Coastlock snap opened...

[johnnywalker]

We always duct tape them closed before putting them in the water in tournaments or fishing for big fish; Electrical tape works OK also; this way it confirms 100% that they are closed and I believe it may prevent any odd situation where they could be popped open.
Another benefit is grip, on many leaders you are grabbing the snap swivel when starting to leader the fish and a good taped snap swiverl is nicer to hold onto then metal.

[babalaza]

Howzit Van

The first thing I thought when I looked at that pic is that is a sea striker snap swivel...

We've had this happen while playing around in land. Most of the problems with had, had to do with bad openings (human error). Just like breaking piano wire after making a rig, the twist and opening weakens the stainless. Snaps are no excpetion. That swivel looks a bit old as well.. it was once black I've had snap ons break on my hand..

Speaking for myself, of all the things that we use the last thing I used to care about spending money is the swivel.. same applies with sleeves.. marlin gone lesson learned!!

Squidnation that's a jr. swivel!

[Van Wildonher]

I have no idea. I do think it's quite old though. Perhaps it was once black. lol. Anyway, lesson learned.

[BlueFin103]

What brand of in-line swivel is this with the solid rings attached? Thanks

in MHO if you are targeting large fish snaps have no place in the rig, ever. it does not take very long to crimp a connection if you are prepared beforehand. the single only way to be sure of your connection is this - period.



I guarantee I will not lose my fish-of-a-lifetime because I was too lazy to crimp it!

Hook 'em up!

Alan

[BahamaLure]

QuickRig 500#, PM me if you need some.

[canyongear]

A trick we use when required, I learnt from an GBT tuna pro. That is a Sampo #6 - 200# BB snap swiveler.

Use Black Zip (used white so you could see how it is put on)

Use next size smaller Zip (get the good ones not the cheapies..NYLON)

Has to be cinched real tite and put on only as shown, otherwise it won't work.

IT'S NOT 100% insurance..try it and see what it does do.

Fast, easy and a bit of insurance.

Just another way..or Crimp as BL rightly demo'd.

Big Fish or Tournament..Invest in a good set of HD crimpers, like the CT 450 Large Hand Swagger, for large crimps in MM.


Oh and another thought, new swivels stay closed better than old ones.. After a big fish, put on a new one..not worth the potential for a whoops.

[zar2754]

QuickRig 500#, PM me if you need some.

bahama , you beat me to it.

scratch the snaps.

crimp a barrel inline.

i use 330# spros but i like the looks of the quick rigs.

[Sterling]

I know your pain on this topic. Last year, for the first time ever, we had a couple of snap failures. One was on a lighter swivel, forget the brand, that had been used a few times and just failed...dropping a spreader bar.
The other was a heavy duty swivel we had behind a bird. A lifetime blue marlin hooked up and we had her on for about 5 minutes then lost her when the snap failed. I thought the line might have wrapped on it and pulled it open but who knows. I agree that the right way to go is to crimp, that does take some extra time / effort so there's a balance of ease of use against reduced risk. I moved away from them for a while but am back.