Snap weights in the spring

I’m curious if anyone uses snap weights in the spring while trolling . I’ve noticed the last couple of years that anything over a #7 doesn’t get much of a bite (in the spring anyway) . . . But, when I put on a small #5 (small lip) with a 1 1/2 – 2 ounce snap weight 50 feet back and troll around 12-15 feet, I get some really stop dead in your tracks hits. They hit like a southbound freight train. Anyone have experience using these and found value in them like I have?

not sure where your fishing…. Ive had some luck late spring on the st croix with snap weights rigged as you describe… on the miss though… I do better with 3-ways and small raps or thundersticks…. with not too much line out….. or 3 ways and bait…. or sometimes better yet…. dubuque rigs……

Mike,

There are areas of the miss. that have subtle depth changes where snap weights would work great….at least I can think of two areas where they would work. Like rivereyes though, I have used three ways in the miss. because of one reason or another (ie. radical depth changes) and I like to stay in contact with the bottom. I have used them on lake of the woods out in the basin area (traverse bay) and I will be trying snap weights in the river this year. Jon

Snap wieghts are invaluable any time. They can be used in a variety of wieghts to easily match the conditions. Don’t really care for them in water shallower then 15 feet they can be a hassle when reeling in. You also mentioned that you dont have good luck on large baits. I agree and disagree, it all depends on the amount of food in the water and how you ppresent it. There has been years where they just pound #9 shad raps, large storms, etc. but will scoff at the small stuff hen other times it seems to reverse itself. Best guest is try one of everything and narrow it down, I like to start med. to large first then hit the small stuff.