slider rig vs. snafu

[Togman316]

When I started fishing with two hooks I always used the slider rig. Last year while in Md, I landed a nice 12lb tog. The next two baits I dropped I hooked fish of equal size or possibly larger. The fish broke me off and when I looked where the leader broke it was about an inch up from my snell. This happened twice. The captain told me that when you hook large fish on the slider hook it puts a kink in the line and you lose many large fish. Since then I have only used the snafu. I find I get hung up a little more but it is a much stronger rig. Anyone ever have this issue? Thoughts? Oh yeah...the leader that broke was 60lb suffix leader material.

[Foul Hook]

I use the slider most of the time. I've often thought exactly what you are describing. I've lost some nice fish because of a busted leader (50lb) but i'm not sure if it was on the slider or not. It just makes sense that the slider hook would shear off the leader. I just like having the second bait down there because I'm a hack.

[Togman316]

Yes I agree. When I brought my rig up and saw that it had a slight kink and was cut off clean, I asked the captain what could have happened. He knew right away. In Maryland they deal with very large fish so he knows what he is talking about! Plus with the snafu it is easier to hook whole baits.

[NoWorries]

Both rigs will have problems with 50# test down there. I know guys who use crimps with 100# . For me 80# is the highest I'll go on hook leaders and top shots. Those fish down there can break almost anything :D

[Mako333]

What is a snafu rig?

[hookset]

I use snafu rig for last two years before that I used a slider and didn't like it! I think for me I like using a whole crab and slider is kinda half crab kinda thing. I am sure there are some ppl that fish whole crab on a slider but to me two whole crab that close together don't fit right. I like using whole crab because using mono now I really let them eat before I swing

[ALS Mako]

could always go with single hook rigs. have caught many fish with just 1 hook.

[Capt. Lou]

When that heavyweight crushes UR bait I'll opt for a single hook. I also use larger bait holder type to allow more hook point clearance & get deeper in bait!
All my big fish were taken single hook & if I remember correctly 95% crushed the bait , couple scratched their way into the cooler !
When I seek a bigger tog I keep everything heavy downstairs but prefer a quick stacking soft tip rod taper .

[Riverbassfishing]

I agree single hook all the way. Although I will go with two hooks once in a while.

[shrimpman steve]

A snafu is a rig that uses two hooks with a dropper in the middle. When attached to the main line the two hooks drape down independently. This method makes it easier to sink two hooks into a large bait.

[Joey Dah Fish]

My thought on this and I'm no expert by any means. I like the thought of the snafu rig but just as easily the line could break at the knot where the 2 hooks are joined as easily as the slider kink theory. I like the bait presentation Idea of the snafu better than slider. The one thing I do however think that may give the slider has over the snafu for a novice like myself. Is when you swing at a scratchy bite you have two hooks in very close proximaty that may allow you to catch the fish under lip etc . If your a real sharpie you can catch fish on anything. But when you learning the bite and when to swing 2 baits are better than one either way snafu or slider. I did break off a real slob Friday on the OE lifted out twice but the third time gone :eek: I noticed half way up my hook leader line with slightly pig tailed. Maybe it was as you said hooked on the slider hook and up and down during the bounce chaffed through the hook leader. But all I know is it was depressing after it broke. Tight lines all good conversation. Hoping to get more input from the sharpies here.

[dfish28]

No sharpie here either but have seen the wear from the slider hook and always play the - how many more can I get on this rig... If he gets away...he gets away. But have been thinking of something on that sliding hook like some kind of fishfinder like setup might help,chafing gear of some sorts but then the too much jewelry comes into play, then I say f$?k it and fish.

[Togman316]

Thanks for all the input. I understand that the snafu can break as well but you don't have another hook rubbing on the leader. Also with the snafu....if one side breaks off the other hook is still snelled to a leader.

[Chris1129]

Try using Ande line instead of Sufix mono, From what I have been told and from my experience Sufix line breaks and chafes off way too easily.

[Capt. Lou]

Ditto on that Ande over Suffix !

[frugalfisherman]

This discussion called for a trip to the laboratory. Why choose? I'll try the slider/snafu on the J2 tomorrow.

[Blackfish Doug]

I have seen that slider rig j hook a fish on more then one time. I stick to one hook all these fancy rigs keep it simple. I have tried them with some success but I like 1 hook better.

[Joey Dah Fish]

Certainly the very good guys can catch even if they use a hanger as a hook :eek:

[gnuisance]

Don't let me fool you into thinking I know what I'm talking about but I use the slider with two different pieces of crab. I find it works better when they are scratching at the bait and stealing it. So you have to bring it up and replace it less often. The eye of the hook moving up and down on the leader will definitely weaken it over time. You can look at the mono and see the small strands fraying off

[sportfishingusa]

I use a slider 99% of the time, never a snafu because im to lazy to tie them... I see sometimes my leader gets kinky, i just change it.

[jmurr711]

i just have never had luck fishing a snafu. i have had beter luck with a whole honky leg crab smashed up on a slider rig with 2 hooks in same crab maybe i'll try a snafu tomorrow