Fishing Snaps and Clips: Are They Good or Bad and Should You Use Them? (underwater lure test)

Snaps, clips, and snap swivels allow for quick lure changes and saved time, and many brands have their own versions of these. But which style is easiest to use, and what effect do they each have on the appearance and action of the lure? Should you use snaps or snap swivels when fishing? This video takes a close look at each style of snap, how it works, and how it affects a lure's appearance and action with underwater video.
Links to these snaps:
VMC Crankbait snaps alnk.to/hDq6TTv
VMC Duolock snaps alnk.to/7BeUZrQ
Tactical Angler Power Clips amzn.to/3xsUzDw
Norman Speed Clips amzn.to/45xao8Z
#fishing
#howtofish
#bassfishing
#learntofish

[@andycrookshank7784]

I HATE tying leaders, so I use a snap on the end of my leaders for the sole reason that I don't want to replace the leader. I use the smallest snap that will handle the largest fish I'll realistically catch. I honestly haven't noticed a difference, but of course this is anecdotal. I even put hooks directly on snaps for softbait and bait fishing, even though everyone acts like it's some cardinal sin. Could I catch more fish if I tied directly to a hook? Maybe. Probably. But man it makes switching setups easier.

[@FishingwithNat]

I don't use snaps with bait hooks, but I did it all the time as a kid and still caught fish. People do it with snap swivels too and still have luck. I do still use snaps with soft swimbaits occasionally.

[@martinschulz9381]

Yes exactly, but just try arguing with those hardcore direct tie guys.

[@user-vt3vo1yd3v]

Takes 10 seconds max to retie you’re just shit at it. Just learn the uni knot

[@darinmiller9654]

I saltwater fish, mostly in the Sea of Cortez, and use the paper clip style on every leader when using jigs/lures. Never know what they're biting on from day to day, and the ability to switch them in seconds is awesome instead of having to keep retying and shortening the leader. Never had one break or straighten out. I keep a selection of 3 different sizes. I've been using them for a few years, absolute game changer. If you haven't tried them, give them a shot. Guaranteed you'll be "hooked" lol!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for sharing. I appreciate the discussion! The paperclip style is very strong.

[@eddiepearce5307]

Do you use the one with the rounded ends or the one that are more pointed? I see 2 type of these paper clip swivels?

[@KnightSmasher]

I’m glad I came across this video. I’ve used swivels in the past but they’ve always seemed really bulky and the brass and steel mix creates a very unnatural look with the lures. Never really knew much about the clip options. These seem much more compact while still offering the versatility of easily switching between lures. I will definitely be looking to add this technique to the tackle box and give it a try.

[@FishingwithNat]

Great - thank you for the feedback. I'm glad you found the video helpful.

[@davidwilliams1805]

Great video! Very informative! Really liked the underwater comparisons! Keep up the good work my friend!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks! I appreciate the comment.

[@nickjackson7475]

I have a tiny single hook crankbait and some hard top water lures that I wish were a little heavier, because if I use them with a snap it causes the nose to point down as even the weight of a snap swivel is enough to effect the buoyancy. Other than that, I think they’re great! Since I’ve only gotten back into fishing recently it’s been good to tie directly so I can get confident with my knots, but as you said in the video sometimes I’d rather spend more time fishing!

[@FishingwithNat]

Yeah they don't work well with ultralight cranks. The lure just doesn't have enough buoyancy to overcome the extra weight on the front end.

[@Bruno-mg2ve]

I love these kind of videos. They're just super informative and fun to watch. Could you also make a video or strengh test on a not a knot?

[@FishingwithNat]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I have some knot tying videos and a strength test video in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLcXAWxBLRzoKPQ2y39AtqVjoOiVnsO0GB I plan to make more knot-focused videos this winter.

