rapala link swivels

[bja]

Guys, maybe you can help....i fish 99% of the time using the rapala knot on my lures but get a lot of fishermen asking about what attatchment other than the rapala knot can they use to attach the mainline to the rapala with. Think they were mainly aking about snap links, theres that many on the market some good some not so. Fishing mainly for salmon with anything from cd-5 to f-13......info on good gear appreciated BJA

[rocfish]

I have been using just a basic Fast-Lock Bass Snap for all my hardbait lure fishing for quite some time now. You can buy them in bright nickel, black, or anodized red (which is what I use), and they come in a number of sizes. They're sold with swivels attached too, but I like the plain snaps, it's less hardware at the end of your line, and I've also heard that the swivel can impede the action of Rapalas. One of the biggest advantages to using the Snaps is the convenience in lure changing. No need to cut and re-tie, just snap open, change, and snap closed. You can find packages of 10-20 at most suppliers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, Gander Mtn., etc.) for around $2.00. I will tie on a Bearing Swivel Interlock Snap when I fish big spoons though, as I find they are notorious line twisters. The only lures I tie on directly anymore (using an improved clinch knot or palomar knot) are worm hooks, jig heads, and spinner baits.

[shadrap712]

I also use a cross lock (snap). I put a sivel 24" up the line when trolling. This helps to reduce line twist and cotton and other things from sliding down the line to the lure. I use the Cabela's brand. The size of the cross lock will change your lure action some. I use a small one in the spring/fall (colder water) for a tighter action. I use larger ones in the summer to get more thump out of the lure. I attach the line to the cross lock with a palomar knot. This helps from having the knot move to one side making the lure not run in tune.

[bja]

Thanks guys, have you experienced any of the snaps coming open when hooking a fish? Might try some but the smaller and lighter probably the best. What would you recomend for cd-5 and cd-7 which wont interfere with the action too much. :-/Cheers in advance BJA

[fishfingers007]

i used the fast change links in the past and found that if you cliped a tree the lure would fly off, i to fish salmon cd5 - cd9 and all i will use now is the oval split ring, no change to the action but be sure to get the small size

[shadrap712]

I have found lighter gauge metal will bend open on bigger fish/snags. The cabela's ones I have never had a problem.

[rocfish]

I suppose the snap popping open is possible, although I've never had it happen, not on a strike, during the fight, or even when abusing the end of my line trying to pop it free from a rock snag at the bottom of Kentucky Lake. I use a pretty small Fast-Lock (I believe they're size 1) and have never had a problem at the point of attachment. In fact in my experience the line fails before the Snap does (and again, this being only when I'm trying to ham fist my lure free from the bottom of the lake).

[bja]

Thanks M8, will tell the boys to et some small oval links....enjoyed the sea trout cam..very good and heading down that way ext week on hol....... ::)bja

[rocfish]

Even the founder of the company believed in using snaps!

www.life.com/image/50659482

Attachments:

[Jcbyrne]

For CD-5 and 7s would try Berkley cross-lok snaps in size 1.
Have had better luck with them.they are very small and good to 30 pounds.
Also use palomar knot.

[Compre]

I am using the #2 quick snaps for all my rapala lures now, it is faster and you only need to make a good double Palomar knot once to the snap.

[bja]

Will have a look at them, 30lb maybe a bit light for the early and backend salmon but shoud suffice for most summer work.......thanks to all for the info BJA

[Compre]

I forgot to tell that don't use a snap for Skitter Walk. The snap makes the line tangled with the front hook and at times the line even get into the O ring.

[bja]

Jul 20, 2010 17:17:08 GMT -4 fishfingers007 said:

i used the fast change links in the past and found that if you cliped a tree the lure would fly off, i to fish salmon cd5 - cd9 and all i will use now is the oval split ring, no change to the action but be sure to get the small size [/quote

what size would you call small? thanks John]

[fishfingers007]

they are small but very strong, about 10 mill long , never had a problem not even on our back end salmon , ours go to about 25lb, but only had fish to 15lb on the links in high water, dont think you would put more on it than i have for some fish, i have the varnish on the rod creekin and line singing and me shakin

[bja]

thanks for that, will order some when im back from Cornwall .BJA