pivot over branches better.
Thanks for watching!
I find using loops some snaps make the lures weight off when you have those slow days. Thank you Matt.
You bet!
🍺Thanks Matt🤠.
Anytime!
Decoy makes some great snaps! They have some tiny ones that are perfect for jerkbaits…never had one fail.
Thanks for watching
100 percent agree Matt.
Thanks!
Agree,thanks for information
My pleasure!
Good job
Thanks
I agree with tying direct if you're imparting an action on the lure but I find a loop knot works better on a walk the dog style lure. Your thoughts?
Id disagree but honestly tell you to do whatever you have confidence in
I agree
Thanks for watching
Never use a loop knot. But if a crank bait, say a Wiggle Wart, comes with a snap, then I'll use it. If it's not producing bites, then I'll remove the snap and try it again.
Thanks for sharing!
Makes a lot of sense to me
Thanks!
Smart
Thanks!
How many of you delete the split ring when using a snap?
I do
Agreed 100%
Thanks!
I like Richard Gene the fishing machine
I’ll check him out
Your content is awesome too. Nice video
I use snaps on all my crank baits and jerk baits. Everything else is tied directly.
Thanks for sharing!
In my book it is always dependent on the bait.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Matt. I hope people realize just how valuable this sort of video is. It’s great to have someone who can speed you down the learning curve. As someone who only gets to fish one day a week (on a good week) to save the time of having to figure this stuff out yourself is golden. Really appreciate it.
My pleasure!
I use a snap most of the time, with one exception. If I'm fishing a Rapala or Rattling Rogue in cold water. Then, I tie direct.
Thanks for sharing!
I just replaced the snap on my chatterbaits with egg snaps. Not only the snap, I put a barrel swivel on the snap. Good or bad decision???
I don’t think it’s necessary but give it a try
Meh.. I use a loop knot on one shallow jerkbait i have because it won't dart with a small twitch otherwise. Haven't found any other use case and it's a pain to tie. Maybe I'll give it another test based on this nifty info.
Thanks
I use snaps on crankbaits and jerkbaits only, everything else I tie directly
Stick with what works for you
Thanks Matt! Asked this question a few months ago. Thanks for the content and explanation. Makes perfect sense.
Glad to help!
I love Norman speed clips. Use on jerk, crankbaits, poppers, Choppos. The o-ring design is strong, and gives great action.
Stick with what you have confidence in
I never use snaps and I'm so old i remember the loop knot used to be called the Rapala knot because they used to come with instructions how to tie it.
Thanks for sharing!
Randy, yes, they are customers that agreed to terms and conditions and codes of conduct. They are all free to boycott MLF or compete elsewhere. I often wonder why they don't all band together and leverage to start a new tournament trail. To think that you could spread FBD, and there not be consequences, is crazy. Just because someone is a customer does not mean that there are no rules to follow. If you break the rules, you can lose the privilege of use.
👍
Whoops, this was meant for Randy Blaukat's video.
Big question is, do you snap to O ring
Nope
OSP dolive stick?
It’s a good one
Thanks Matt , I use clips on all crank baits .
You bet
Good tips Matt, my bait that have thier on action I use a loop or norman speed clip. I direct tie to baits I control with rod and reel😊
Good stuff!
Good info! I also appreciate you getting right into the meat of the video rather than all your advertising first like you used to - having it at the end is a much better format! Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Generally speaking, to generate more bites, a snap, a loop knot or tying direct is required to achieve a more efficient or effective presentation. Tying direct can at times, also reduce tangles on certain lures as many of us know. A loop knot is highly overrated in fly fishing because of the tangle factor. Generally speaking, agree with this video to help generate more bites with better choices. Generally speaking...
Thanks for sharing!
Generally speaking... Glad you have a good sense of humor !
Crazy like a fox 🦊!!! 🍺🍺🍺🍺🐟🐟
Haha
Regarding your Neenah, WI sweatshirt:
I am looking for a guy from Neenah who I worked with in Yellowstone National Park in 1981 as a park employee in a grocery store.
He is 66 years old and Name is Ken; we called him Ken #4.
I am guessing he may be Active in the Outdoors Community in Neenah or that general area.
We were also some of the first people who fly fished the Big Horn River in 1981 when it was first opened to the public.
We were saying don't go above the high water mark; sniper fire on the Big Horn because the Native Americans were not too happy with the river being opened
We also backpacked 18 miles up Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park before it became famous.
We caught a lot of Cutthroats on dry flies.
We packed in old rubberized waders because Gore-Tex waders had not been invented yet.
We also fly fished Grebe Lake for Arctic Grayling in YNP in 1981 shortly after President Carter had fished it.
Anyway, since you are prominent in the Outdoors Community, if you know this fellow I'd appreciate you putting me in touch. I am recently retired.