[@emach07]

yup, that first one is all I use now. That second one is the one I grew up with. When I got back into fishing after a 20 year break I used them and it didn't take long before I started losing lures AND fish. The other ones were too much of a pain to get the lures and jig head off and on when in a hurry. Tried a loop knot. Worked great if you only plan on using one lure or if you like to continually keep having to tie knots every time you change your dang lure lolol Great video!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the comment

[@nikkiblack5073]

Thank you for proving my point 🎉🎉🎉 You're my hero for the day. Been sayin this all along

[@FishingwithNat]

Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

[@user-po7iv4ni3o]

Man it's awesome you put so much work into showing just some lures underwater. Seems simple but I know that took a lot of filming! Also still trying to figure this out for myself. I fish little finesse plastics like trout magnets, even mini magnets, and with a #0 ball bearing snap swivel on the jighead, I've caught a ton of fish but still want something more delicate looking. Then I tried a ball bearing swivel further up my leader and a loop knot at the jighead... Same crap, always tying a new leader on after it gets too short. I hate pulling plastics on and off my jigheads to change colors, so the snap is almost mandatory so I can swap the whole jighead. Next I'm trying the swivel further up the leader, with some kind of home brewed split ring that can act as a snap at the jighead end.

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks - yes, it did take a lot of work and filming to put this together. I think your idea to create a tiny DIY split ring or snap makes sense to preserve as much finesse as possible!

[@killerwhiteshark1797]

Awesome info and great details

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks! 👍

[@martinschulz9381]

Good video. I will say though, always buy the quality upper end snaps and swivels in the small packages and stay away from the lower priced bulk ones.

[@FishingwithNat]

I would agree. The snap is only as good as the wire it's made with.

[@BIG-DIPPER-56]

I'm learning so much - THANKS! 😎👍

[@FishingwithNat]

Awesome, thank you!

[@thegoods2240]

The Tactical Angler clips are good for some applications, but they are limited to lures that the tie on eye is easily accessible. They don't like to go on spoons or split rings either. Also, on lures that have thinner wire tie on eyes, putting those on a TA clip can bend the eye slightly and throw the crankbait out of tune.

[@FishingwithNat]

I've noticed that too. The Speed Clips also have some limitations about which lures they will fit well on. The crankbait snaps or Duolock snaps are more versatile with a wide variety of lures.

[@fishingwithohdad]

As I get older I appreciate the ease of a snap more and more. Never thought snap ever hindered the lures ability to catch fish. Good info. Thanks.

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the comment. Their convenience is a big plus.

[@Thoroughly_Wet]

Unless youre going for something super finicky like trout or using something that relies on natural action like certain bass presentations a snap is definitely ok to use.

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the feedback

[@eddiepearce5307]

great video I have always used Norman speed but may try paper clip style now

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the comment

[@joeenglish7403]

Been using snaps for 60 + years off and on. Never really noticed a difference. Now that I have arthritis in both hands they are definitely a go to item, especially since the go to knots have gotten more complicated.

[@FishingwithNat]

That's definitely one of their big advantages - if hands or eyes don't work as well as they used to.

[@chazzzj1]

Informative video. Really nice job on the under water comparison. On the first set I couldn’t see the line on the tie on. What type of line and size did you use? Again well done.

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks. Those were all with 8lb Trilene XL mono.

[@Black-March]

That's a top quality video, and in my experience there's no difference in the catch rates between direct ties and snaps, snaps are just better.

[@FishingwithNat]

I don't see much difference either. I've fished alongside others using the same types of lures and one of us is using a snap and the other isn't. We rarely see any impact of the snap on catch rates.

[@Black-March]

@@FishingwithNat I think there are some species, and extremely pressured waters (maybe close to cities) where it can make a difference but in most cases it just doesn't. And even if it did make a tiny difference the ability to change lures quickly means your lure will spend more time in the water and less time in your hands. And lures only catch when they're in the water.

[@FishingwithNat]

@@Black-March I would agree. I generally don't use snaps or snap swivels when fishing for trout in clear water because they have such good eyesight. But I have caught trout on accident with spinners when I've had a snap swivel tied on.

