I got to throw my 9" slammer fri evening for about an hour while learning how to fish and throw this bait I got to thinking.After upgradeing the split rings with owners hyper-wire and making sure the bait runs true. I started thinking about the snap swivel that came with the bait. First ? Will this snap work or should this be upgraded also.
Next ? when you throw the bait out should you let the water settle a bit before starting your retrive like you do for other types of baits.The reason I ask is that I don't want anything to go wrong when I do get a fish to take the bait.
This bait is very nice to throw at night I beleive it will call up fish from along ways away the clacking sound is outstanding I can track my bait right to the boat which helps when there is limited light.
Needless to say no takers on fri but I'm going to keep at it.
Thanks Gentlemen

Joe C

I personally don't trust the snap swivles, but I know a lot of people who use them. I use a split ring and make sure to use a good one. But you also need to make sure it's not too heavy where it pulls the nose of the bait down too much.

As far as the retrieve and the way you would start fishing it varies. I usually pause for a bit after the cast. That gives the fish time that you may have spooked a second to come back and look at what caused the commotion. But I have had success doing it both ways you have mentioned. It all depends on your water and how the fish respond to baits like that. So good luck and stick some pigs!

I have never had a problem or heard of a problem with the stock Slammer snaps breaking or bending out. I've used them for many years myself and don't really see a need to change them out.

As far as waiting before the retrieve, the only time I really do that is if it is extremely calm. Every so often on a calm night you can throw out and let it sit and get fish to blow up on it that way. I had a humongous toilet flush on my bait once doing that but the fish didn't eat it :( That's kind of a rare condition though.