The best way to attach a fishing lure is... (split rings, swivels, loop knots tested underwater) 

Great video. Answers questions that I’ve been asking for years. Good job.

You made the same point I have been making for years...everyone tells us not to use rings or clips because it is not natural...but we have 2/3 hooks hanging down, a big plastic nose, 2 or 3 colors a fish may not have ever seen and line running from the nose, and don't forget a spinning spoon (yeah, that's natural)....but that ring or that clip will cause the fish not to bite....Hmmmmm.

Replacement arrived!By the way, I did forget to mention that the original lure did have a decent strike however as most anglers will attest you can get a hit ru-vid.comUgkxCbNOWAGmn6nfbCbJDmasvBq7J38KZNw2 and fish will hang on and release lure. I used the replacement lure yesterday and ran thru a Shimano Waxwing, Kastmaster, Bobber (set to sink). I found the does run deep (I casting on the flats 3.5'). Make sure you adjust your rate of retrieve and rod tip angle (up) to prevent getting snagged on bottom. Used it a couple of times and action was very lifelike (looked like local bait fish for trevally), craftsmanship very good....however eyeball fell out. I asked for replacement and it is on it's way! It was very easy to change out treble to single inline hook.

I’ve been use snaps or tac clips because I’m lazy, many of the guys tell me it makes for a poor presentation, I’ve since started direct tying and never really saw a difference in bites. Thank you for pointing out the treble hooks and other non natural junk that a lure has, I never really thought about it. I’m going back to my lazy way and the heck with the peer pressure.

Very insightful video, the underwater footage is going the extra mile. Thank you Nat!

Well done video, thank you for sharing. I'm usually a swivel/split ring guy mainly to save leader and reduce the amount of FG knots to tie. On a start/stop retrieve like a popper or big prop bait a stiff direct tie will keep the line out front and prevent fouling in the belly hook as the loose connection at the swivel, snap or loop will cause the line to hang down. I have also seen too many snaps fail on big fish. One important thing to do is test everything and not rely on manufacturer claims. I have had brand new line fail at half the stated rating, "fifty pound" split rings open like a paper clip with a thirty pound dumbbell and an expensive ball bearing swivel cost me the big fish of a costly trip when I discovered one of the rings wasn't welded. Inspect every bit especially if you're going for more than bass or trout.

Great underwater demo! I use a snap to the split ring and have no issues catching fish on crankbaits.

The snap is my go to with and without the split ring having that quick lure change is a plus

This is a really great video! I have direct tied and used the factory split ring and snap swivels over the years with good results. I had some issues with the snap rings opening but they were few and far between so I just tie to the lure or the split ring that is attached to the lure. Thank for sharing this and it really does not matter what is used.

Hadn’t been fishing since I was a kid with my dad. Forgot most of everything. Now I’m taking my boys out and this is the best channel I’ve found for reminding me about the knowledge I lost.

This was a great tutorial on different lures and tackle! Thank you sir!!!

Wow, very impressive the action of the lures with the trilene knot. People always avoid snug knots because of the negative impact on the lure action, but this video makes that affirmation nonsense... Thanks for making this great content.

Thanks for do the testing for us. I've heard for many years to never use a snap because it was "lazy" or would throw off the action, but at least for this type of lure i now know i don't have to worry.

Actually I'm often coming back to watch your show, seeking answers to my doubts or being able to spot my past mistakes ☝again the very first words you just said on this video 👍should help anyone who is keen to try an alternative approach / keep up Nat and thank you again 👍

love the underwater action shots.

I am glad that I found this channel. I have been going through all the videos. I have loved fishing for years. Unfortunately, I realized how little I actually knew. I am changing out the stock reel on a medium light combo rod I bought some years ago. I think it will greatly improve the rod along with knowing the type of fish the rod is best suited. Great channel!!

This is an awesome video cos I've wondered about all those very options, many thanks ❤

Water clarity is a major factor for me , in central Ohio our lakes can sometimes be very cloudy almost like chocolate milk, less than 12 inches until the lure disappears. The point of attachment is then not as important as sound and vibration. Keep experimenting and remember to keep track of what works, but we’ve all had days where it seems nothing will and others when you swear they would hit a bare hook.

