Licensed To Reel

Snaps and snap-swivels make it easy to clip lures to your line. They provide better lure action than a rigid knot. They keep line from fraying at lure-tie points. And while there are many types of each, all you really need is a snap. The more hardware you have on your rig, the less likely a fish is to bite. Swivels are great with in-line spinners, which twist lighter lines, and some trolling rigs. Otherwise, stick to one of these:

A. Duo-Lock Snap

PROS: Easy to open and close. Rounded profile gives good lure action.

CONS: Will occasionally open on its own as you're fighting a fish.

TIP: Bend the hooked closure slightly rearward. This makes the snap harder to open but less likely to pop open.

BEST FOR: Ultralight to light freshwater.

B. Coastlock Snap

PROS: Wide size range. Easy to fasten.

CONS: Hard to insert in some recessed lure eyes.

TIP: Occasionally, there will be a sharp edge or burr on the end of the wire. Be sure to smooth it away.

BEST FOR: Inshore saltwater.

C. Hooked Snap

PROS: Easy to use. Clever design.

CONS: Hard to find in stores. Midrange strength.

TIP: Don't open this snap farther than you need to. Repeated bending will weaken the wire.

BEST FOR: Light to midweight freshwater.

D. Fastlink Snap

PROS: Fairly weedless.

CONS: Limited size range. Difficult to impossible to use with recessed lure-tie points.

TIP: There's no opening or closing this snap. Slip the eye under the clip and pull to fasten.

BEST FOR: Surfcasting.

E. Cross-Lok Snap

PROS: Extreme strength.

CONS: Difficult to fit through smaller hook or lure eyes.

TIP: To close it, make sure it's hooked securely on the uppermost part of the wire and not just on the lower part.

BEST FOR: Heavy lines, strong tackle.