I have a question about pulling crankbaits. It seems that I saw a post last year or year before on this board that said swivels should not be used when pulling cranks. Something about messing up the action of the crank if I remember correctly. I've been using snaps exclusively this year, catching lots of crappie but I get a lot of line twist.

Which does everyone use...snaps or swivels?

Thanks...

I use swivels with snaps, but I take the split ring off of the lure.

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I've spent most of my life fishing, the rest I wasted.

I used a little snap from Wally mart, Arkie brand for years and left the
split ring on - of course they quit carrying them and sold out before I
noticed and stocked up. I ordered some that looked just like them from
Cablelas, and they are junk - formed wrong and you have to work on
'em with side cutters before they'll even open.

Lately been using some from Berkley called "cross-lock" strong as all
get out, but a lot more aggravating to get lures on and off of.

Tried the norman speed clip deals, they mysteriously lost baits and fish
for me - come unhooked someway

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Shoals Area Crappie Association

I use a barrel swivel about 16" in front of the bait. The dropper is tied to the bait using the surgeon knot. I use the same knot tying the dropper to the barrel swivel. Makes for a little extra time changing baits, but it works. If I want to add weight to get the bait deeper, I put in on above the swivel. That is the way someone who knows nothing about pulling cranks does it. Now laugh.

WillisJWillis is correct and the barrell swivel will cut down alot of line twist, but I also use snap swivels for faster/easier bait changes and I rarely get line twist unless I keep hooking cat fish that will completely slime and obliterate a really good line.

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Meet a resonable man halfway everytime....don't meet an unresonable man at all.

Thanks for the replies, Guys. I found the reference I remembered about swivels. It's from the Precision Angling book and states:

"Crankbaits run best when attached to the line using a small fast lock snap. Make sure the snap used doesn't include a swivel and be sure the snap is rounded in shape so the lure has a free range of movement."

Troller's Bible - Home of Precision Trolling Pro Edition by Mark Romanack

Anyone know why the statement about avoiding swivels?

Really would like some help figuring this out if anyone knows.

Thanks, Dan

I've always used the locking snaps and nix'd the split ring. I use the snap for a little more wobble and faster lure change. I started killing the split ring and my twists/tangles all but disappeared. I rig kinda like willsjwills with a 90* 3-way swivel about 24" before the bait, with a 18" leader to the weight. I rarely troll faster than 1.5 mph though.

sbc

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Mississippi Crappie and Alabama football...Life is good.

Thanks sbcpower,

Would you tell me why you take the split ring off, I'm guessing it helps the bait track straight, is that it?

Hey guys!

Is anyone still having luck pulling or pushing cranks with water temps coming down some now?? I was wondering if I need to re-rig before I go again.
Thanks.

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You know, even Jesus had a fishing story!