Split rings or not

[fishing_in_israel]

Here's a question that's been on my mind for a while now:
Why do some lures have split rings to tie onto and some don't?
Which option is best? Is it a good idea to remove the split rings and just use the embedded 'eye' on the lure?

Nigel

[fishfingers007]

Oct 1, 2009 13:10:04 GMT -4 fishing_in_israel said:

Here's a question that's been on my mind for a while now:
Why do some lures have split rings to tie onto and some don't?
Which option is best? Is it a good idea to remove the split rings and just use the embedded 'eye' on the lure?

Nigel

i throw them away, i find the line can get caught in the ring and you can lose the lure, i put a oval ring on and get the full action of the lure and never a problem with coming apart

[zeroroaster]

Depends on the lure...if it's a spoon, I leave it on. On a plug, I take it off...then again, I have a wire leader and snap swivel on anyways. If you're fishing around here without a leader, you've lost your lure. Especially with pike....it's a 12-18 inch leader with those guys...Then again, when the rainbows start fighting and jumping, they'll snap the line there too.

I like having a split ring or swivel on as I can tie the line tight to it and as the lure does it's swimming thing it doesn't create an abrasion point against the line. The swivel or ring acts as a nice loose joint between the lure and the line.

[10tacle]

Most I don't remove the split rings.
Only for small suspenders under 2,5" in combination with a thin wire or titanium leader I make them off cause its weight.
The pike density is to high here to fish without a appropriate leader.

[fishing_in_israel]

What about those quick clip connectors - are they any good? It would certainley save alot of knot tying.

[bacon]

i believe raps are all sent with rings if they need them, and not if they dont. removing them will give an action that is not intended, that is not to say that it wont fit your situation and improve your catch. i always fish them the way they are and have given up on snap swivels unless fishing cerrtain soft plastics. i even tend to lean away from leaders, even if i am fishing for pike. dont know what it is that makes me special, but i rarly get bit off by a pike, just have to remember to re-tie a new knot every once and a while, as you can find frayed spots from time to time. i by far lose more lures on casts then i do to fish.

just my take on them, i have some quick change clips, made by norman i think, but i never use them cause my fingers are too big to squeaze the stupid thing and get it to hook to the lure, plus im not sure what they will do to the action of a lure that should be direct tied like crankbaits.
bacon

[zeroroaster]

Hey nridley,

I've been using snap locks and swivels a long, long time now and yeah they save a HUGE pile of knot tying as well as allowing me to quickly switch lures. I've had no adverse effects on whether or not I catch fish and in fact, they allow the lure to go wherever it wants to without twisting my line.

Again, this being the land of fish with pointy teeth, we NEVER fish without a leader of some sort.

[Fishooked]

I leave them on, but only because I'm lazy

I always use snaps because Im changing lures constantly.

[wlb]

I use split rings on all my cranks.
I like the Duo Lock snaps on my blade baits.
The only thing I tie direct to is my floating Rapalas.

[bottombouncer]

i was kinda curious about the answer(s) to this question when i seen it.
after reading all the responses,it looks like it all boils down to individual preference.
i generally keep them on if the lure comes with it and even put them on spoons if they dont.
i never put them on blade baits or use a wire leader.if i need a leader on them,id rather tie leader material and a swivel.

i have never lost a fish as a result of me using either a split ring or a swivel,provided i use the right one for the job and have faith in my knots.i have lost fish using a snap swivel and try to stay clear of them as much as possible.every time i look at one it makes me think about the fish that i lost and i just cant bare to tie one on,lol...

[shadrap712]

From a trollers point. I always leave the split rings on because they will change the weight of the lure which will change the action (floats/sinks on some models). I always use only a cross lock with NO swivel. I will put a very small swivel 20" above the cross lock for any out of tune/weeded up lures. The size of your cross lock will change the action of your lure also. Early in the spring 32 to 50 degree water I use the smallest cross lock. This will make the lure have a tighter action. In the summer 50 + water temp I will go to a bigger cross lock to gain more action and vibration out of the lure. When trolling at a higher speed (summer) 3.5 to 6 mph you have to go with a smaller cross lock to help keep your lure from burning out. You are replacing the wide wobble with a reaction strike (speed) In the fall when water temps get to 50 and below I will go back to the very small ones. One tip I have found is to always tie your mono/super line with a palomar note. It will keep the line from slipping just a little one way or another. Sorry for rambling but this is how this walleye guy feels on this subject.