Arizona Lake Fishing

It’s a good idea to always tie on a split ring, swivel or clip in front of your lure. This will help improve the action of the lure and lessen the time it takes to change out lures. It also works best for any lure that needs to move at the end of your line such as crank baits, spinner baits and top waters.

If you’re like me, I’m sure you’re wondering which one is better for certain situations. I’ve had experiences where I almost lost a catch or a lure because the clip came open. But we continue to use that clip or split ring because we like the convenience of the quick switch of the lure that a clip or split ring allows.

Which one is best for what?

Use Swivels:

• On flukes or other soft jerk baits
• On rigs like the Carolina rig
• Use on a light line - 10 pounds or less
• Do not use on baits. Try a loop knot instead

Use Snaps:

• On a light line - 10 pounds or less - with crankbaits
• On spoons with a light line
• When you need more movement
• When you need to change out lures fast
• Use on baits

Use a Split Ring:

• On all topwater plugs
• On all crankbaits
• On all spoons
• Use on baits

Whatever your choice, use a method that works for you and that won’t lose a fish! Also keep a little bag of each in your tackle box just in case you need them.

egg sinker – An egg-shaped fishing weight with a hole through the center for the line to pass through.

drag – Device on fishing reels that allows line to pay out under pressure, even though the reel is engaged; set correctly, it ensures against line breakage.

doll Fly – A trademark for a brand of chenille-bodied, hackle-wrapped jig.

dip net – A net with a handle used to capture baitfish.

Devle Dog – A trademark for a brand of fishing lure.

Dardevle – A trademark for a brand of spoons typically used for trout and northern pike fishing.

dabbing – Working a lure up and down in the same spot a dozen or more times in a bush, or beside a tree or other structure.

Curly Tail – A trademark for a brand of curved-tail soft-plastic lures.

crayfish or crawfish – A small crustacean found in freshwater. Crayfish are not native to Arizona. Also called crawdads.