[@herbscott1827]

I tie a barrel swivel to my line then a leader to the swivel. At the end of the leader I tie a snap. Now I have the ease of changing lures/hooks and do not suffer the twisting of my line that would occur without the swivel.

[@FishingwithNat]

Yep, that's a common way to have both of those advantages

[@2061526]

i think you just go with the smallest snaps as much as possible visibility wise, usually even with a very small snap, the line almost always breaks first anyway. Amazing vid.

[@FishingwithNat]

Yes, I agree. I don't often use line over 30lb test, and mostly use 30lb snaps. The line has always broken first.

[@2061526]

by the way sir, i really hope you could make a video about the difference between floating (top water), suspending and sinking lures and how they are different in terms of just letting them sink and see how far they go down underwater, thank you very much @@FishingwithNat

[@FishingwithNat]

@@2061526 You mean how each of those lures sink/dive on their own during a retrieve? Just trying to understand your suggestion.

[@2061526]

yes, i just want to know if what they say is true about lures that are suspending, floating and sinking, they say floating lures tend to stop sinking around 1 meter deep and suspending 2 meters then sinking all the way to the bottom when they are sitting still.@@FishingwithNat

[@FishingwithNat]

@@2061526 That would be more of a function of how large the diving bill is. Berkley Flicker Minnows can run 15ft+ but they float when they are sitting still because the bill and water force isn't helping them dive. Their buoyancy pulls them right back to the surface. Salmo Freedivers and Reef Runner 44Mags claim to go to 30ft. Sinking cranks like Ratl Traps definitely go all the way to the bottom. Check out our How to Fish Crankbaits video for an in-depth look at crankbaits of all kinds. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2Ham6KVhZiNp68

[@txmexnittro]

Thank you, that was awesome. Great video, great presentation and great explanation! That’s what I was looking for what’s your favorite clip?

[@FishingwithNat]

I like the small size/weight and high strength of the VMC crankbait snaps alnk.to/hDq6TTv

[@charleslefebvre5515]

This is purely anecdotal but I've always used snaps. My friend always ties direct. I always out fish him when we fish together. I even used steel leaders half the time (prefer them with pike). Drives him nuts everytime. I've also started tying them to the end of my line so i can switch from pre-made flouro to steel leaders or vice versa depending on what we'll be targeting.

[@FishingwithNat]

The skill of the angler in finding fish and getting them to bite probably has more effect than whether a snap is on the line.

[@ericklemm1652]

Very interesting! I tend to go without mostly but after watching this I may reconsider, also in the video the crankbaits seemed have better movement "with" the snap (more hardware BUT better action)

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the feedback - I appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@jake9705]

The worst freshwater snap-swivel I've ever used was Bass Pro Shop's own chrome model. The chrome flakes off immediately and leaves sharp chrome bits in your fingers, which could eventually make their way to your eyes. These BPS snap-swivels are also expensive. The worst saltwater snap-swivel I've used are the Billfisher black oxide "stainless" series with 100 pound-test rating or so. The snap-swivels cost about $2 each and they fail at less than half their advertised rating (40 pounds). They also rusted quickly despite being sold as "stainless," even when rinsed quickly with freshwater. The Tactical Anglers paperclips are easy to use but I always forget which end is for line and which is for lures. Wish they made that a bit more obvious. Still, you must add a swivel to these paperclips or else you will quickly get line twist, followed by a wind knot, followed by your favorite lure shooting across the lake (ask me how I know 😂l

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for sharing

[@teeanahera8949]

@ 35:00 you mention the “straight wire” clips opening with a big fish on etc. those clips/swivel combinations are rated with a breaking strain. I’ve had plenty of lures snagged on sunken objects and lost the lure BUT I’ve had the treble straighten or the line snap but never that style clip forced open when inspected upon retrieval. This is from an Australian experience.

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the comments. I've had that style of snap open up a few times. You're right that snaps are generally labeled with a strength/weight rating and the weakest part of the setup will give first, whether that's the line, snap, hook, etc. I've found the bent-wire style to be much stronger than the labeled rating, so they provide better protection in case you get snagged or hook into an unexpectedly huge fish.

