Snap weights are used to weigh down trolling presentations. Typically used with crankbaits, they allow lures to reach depths not possible on their own. Trolling with snap weights is a fast and efficient technique — snapping them on and off allows you to quickly cover various depths. Often paired with planer boards to cover more area, snap weights have become a staple for walleye trolling in the Great Lakes.
Speed dictates position
Does the placement on the line matter though?
Yes. By adding a snap weight closer to the crankbait, we can reach the same depth while using less total line — at least at low trolling speeds.
Diving force and drag are the two main forces acting against each other during trolling. The lure and the weight both have diving force and drag, but each one is affected differently by speed. A crankbait’s running depth isn’t affected by trolling speed. As speed increases, it digs in and dives. On the other hand, higher speeds push a snap weight up. Think of a water skier. This is why snap weights excel for the slow trolling speed used by walleye anglers.
For weight placement to matter, we need speeds of less than 2 mph (3.2 km/h) where the drag is low. This will result in the weight having a high downward force compared to the crankbait’s downward force, making it more efficient to have the weight closer to the lure. More line is pulled down by the weight than by the lesser downward force of the lure.
Line type also a factor
Another factor that comes into play when trolling is your line diameter and type. Having a wide diameter will create excess drag, in essence drowning out the effect of placing the weight closer to the crankbait. To avoid this, it is best to use thinner line (about 10-pound test) or slightly heavier braided line.
Line length vs snap position
When we talk numbers and how much line you are saving yourself from reeling, we can say that it depends on what depth you are targeting, what speed, size of weight, lure, and the size and type of line. The lure used can change things drastically, given their varying diving abilities, and shallower diving lures will benefit more from shorter leads.
This might not be a large difference, but when you are needing to sort through fish, or mimicking another trolling set-up, keep this in mind.
Snap weight tips
Avoid using too much weight. In most scenarios, smaller fish will be dragged along without your knowledge. Not only is this inefficient but obviously bad for the fish’s health.
A great starting place for knowing exactly how deep your lure is running are trolling apps on your phone. For example, on Troll Master, you can set your line lengths, weights, divers, lures, speed and more to know exactly where your bait is going.
Weight distance must be set according to water clarity, so if you are in super clear water you will have to go with longer leads.
This technique is specific to lower visibility water. According to dive charts, most lures taper off dive depths with about 50 feet of line out, so more line out may not the best way to dig deeper. For example, a Berkley Flicker Shad 7 on 50 feet of line runs at a depth of nine feet, while at 100 feet of line it reaches just three feet deeper (using 10-pound line).
Originally published in the July 2023 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS
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