Sampo snap swivel (45# rating) fails when running with the bulls
 

After having a couple eagle claw snap swivels fail under pressure last year, I paid the big bucks for a few dozen Sampo snap swivels this year. I got the ones rated at 45 lbs. With 30 lb power pro and 60 lb Ande Fluorocarbon, the 45 lb Sampo was the weak link in the chain and failed when I was fighting what was likely the biggest bull of my life. Given that it wanted to stay low in the water and we later landed two bull black drum, it was probably a black drum rather than a bull red that it failed on. I'm not sure what I'll buy in prep for next year, but snap swivels should not be the weak link. The nap swivel that failed was between the 4 ft long leader and the main line.

It's really simple to tie what I call a leader knot. Take both pieces of line double em up parallel then make a loop with the 2. Now take the tag ends go thru the loop 3x and add saliva then pull tight. Being such heavy leader line you may have to take your time sinching em down. Also if you have a smart phone get the knot wars app it's free and the line to line knots eliminate swivels unless you really need them like I use them when throwing spoons

Eliminate the swivel

Uni to Uni

Or go with a standard barrell swivel and not a snap

I am thinking I can eliminate the snap but not the swivel. It has been the snaps that failed on the bulls this year and last. Have you ever seen a crab in the tide? They sit there and spin and spin.

Shouldn't be bad with braid. But like said. Barrel swivel.

Either use a Barrel swivel or tie line to line with a uni to uni knot.

Barrel swivel

I have quit using snaps for this exact reason. When a leader is necessary, I use single stand wire. Specifically, 86lb "tooth proof". I just twist a hook on one end, and twist a spro ball bearing swivel on the other end. Works like a champ

use the "red phillips" knot. You can look it up on Youtube. Very easy to tie and works great going from braid to flourocarbom.