[@paullagasse5504]

At 35:00 ...the video is 3 minutes long

[@donovanjackson7241]

I love the VNC touch Lok snap swivels. they are tiny and strong

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the comment. I like VMC's small yet strong snaps of various styles.

[@BlackSoap361]

Berkeley Cross-Lok is the only one I trust. Size it right, I’ e caught everything from Largemouth Bass to King Mackerel.

[@FishingwithNat]

Cool. I haven't tried the Cross-Loks

[@ri-jm5tn]

I’ve used snaps for 50+ years. The only time I don’t is when I’m using a spinner bait, which is direct tied. My old eyes like them too👍

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for adding to the discussion - I appreciate it

[@dadanddragons3522]

Hi. Love you content. Thanks. Would love a beginner catfishing run down!

[@FishingwithNat]

Thank you. A beginner overview of catfishing is actually on my list!

[@CytoplasmicGoo]

I mainly saltwater fish where the lures are bigger. TA clips is all I use and they are tiny compared to the lure and I can't imagine cutting a retying every time I have to change a lure.

[@FishingwithNat]

Yeah they work nicely for big saltwater lures

[@Pleaseenteraname1]

I love to use leaders be cause where I fish there is a lot of pike that can easily bite line off but can not break metal!

[@FishingwithNat]

Same here. They really like stealing spinners and topwater frogs but not if you're using a wire leader.

[@joeywinters3061]

Not sure if you have the equipment but id love to see the different style clips put to tensile strength tests and compared to the rating on the package they come in

[@FishingwithNat]

I've wondered about that too. I'll think about how to best approach that question in a video.

[@joeywinters3061]

@@FishingwithNat awesome thanks for the reply

[@cmargheimable]

I’d like to know if a snap swivel can prevent line twist as the barrel swivel does when used with a leader?

[@FishingwithNat]

Yes, a swivel will help with line twist whether it's placed at the line-leader connection or as part of a snap swivel. The thing to keep an eye on either way is if you swivel gets rusty or jammed with debris. In that case, the whole swivel will spin around, so it won't do anything to keep the twist out of your line.

[@Tie_Rod_End]

Can you make a video on soft plastics and how to fish them. Like Texas Riggs.

[@FishingwithNat]

Yes, that's on my list (among many others!) Summer is too short!

[@_DB.COOPER]

Thanks.

[@FishingwithNat]

Glad you liked it!

[@chrishillard4950]

Do you always use a clip when attaching to split rings? I typically put a swivel on the leader to line connection for line twist. I don't like snap swivels at the lure as I think they are bulky.

[@FishingwithNat]

No, not always. I often use snaps in place of the split rings. I think they provide the same benefit without the risk of cutting my line on the sharp edge of the ring. I will use swivels at the line-leader connection but generally not with crankbaits because they don't have much risk of rotating around like a spinner or a spoon does.

[@harveyschindler9554]

I’ve been using the Norman speed clips for for 30 years now.

[@FishingwithNat]

Any issues with them over the years? Do you use them on everything or just specific baits?

[@harveyschindler9554]

I’ve lost a few baits over years, not enough to quit using them. As for when, I use them on top water, crankbaits and sometimes with a jig head with swim baits. Somewhat when one would use a loop knot. One note is I fish in south Louisiana and stained water is the norm.

[@FishingwithNat]

@@harveyschindler9554 Makes sense. Thanks for the reply.

[@emanz805]

I have a tiny snap swivel tied to my line if I'm using bait I attach snelled hooks to it

[@FishingwithNat]

Cool - that's a common option

[@hafizuddinrahman4296]

Newbie here, wanna ask. Is it really necessary to use leader when casting?

[@FishingwithNat]

Sometimes. Check out my video on leaders (3 minutes) for a thorough explanation on leaders. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYa9dnelmZ14ntU

[@moonclawparkourandtrickshots]

Nat I've been going fishing every weekend for a year and haven't caught a fish yet what do I do

[@FishingwithNat]

Good question. What are you fishing for, what are you using for bait, and what kind of rod/reel/line are you using?