I've always direct tied. If the lure came with a split ring I'd tie to that, if it didn't I'd just tie to the eye. Figured the companies already did enough testing for me anyway. Considered adding a snap purely for the laziness aspect. I might try it a few days and see how it goes. The river I fish isn't super clear so I could probably get away with it. Appreciate the underwater video, that's something I wouldn't be able to easily do myself.

A snap seems like the best choice for me, thank you! Looking to build a box and try it all bit by bit! Tysm

👏Good video, thxs , always swivel+ring is my preference

I'm glad I watched this. I asked many fishing buddies, more experienced than me, if I should use swivels or tie straight on to the lures. They all said "tie directly." Now, I'd rather use swivels since they are NOT detrimental to the lure action. Wahi' Valleys

As a novice, this video is extremely helpful. Thank you!!

Very important analysis. Nice work!

I find this video both informative, and hilarious. So many anglers I've had discussions with in regards to "best way to rig," will fight tooth and nail based on their personal beliefs or opinions. "it MUST be rigged this way for best action!"...well after watching this practical video, I see absolutely no major differences. Now granted, this underwater test only used one style of bait, but the premise remains valid. TLDR - knot choice, swivels, snap-ons, or split-rings have little to no effect on hard bait action. Do what's best for YOUR style of fishing, I like the method of using snap-on to quickly exchange baits, why? because I'm a lazy angler myself lol...

Thanks to this video I'll be removing the ring, and keep using a swivel. I find tying 4 to 6 pound test challenging. Thank you for the video. Hi Nat!

Great video! The underwater helps so much! I have been using the snap only for a while now and no bad results i can notice. I thing though with it is that you have to make sure the snap has a good rounded bottom for the lure to rock in like a crankbait snap like in the video or a duolock. . The snaps that have a pointy-er end like a coast lock do have noticeable impact on the lure action.

This the first video that makes sense. simple connections👍

Bottom line......they all work. Thx 4 the vid.

Thank you. Very informative.

I will going to try this, Thanks for sharing it. FISH ON 🐠

MOST AMAZING VIDEO EVER!

Awesome video! Thanks!

Arguably one of the best of the best fishing channels on RU-vid. I won't argue. Damn fine content sir. You obviously possess the skill and know how. Along with the ability to present the material in a way that I find myself emerced. Kinda like listening to one of my old favorite teachers. Thank you very sincerely . Btw....I don't even have to mention I'm a new subscriber. Great videos. Just outstanding videos. Thanks again.

Great video. I think I will try the snap since i can swap lures quicker. I hate tying on lure after lure. Also, like you said, the lure already hooks and a bill that's not natural. Very good point.

Good insight ,im gona try split ring & clip combo ive grown away from snap swivels

Super helpful!

I'm going with a snap for lure changing convenience. Thanks for all of the underwater shots! John McHatton

I change out the round split rings to oval split rings. It prevents the line from getting in the split ring. It works really well action wise also.

wooww the best tutorial video i seen.....thanks for sharing👀👀👀👀godblesssss🙏🙏🙏🙏

Very interesting results. I've been using clips for years and I am definitely lazy. It makes me feel good to know it wasn't in vain. :)

Fantastic video!

good stuff man. i lost 3 big halibuts and lures trying to figure this out. Now I know it doesn't really matter....so I can beef my stuff up and pull one in. I'm tieing knots now those halibuts pulled those snap swivels open. whoo hoo the next one is not getting away.

I just found your channel and I have to say it makes me feel so damn confident as I get into light tackle fishing. I am a very analytical guy so having scientific evidence, side by side comparisons, and slow motion proof is so damn nice. You have an amazing channel and you’re a great scientist. Thanks for doing what you do!!

thanks. i've always wondered what the best way to do nthis was, and now i still do.

🤘 awesome video

wow ..the best tutorial video.. thanks for sharing my friend..

