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Posts: 91
| Roughly, how long should the snap last on these leaders? How can you tell when they should be changed or are about to break? I think I read on a thread here that a guy changes just the snap when the line looks a little nicked, how can you change just the snap and not the whole fluoro leader line? I can see how you can save the ballbearing swivel and using new fluoro. |
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Posts: 512
Location: Appleton | I change snaps when it starts losing most of the color. When it turns silver it's time for a change. I've never had one break and don't really want to risk it. Replacements are cheap. A 10 pack from Musky Tackle Online is like $4 for a #5. After using the leader for awhile the fluro will stretch just enough for you to thread the old snap off and thread the new snap on. Been using these leaders for a few years and love them. |
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Posts: 8772
| I just have to laugh. I do it too, don't get me wrong... "Hmm, is this leader still good? How old is this BB swivel, is this snap wearing out?"
Then I think about the money I spent on my truck, or lures, rods, reels, net, tools, guides, lodging, etc. Or, even just the money I spent in the bar one night of any trip, ever...
Then I think about how many things can go wrong muskie fishing, and how many more can go wrong on a really big fish, the kind you may only get a crack at a few times a season.
In case I haven't made myself clear here?
If you look at it, and you have to ask? Buy a new leader, man...
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Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | I have never had a Stay-Loc snap break, so I wouldn't worry about them breaking. I highly suggest changing out the snaps once they become silver in color and lose their black finish. You can tell when they are starting to become "soft" as they are alot easier to open and close when they are grey or silver in color. |
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Posts: 501
Location: Norway | Stay-loks isnt 100% foolproof either. I had one open but the bend got hold of the safety loop, but a friend sent me this picture...
I still think theyre the best snaps around.
Edited by Pikopath 11/23/2009 1:43 AM
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 staylok.jpg (6KB - 120 downloads)
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| that snap look very small |
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| Staylocs can and do break. Replace them when paint wears off at the bend. |
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Posts: 501
Location: Norway | fishbag - 11/23/2009 8:42 AM
that snap look very small
Hm yes when you say it, it looks like the size 4. I usually use 5.
I will have to ask him.
It also happened boat side when the fish rolled up on short line.
Michael |
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Posts: 2037
Location: lansing, il | That definetly looks to be a smaller #4 snap. they still have a 200# rating on them, however the wire is thinner and will bend much easier than the #5 snap which has a 300# rating. If you prefer to use the smaller size, there is a new #4.5 stay lok that is now available. It is only slightly bigger than a #4 but it is made of a heavier guage wire and carries a 250# rating. As with any terminal tackle, inspecting and replacing when worn is important. |
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Posts: 501
Location: Norway | Yes I am quite sure he is using the size 4. The sad part is that a pike, has one of his baits in its mouth, hope she gets rid of it...
This thread also reminds me that I need to stock up my snaps and leaders for next year.
Michael |
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