Question-Jig Tying

Do you tie your line directly to the jig, or do you use a snap swivel? I've heard both ways. I want to get the best presentation.

I always tie directly to the jig. I want as little "stuff" on the line as possible.

I never tie direct for a couple of reasons. First, it creates a wear point after catching several crappie. Few learn to retie often enough to avoid loosing a jig from time to time. Not saying it's the most critical factor, but it does matter.

I use a small (#2) snap hook (Mustad Snap Hooks. Easily change flies without tying) on my line that I attach my jigs with. This not only reduces the wear point at the jig eye, but also facilitates quickly changing jig heads, when the need arrises.

These snap hooks also allow a more free movement of the jig in the water, acting a bit more realistic if it were. I think regular plain snaps (such as those used by crankbait fishermen) or snap swivels (the worst option) are a bit too much hardware and they may have a negative effect on your catch ratio. Notice I said "may have". Fishing is all about confidence and if doing one thing or the other, increases your confidence, then I'd say go for it.

I've been using these snap hooks for many, many years now and I have a great deal of confidence in their effectiveness. JMO! :)

I tie directly to the hook/bait but sometimes use a small barrel above bait about 18'' to stop twist .

I tie directly to the jig, using a Improved Clinch knot. When casting, I'm using a unpainted weedless jighead ... so "changes" are simply putting on another color or style of plastics. I have made several trips with the same jighead tied on, caught fish, and not had to retie or had the line break. I'm using 6# test Vicious Panfish hi-vis copolymer line.

Like DB4D ... I want as little "hardware" on the line, as possible. (less knots to fail, less "metal" for the fish to feel when jig is in its mouth, & less things to hang in branch V's or tree bark or rock crevices). :twocents

Tie directly. Hate a bunch of hardware on my lines.

I tie directly, but I also retie frequently. I try to retie after every 2 or 3 fish at a minimum. And after a nasty hang up.

You guys are prolly going to tell me that I ain't right in the head
If I get on a school, in clear water, and using minnows I'll use the dedicated rod that the jig is tied on
But If I'm trolling for Walleyes....and hook into a Crappie, I like to snap on a .021 wired spinner bait that has the snap bent into it, so I can change jig and plastic colors quickly....This is the same set up I use on the river as the water is Fairly stained and visability is low
One of my fishing partners and I go rounds about this...He's a hand tie everything guy, with a jig and minnow ONLY
We go back and forth every trip...Kinda like Grumpy old men
Some days I boat more ...Some days he boats more....I think it about evens out, and its not up to us but what the fish like that day

I normally use drop loops and run two jigs when crappie fishing 1/32 or 1/16.