I'm 50years old and I've been using the swivel and split-ring for 25 some years. It really helps a ultra-light spinning reel,to prevent help prevent line twist. The baits do move more freely with more lifelike action. It makes it fairly easy to change lures too,once you get used to the split rings

Great video!! WAS wondering about this stuff. I'm a snap guy myself. The ol' eyeballs ain't what they used to be and I like to be able to switch between lures fast and efficiantly

Thanks, very nice video

Back in the day we used to silver solder split rings as they open up on the whoppers. But interesting results well done.

great video, thanks.

The best way to attach a lure is... dependant on lure it self. I have got lures that do not work well if there is no swivel + steel fishing line to balance it properly. I am not saying you are wrong, you are right, but only for types of lures you have.

Great underwater video thanks. You might like to put your trebles on the other way. You get a lot of hook damage with the way they are. Often with trebles when you hold them up the shank will be running down one side. Generally its the right side so this is the way you pput them on the rings. It allows 2 hooks to sit snug on the belly and not damage the paint work. Thanks again for the great vid. 🎣🎣👍👍

The comments below about water clarity are pretty much spot on. For me, overall I've had better luck with tying firmly directly to the lure, often using a fluorocarbon leader. In murky water, I worry less about the line or a snap being seen. With a spinning reel, I like a swivel between the leader and the main line. My general choice though is either a small snap right to the lure, or tie it on securely. On several of my go-to lures though I keep them tied with a short length of fluorocarbon leader and I just switch out the lure and leader when I need to change baits. I found this the fastest way to make the change and not to lose any leader length. The swivel or snap swivel ahead of the leader are far less likely to be seen by the fish. Most of the water here is cedar water and fairly shallow, so leader sensitive fish can be picky on bright sunny days too. Another trick that someone showed me once was to use a short leader ahead of the lure with a snap swivel, camouflaged by a bit small hackle or skirt to give the impression of a fish chasing a meal. I found a few particular areas where that works really well as a bass will take advantage of a 'distracted' fish.

Thank you. Verry interesting

This helped alot

As a test I was fishing with swivels a metal leader, used a senco, jigs and spoons to see if the fish would bite with all that hardware attached, I ended up catching a bunch of bass and walleye 😂 decent fish! to me your video is spot on…if a fish wants to bite what your throwing it will if it doesn’t than it won’t. We give fish to much credit I think.

I agree. Novice or not, a very useful video. Thank you for sharing. I think others may now make a more informed decision. Well done. Cheers 👍🏻

Thanks!

And Mr. Fish would agree. I don't think it matters how you connect your lure, if the fish is hungry they will bite. I normally connect with a uni with my main which is power pro but lately have been using split rings for my plugging setup and I still get bites. And to be honest, knot tying is as fundamental to fishing as is casting. If you can't tie fishing knots you are not a fisherman or woman. Another great and informative video. I really liked the underwater view of the lures in action. Mahalo for the video. See you on the next one.

I like the 4-way video. Much easier to compare action.

I prefer a wirebite leader with uniknot directly to a split ring, or a very small loop knot on the eye of the rig. Then 9 feet of nylon to braid, or entire nylon behind. Catches very well. Believe me when I say I tried everything and went several ways 2 weeks at a time almost fishless with other options. My species are northern pike, browntrout, seatrout, roach, perch and salmon

Great information ++

From the start, I have been tying a swivel directly to my leader. So i can change from hook, to lure or a sabiki in a flash. It saves from cutting the leader and retie everytime

Snap for the win!!!

Good video ! Keep work on it

O detalhe conta muito. Obrigado pelo vídeo.😊

Cheers!

Now we know, I was always semi confident it did not matter to me but I feel re-assured now !!

I like usin just straight clip to the lure no ring, I take em off all the time. Less hardware in front less weight and quick to changes out lures. Good vid

I'm thinking this video has convinced me to remove the split ring and run snaps for most situations. With a snap, it appears the split ring being there is a redundancy. Awesome video!

I use small but good quality/strong red snaps. Quick easy lure changes and good movement. I change out most my treble hooks for red ones as well. There are days when I see little to no difference but others it’s a big plus.

I always found the most inhibiting or freeing factor to lure life is line size or added weight. Sometimes I use the split ring or snap to get the nose of a crankbait or swimbait down more. If I need better action then I drop the line size.