[@Nighthuntr1]

Great video! The only lure I know a snap will throw off the action is on chatterbaits. It appears to almost cancel out the action. Of course, that may be what gets them to bite on any given day.

[@FishingwithNat]

So true. Interesting that you find a snap to affect a chatterbait of all things. Chatterbaits have such a powerful vibrating action.

[@T6Ber62]

That's funny, I was fishing chatterbait last weekend with a snap and it was fine.

[@kevinhurley6919]

If you watch closely you notice you get a better flashing action with the snaps than without

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the feedback

[@jorgemendizabal3069]

Can you make one about cross lock snaps?

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the comment. I considered the Duolock style and cross lock style to be similar so I only tested the duolock. Do they think they perform differently?

[@mountainphotography6390]

I wonder if clips would work on jigs or spinner baits or if they would mess up the action to much

[@FishingwithNat]

I used a clip on a jighead and soft swimbait for pike recently and I was catching one every few casts. I did it out of laziness because it was barely above freezing, but it worked just fine and I never ended up tying it on directly. I've used clips with spinnerbaits before and I doubt that the tiny bit of extra wire makes any difference in action or appearance, but you do need to make sure that your spinnerbait has a closed loop at the attachment point instead of a standard R-frame where the clip could slide all over.

[@Dr.PapaRock442]

What size was the tactical clip? Thanks

[@FishingwithNat]

Those were the 25lb clips

[@robeasy13]

All I have to say is …. Oh snap! 😂

[@FishingwithNat]

😆

[@scottmiller9852]

how about snaps on frogs and poppers?

[@FishingwithNat]

I generally don't because it's more hardware to catch on algae and vegetation. If you're throwing a kicking frog into open water, I think a snap would be fine.

[@gregory3108]

Snaps quality depends, buyer be aware☝ fresh waters 💧 last longer, but mind you this- movement means material fatigue, Nat recipes and suggestions are correct (right on the money) sometimes WD40 else locksmith fine spray will do for storage time again try few different styles =test👉 per given lure ? Patience will create a right decision👌

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the comments.

[@gregory3108]

@@FishingwithNat yes but not exactly (time wise) what you may want to say to all of us; you may need to repeat a simple rule , location and successful fishing trip depends upon our prep job, (?) Location = water conditions- river or lake? I'm skipping salt waters fishing conditions, CLD = C = > water flow/ its speed...Color of the lure (daylight...clouds, evening time) if lake or kayak fishing observing the given lure (type) it works at given depth? L=Lure selection this is a huge subject🤔, anglers must figure it out (again try and watch it, calculate) and finally D= depth, whereas water (river,lakes dam reservor ...) all these conditions varies, subsequently combination of lures / baits and fishing line (types) this may be very fatigue and complex issue, however : use your senses and confusion drawn ' once you'll try it will come...not every fishing trip must be successful☝ but the core issue is => outsmart the fish🤣👍 by implementing your skills and fishing gear , use your head than your muscle 💪 😉

[@FishingwithNat]

@@gregory3108 Practice practice practice...helps you prepare for a good trip.

[@gregory3108]

@@FishingwithNat yes thanks to your channel / show, I almost gave up last year , I figured out all things went wrong I was so busted🙊 and depressed after watching 👀your show , o men a major reset☝ , but yes I made it 👍

[@escapetherace1943]

I put a bait hook right on a snap because I had a lure on before and didn't want to re-tie.... and...? no difference. Trout bit the same, they literally didn't care

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the feedback

[@alejandrocota5949]

I use this things a lot

[@FishingwithNat]

Me too

[@jeffreydionne6304]

Just personal preference but I lost some really nice fish with snaps either failing or opening. I quit using them altogether years ago. Additionally, I asked a salt water guide his opinion on this. He won't even use barrel swivels. Ties directly to whatever bait is being used. A failed clip can be the difference between a $20 tip and a $100 tip. Not happening.

