Hi Kerry,

I can answer some of these questions. First yes, the snap weights will want to slip more on the braid. Just move it back a bit to  the rear of the release pad, like setting a down rigger release for really big fish. Also, the heavier the braid the less slippage. Also, Offshore tackle is the brand I use. They were big planer board manufacturers before they came out with the snap weights so I think their releases work well. Plus they are nice and small, a perfect match for the job. I'm sure other brands will work as well though, although I haven't seen many with such a small release. If thinking lakers, I would definitely use flutter spoons instead of spinnerbaits. Lakers love flutter spoons. Also, spinnerbaits will have way more resistance on the troll and want to raise up a bit. However, you can also use snap weights for mid depth trolling, say down 10-12 feet over a 15 foot breakline, in this case a spinnerbait could be good. I've actualy done quite well over the years on spinnerbaits for walleyes fished at that depth and situation, although just casting and counting down, not use snap weights. As for jerk baits, they work extremely well but I never use deep divers, just regular floating raps. the lure will be a bit deeper than the snap weight and you want to 'know' where you bait is, so a deep diver would be that much harder to control depth wise and snags would be more of an issue. If you want to go deeper, just lower the snap weight and use a heavier weight. Once you use them you will love them. Just being so easy to clip on, moving from using a shallow diving rap above the weedline, to putting on a snap weight and fishing down 15 feet, to moving even deeper to 30-35 feet for lakers. All using the same lure and not re-tying. BTW, I would start your laker hunt no deeper than 35 feet. It really helps if you have a finder, but try that depth where a point or reef comes up from deeper water. I catch lots of lakers at that depth in summer. Sometimes though they are deeper, so don't be afraid to experiment. Good luck.

Moonman.