Don’t know him haha
Ha this is Funny as I just bought some tiny split rings to put on lead head Jigs for Walleye fishing a Leadhead Jig 1/4oz and a 4inch Jerk shad or ringworm. I was thinking snap jigging it would put more action to the bait. I have no idea if this is good or bad but I am going to try it and see if it makes a difference. TC
Give it a try
Good video. Thought provoking! I agree with your observations. I've always used the split ring (or substituted a snap to make changes easier) on jerkbaits. I've never tried it but since these get the hard darting action from working the rod tip, would they also work better tied directly without a ring or snap - or are they an exception?
I tie direct
In saltwater fishing you have to use a loop knot because you’re using such a large size leader 40+ floro! But never ever a snap! Have had them fail to many times in my younger years
Interesting
Thanks for another great video. I’ve been wondering about using snaps. Can you say what snaps you prefer to use? Thanks again
Decoy egg snap
With direct tying Rapalas,I move the line tie either up or down a little depending if I want more or less wobble. An old infisherman tip. What do you think? Always like a loop with zara spooks. It gets walking quicker and moves a little more side to side.
Interesting
Matt can you talk about why and how you rig the Shad Impact bait with the tush. You show that bait all the time with the eye about a 1/4 inch in front of the nose of the bait. Thanks
I don’t use it with the TUSH. I use it with the Hover Rig
I use the Norman speed clips for crankbaits, especially squarebills.
Thanks for watching
Man, so often I'll use a loop knot w a rapala- or a specific small snap I like w a jerkbait or crank. everything else is a direct tye.
Thanks for sharing!
I don’t know but it is the season for the Bumblebee Jig, I am excited to catch a big Sally on a Bumblebee Jig!
Yes sir!
Hey! I seen a natl'geographic on t.v. once about some tiny ocean fish that comes vertical out of a burrow! But I've never seen that in the real world in freshwater where we all bass fish. Pinning a bait horizontal is huge for those open- water techniques!
Thanks for sharing!
I use snaps on big jointed swimbaits to allow another hinge point….. but that’s it.
Thanks for sharing!
What about a Zara Spook or walking bait. Are they an exception?
Have no action on their own until you jerk the rod and give back slack, but seems their side to side walking the dog action would benefit from a snap or loop knot.
Yes
Thanx. One more…
When a crankbait for example has a split-ring on the front will that suffice and allow the bait to have max action if tied directly to the split-ring or would you use a snap or loop-knot to attach to the split-ring?
Great Info Matt! We think there are some important caveats to note. Weight balance (as you know) plays a big roll. This is especially important for Panfish anglers as most of their tackle is front heavy. So a loop knot helps keep those smaller baits in a horizontal, especially underneath a float. The second thing that's valuable to mention is bait shape. Wider or more asymmetrical baits do perform better under "free swinging attachment" than those with a more uniform symmetrical shape. This is another reason it's important to have multiple rods in the boat even if they have similar (but different ) baits attached. :)
Agreed!
@@MattStefanFishing you're awesome 🤣
I fish out of a kayak and I tie everything. As long as you practice your knots it’s not bad at all
Thanks for sharing
Kenta Kimura uses a split ring on his 6" Magdrafts to allow for more head roll. I found that interesting. I also got paired up with Ricky Green in a BASS tournament on Eufaula way back in the day, and he used a snap on his jigs to roll over cover better. Also interesting (but not something I adopted!).
Interesting , you would think a jig rolling over cover would be a bad thing because the hook point would snag
Interesting
What's your opinion on the Berkley Switch? I've been using a loop knot , but now, seeing your video, it's making me question that thought.
I tie direct and like it. I caught an 8 1/2 lber on it at Toledo bend
@MattStefanFishing it's a great bait catches everything. I've been wearing the crappie out on the small one.
Been doing it that way for years
Sounds good
Excellent advice 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Glad it was helpful!
Good tip, and I would agree
Thanks!
Good info
Thanks
Tie direct 99% of the time.
Thanks for sharing!
Stef, of course I agree to 100% !
Haha thabks
Totally agree
Thanks!
👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks for watching!
I'll use a snap lock but not the swivel snap on crankbaits and jerkbaits but I dont use them for soft plastics. I just stick to the improved clinch knot. It never failed me yet. I'll also use a barrel swivel on the baits that can twist your line more if need be.
Thanks for sharing!
I think the kind of people who would use a snap or a loop in the first place, should keep using them
I
Stick with what you have confidence in
Not gonna lie, i was afraid you were going to say don't use loop knots, cause i'm a big fan of the knot for certain baits. I agree with you 100%. What would you do with a jerkbait, where the action is imparted through the rod and by reeling it in like a crankbait? I personally use a loop knot for this bait.
I tie direct