Snaps vs. Snap Swivels vs. Tying Direct: The Best Connection for Spoon Fishing

When it comes to spoon fishing, every detail matters — from rod and line selection to how you connect your lure. Anglers often debate whether to run a snap, a snap swivel, or tie direct. While all three methods have their pros and cons, the choice you make will directly impact your lure’s presentation, action, and effectiveness.

At Fish Bum Tackle, we spend countless hours testing spoons like the Heavy Hitter Tungsten spoon in real-world fishing conditions. Here’s what we’ve found to be the most effective approach.

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Why a Snap is the Best Choice for Spoon Fishing

A simple snap is our go-to for most spoon applications. Here’s why:

• Maximum action – A rounded snap (like the VMC Crankbait Snap or Northland Snap) gives spoons complete freedom to swing and wobble side-to-side, creating the irresistible flash and vibration that trigger strikes.

• Stealthier presentation – With less hardware in front of the lure, there’s less for fish to notice, especially in clear water or when targeting pressured fish.

• Quick lure changes – Snaps allow you to swap out spoons fast, without re-tying knots on the water.  Some days color changes can make or break your trip.

In short, a snap keeps your setup light, natural, and action-packed.  

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The Drawbacks of Snap Swivels

A snap swivel may seem convenient, but it comes with major drawbacks for spoon fishing:

• Bulky appearance – Extra hardware looks unnatural to fish.

• Added weight – Even a small swivel at the front of a spoon dampens the spoon’s action and slows its flutter.

• Reduced strikes – More flash and clutter can distract fish from the actual spoon.

Yes, snap swivels help reduce line twist — but there’s a better way. Instead of attaching one directly to the spoon, place a swivel further up the line. Another trick: at the beginning or end of the day, let line out behind the boat while moving slowly. This naturally removes twist without sacrificing presentation.

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Tying Direct: When It Works and When It Doesn’t

Some anglers prefer to tie direct for the cleanest, hardware-free connection. This can work fine for lighter spoons, but it’s not recommended for heavy spoons like our Heavy Hitter.

Why? When a spoon presses your line against a hard surface, it can pinch and weaken the line, eventually causing it to fray or break. Losing a fish to a preventable line failure is the last thing you want.

If you’re fishing with a spoon around hard bottom, a snap is a much safer and more effective option.

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The Bottom Line

For most spoon fishing situations, the best connection is clear:

• Use a rounded snap for maximum spoon action and natural presentation.

• Skip the snap swivel at the lure — instead, manage line twist with a swivel further up or by clearing your line behind the boat.

• Avoid tying direct on spoons to protect your line from damage.

When you’re chasing fish that are keyed in on every detail, small adjustments make all the difference. The right connection can mean the difference between a follow and a strike.

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👉 Looking to upgrade your spoon game? Check out the Fish Bum Heavy Hitter Tungsten Spoon.