Very nice

Split ring plus snap for all crank baits, solid jerk baits and almost all hard lures. Saves a lot of time, money, energy and frustration. Plus if you need more hunt action or more rattling noise, split ring to swivel clip. I even hit mine with UV nail polish or glittery nail polish. Bait eating something is a double snack to a small minded fish.

Thankyou

Wow thankyou so much. I thought there would be a difference, but it appears not. I would be really interested to see them from a less steep angled tow, and if they track straight when viewed from above. Really appreciate your work. Thanks

I knew it, they all work

I like a snap swivel myself or a direct tie barrel knot. Los Angeles

I like the norman speed clips. super easy and fast.

Nice video! Might be significantly different on small lures

thank you so much for this! I have been wondering and debating about this for quite a while. I only bank fish and live in central Florida. the amount of lost lures leads me to throwing mostly texas and wacky rigs. I want to try the jerks, cranks and swim baits more. it's just that the baits are expensive, and I get no financial compensation whether it catches or gets hung up and breaks off. to put it in perspective, the place I got to fish closest to my work, (in the first week of december mind you) has about 10 feet of vegetation, out from the bank. it is so thick, I see birds walking on it, and I ain't talking about parakeets or finches either. I mostly save the exposed hook lures for when I can get out on a dock. I have had many "weedless" jigs, spinners, and chatter baits hung up and broke off. WAY too many! so, no more split rings, loop knots for me, direct tie palomar or modified uni for me, from now on.

I bought those pliers with the tooth couple of days ago, now I know what they're for 😅

When I was a little boy, my Dad showed me the simplest loop in the world and I have used that one method in my 65 years as a fisherman for everything from bluegills to large ocean fish, and it has NEVER let me down. This loop can tie on any hook or lure, AND it can be removed as well.

Thanks

really nice video. would of liked to have a top-down view of the lure as well.

i like the idea of swivel-split ring-lure for lake trout. they often gator roll and get wrapped up. im hoping this will help

Great video , I always tie direct to the gibbs minnow with a 6 turn clinch knot.8 lb mono. I like the sleek look of no hardware .

Thank you for the video! Been a long time i went fishing and its a great refresher. This years vacation im visiting the mediterranean sea, any recommendations which wobbler to use for saltwater fish?

I’ve never had an issue using snaps. An old fisherman once told me that the only thing that’s really going to mess with lures is the type of fishing line being used. Braid tends to float more and mono not so much

I tie direct, and dont remove spilt rings. I feel that it doesnt matter what you use in open water.. but when you're around cover/grass, anything but directly tying is just another object that can get snagged. I also think that removing/adding weight to the front can/will affect the action of jerkbaits.

Just found your channel, excellent video thank you! 👍'd & Sub'd I've always used a swivel and a snap link. Sometimes fish spin like a croc, causes twists. Thanks again for the video.

You hit the nail on the head when talking about extra hardware. The hooks and rings are defamatory the most noticeable no matter which method a fisherman uses.

I’ve been using a snap ring for 20+ years. I laugh when people say that it scares the fish, meanwhile you have giant treble hooks and a 2 inch plastic nose on the front. It’s 200x better than buying another rod just be able to fish 2 different lures.

In short less is more, and being able to quick change with cold wet hands is good 👍

norman speed clip. I have used both the norman and knock off of norman speed clips and have had a lot of success.

I never noticed a difference except saving line from not having to constantly cut and re-tie. I run a fluorocarbon leader tied to a snap swivel. I can switch lures in a few seconds and it never stopped me from catching multiple fish. The only time I tie on lures is during finesse fishing or creek trouting where you do need a very realistic, subtle presentation.

Hi friends, if understand right, it doesn't matter how to tie the lure. Nice work!

This topic has been talked about a lot on another well known and ahem, strong salt water fishing channel with the general consensus being the loop knot is preferred method of attaching an action hard bait to get the best action. I would still like to see more types of hard baits (glide baits, poppers etc). The bib and body shape of a crank bait pretty much counters any attachment method so I think it would be good to try this tests with lures that need more finesse to achieve the best action.