[@FishingwithNat]

Understandable. Thanks for sharing. What kind of snap were you having problems with?

[@johnnorris1227]

Yep its just unnecessary hardware and an additional failure point that some people use because they think it's easier when really they just aren't proficient enough with knots. Alsos snaps are like magnets for weeds and debris and if the snap isn't enough to turn a fish away weeds on the nose of your lure certainly will be.

[@takeoma5798]

I feel like the snaps will scare away trout who are very finicky. What do you think?

[@FishingwithNat]

I have caught trout on accident when using spinners with snap swivels, but generally I do not use snaps or snap swivels when targeting trout. They are finicky as you said, so I do everything I can do to keep the lure as natural looking as possible and I use light line.

[@gregory3108]

Yes, trout fishing is a separate subject, I say it from my experience (west coast) endless combinations of different lures, fishing line (color) and depths of water...trout fishing is a separate chapter, considering each location and applying combinations of different lures , this is sometimes very mind boiling process😖☝ again a quick decision of changing lures hookups or both? May work to attract the fish?

[@robbarber7253]

Every trout I've ever caught I've had a snap swivel on

[@maineoutdoorsman677]

More u deer lure action ,just a complete video would be nice

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the feedback. What do you think is missing?

[@suicidaldeer9240]

Could you catch more fish without snaps? Maybe Are you still gonna catch fish with a snap? Yes Does a fish look at the snap and think to itself: "Wow this pink fish that makes noise and has never been here before has a nose ring, I'm definitely not gonna bite him"? I've yet to see one make that complex thought process. Honestly though, I've caught fish on gummy bears, bread, and so many other weird things i don't think it matters to much if a snap is used.

[@FishingwithNat]

Valid points 🙂

[@brettellis1837]

888 is the best or Hawaii some can dislodge lure if lure has a sharp action if I use any there locked up then 2 part resin is the cap every lure I own hasits own snap fixed to it never use standard some lures I have cost big bucks good tip go over in breaking just a bit why when that lure hit the water it is fair game anything could hit it.😂.

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@johnnorrish8520]

No one has bothered to show the different sizes of these snaps? How does a #5 differ from a #1? This is important for those of us that usually have to order on line

[@FishingwithNat]

The size numbers differ between brands and styles, which is really annoying. I use the size #00 VMC crankbait snaps on my rods with 20lb or lighter lines, and the size 0 or 1 with heavier line and large swimbaits, musky bucktails, etc.

[@DinoNucci]

PizzA

[@FishingwithNat]

Delicious

[@ricqik]

Appearance don't matter because most fish comes from behind the lure.

[@FishingwithNat]

That's an interesting take - thanks for sharing

[@bobgomavitz1330]

VMC……nothing but…….VMC

[@FishingwithNat]

VMC makes good stuff

[@Zephyr1202]

Absolutely hilarious people actually think using a snap or snap swivel will turn fish off from biting. Yeah the fish don't see your three treble hooks hanging from split rings or the 1.5 inch bill on the front of your lure. But don't use snaps because the fish will see it!

[@FishingwithNat]

Right. A little snap probably isn't going to make a difference on most baits.

[@MiserableOldFart]

I'm getting back into fresh water fishing after about 20 years away from any fishing and maybe 30 or so away from fresh water. I find the new lines really a pain to knot and I think buying braid and fluoro leaders was a mistake, but with the price, one I'll have to live with. I have always hated the old snap swivels but am going to try the tactical ones because the idea of retying fluorocarbon at every lure change, and I do a lot when fishing, would drive me to insanity quickly. I hope they work. They seem to allow enough freedom with the eye to not ruin the action of the lures as the snap swivels used to. Time will tell, if I can actually get out there and fish. So it's braid to ball bearing swivel, fluoro from swivel to clip and then lure. Hope the knots hold.

[@FishingwithNat]

Thanks for the discussion. It sounds like you have a solid plan!