Does anyone else use those snap links by Mustad?

I've been using them for nymphing as I struggle sometimes tying knots quickly.

I've also noticed that they seem to swing in the water with the current, is this likely to spook the fish or doew it make the fly look more natural?

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I've been grabbed by the shorb & furleys.

I didn't realise there was a time limit for knot tying?

Just practise tying your knots at home, a tucked, half blood knot is simple and efficient.

http://www.btinternet.com/~kevin.l.j.knight/knot15.htm

Bin the snap links.

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[I]"I still don't know why I fish or why other men fish, except that we like it and it makes us think and feel."[/I] Roderick L Haig-Brown

[url]www.wildfly.net[/url]

[url]http://www.gameanglinginstructors.co.uk/[/url]

Thanks Lighthouse, I've been making some rigs at home using the Trilene knot of late & take them with me.

For the benefit of debate are there any for's & against for using snap links?

I'm fairly new to the sport & have been using them so as I can get a line into the water quicker, & admittedly they have helped in that respect, however does it affect the action of the fly & how it looks to the quarry?

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I've been grabbed by the shorb & furleys.

If you're using any 'normal' leader material, mono, copolymer or fluorocarbon, I don't see there's much point in 'over-complicating' with the Trilene Knot. If you're using braid, for example in tying up a coarse fishing rig, that's a different matter.

From a personal stand point I can't see any benefit, for fly fishing, in using snap links - it's a bit like attaching a tow bar to the end of a towing rope. You have to tie a knot to attach the link ... why not tie that knot to the fly?

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[I]"I still don't know why I fish or why other men fish, except that we like it and it makes us think and feel."[/I] Roderick L Haig-Brown

[url]www.wildfly.net[/url]

[url]http://www.gameanglinginstructors.co.uk/[/url]

I have been experimenting with them on a bugging rig to allow a quick change on the heaviest fly. As the current speed changes a heavier/lighter fly is needed. This saves eating away at the nylon.

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It is in truth not glory,nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting,but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with his life.(Declaration of Arbroath, 1320)

That's not a bad idea, Graham. But then again, when you snag up and have to pull for a break you loose your fly and your snap link?

Regards,
Johan

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Johan Janssens

Graham that's the reason I've been using them for a quick change of nymphs, & like I say because I've dick fingers & fumble when knot tying, I simply find it easier & less time consuming than having to re-tie.

The snags versus re-tying is high in favour of the snap link due to very rarely getting any snags as opposed to changing flies maybe 6 - 12 times during a session.

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I've been grabbed by the shorb & furleys.

Find yourself some deadly patterns and you wont need to change them so often

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It is in truth not glory,nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting,but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with his life.(Declaration of Arbroath, 1320)

You're not wrong there fella, I started fly fishing last year & I've probably learnt more in a week of being on here than I have from trying to be self taught.

I've decided to plunge into the savings & get some lessons, hopefully that will iron out my faults & also allow me to expand my knowledge.

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I've been grabbed by the shorb & furleys.

don't use them but anything that allows the fly to move as if its not attached to a line is obviously beneficial.