1. They seem expensive - why should I invest in the Ultimate SmartLink?
  2. How does the SmartLink work?
  3. Will it release when fighting a fish? - What about really big fish?
  4. I've had fish open up split rings - Why should I trust the Ultimate SmartLink to hold.
  5. What size should I use?
  6. Are they reusable?
  7. How many times can I reuse them?
  8. How do you rig a SmartLink?
  9. Are there other ways to rig or use the SmartLink?
10. What will happen if I grab the leader or line while landing or boating a fish?
11. What happens if both hooks become snagged?
12. Once installed, how do I tell them apart if I'm using different test ratings?
13. I currently use a lure-knocker, why should I use the SmartLink?
14. Why is the SmartLink environmentally friendly?
15. Will the SmartLinks rust in salt water?
16. Do they work with jigs, spinner baits, and soft baits?


1. They seem expensive - why should I invest in the Ultimate SmartLink?

A: At first glance, if you compare the Ultimate SmartLink to a conventional split ring they are expensive. However, THE ULTIMATE SmartLink IS NOT A SPLIT RING!! It is the smallest, most efficient, most economical lure retrieval system available anywhere.

Lets do the math - a SmartLink costs on average $1.50 retail. If it works just once on a $6.00 lure it will save you 4 times the money you invested. One SmartLink can easily save a lure 5 times or more. Not to mention all the fishing time you'll save. There's a very good chance you'll catch more fish because you can fish heavy cover with confidence and you won't spook fish retrieving a snagged lure.


2. How does the SmartLink work?

A: The Ultimate SmartLink is constructed from a super flexible shape memory titanium alloy. When fighting a fish, the SmartLink will behave just like a normal split ring. When the rod tip is pointed directly at a snag and steady pulling pressure is applied, the SmartLink will open and release the snagged hook. It will immediately snap back to its original shape - ready to be used over and over. The SmartLink will not release when fighting or hooking a fish.


3. Will it release when fighting a fish? - What about really big fish?

A: No! the SmartLink will not release when fighting or landing fish - even large aggressive fish such as Peacock Bass, Barramundi, and Atlantic Salmon. As long as you follow the rigging instructions, your fishing rod will not be capable of generating enough force to cause a SmartLink to open. Contrary to popular belief, the rod is what controls the maximum amount of force felt at the hook - not the size of the fish.

SmartLinks will release only when the rod tip is pointed directly at the snag and steady pressure is applied. Over three years of worldwide independent testing has proven the Ultimate SmartLink can be trusted to land big fish.


4. I've had fish open up split rings - Why should I trust the Ultimate SmartLink to hold.

A: There is only ONE reason why a fish can cause a conventional split ring to open up - it's because that split ring was the weakest link in your set-up. If it wasn't the weakest link - something else would've failed or you would've landed the fish. The irony here is that the Ultimate SmartLink is designed to be the weakest link in your system. What makes the Ultimate SmartLink different is that it is PREDICTABLE! Conventional split rings vary widely in quality and consistency and are highly susceptible to the weakening effects of corrosion.

Ultimate SmartLinks are made from surgical grade nickel titanium. They absolutely will not corrode - not even in salt water. Each lot is tested at the factory for consistent performance. Use SmartLinks as directed and you will be amazed at their performance. SmartLinks will not degrade over time.


5. What size should I use?

A: SmartLinks come in two different physical sizes - small and large.

The small size comes in three different test ratings - 6, 8, and 10 lb test.

The large size comes in seven different test ratings - 6, 8, 10, 12, 14-15, 17-20 and
25-30 lb test.

As a general rule, the larger physical sizes are used on lures 2 inches and longer. The smaller physical sizes are good for micro lures like the Yozuri Snap Beans or other ultra light tackle. Both the large and small sizes can be used when fishing live bait with just a hook at the end of the line. Tie your line directly to the SmartLink and install a hook on the SmartLink for snag-free fishing (also see other uses and ways to rig the SmartLink).


6. Are they reusable?

A: Yes, they are reusable. You will get them back with your retrieved lure. They are designed to be directional with the small end towards the lure or line.

Occasionally, they will flip around. If this happens and you become snagged, the SmartLink will still function as designed and you will recover your lure- but you will loose your SmartLink. A good practice is to take a quick glance at it every few casts until you become familiar with its characteristics.


7. How many times can I reuse them?

A: For top performance and competitive fishing we recommend you replace the SmartLink after 5 releases. We have demonstrated the SmartLink at shows using the same part for
40 - 50 releases with only a minor decrease in performance.


8. How do you rig a SmartLink?

A: The Ultimate SmartLink is extremely flexible and can easily be installed on a lure or hook in just seconds without the use of any tools. The large or "wide" end of the SmartLink should always be towards the hook.

The most important thing is to follow the rigging guide in the instructions to ensure the SmartLink is properly matched to your line and your rod.


9. Are there other ways to rig or use the SmartLink?

A: Yes -the SmartLink can be adapted to most types of rigs and fishing, for example: Tie a SmartLink directly to the end of your line, and then attach your bait-hook. For drift and drop shot fishing you can use it as a weight release. It can replace the snaps on swivels or spinner baits for quick changing attractor blades, quick release clips for nets, pliers, waders, sunglasses, etc You may come up with other ideas or uses, if so; we would love to hear from you @ 1-866-LURESAV.


10. What will happen if I grab the leader or line while landing or boating a fish? Will The SmartLink release?

A: Use good judgment - if you've just caught a 10 lb bass using an 8 lb SmartLink and 8 lb line - don't haul it into the boat by grabbing the line. In short you don't have to do anything different than you normally would when you use the SmartLink. It is OK to guide a fish with your open hand on the line. You should never grab the line with a tightly closed hand.


11. What happens if both hooks become snagged?

A: If both hooks become snagged simultaneously, there is a good chance you can still recover your lure. It will depend on how the hooks are snagged and if pulling on your line will cause one hook to release before the other.

Rarely will both hooks hang up at once. Usually the first hook will snag and release. If the second hook then snags, it will release and so on.


12. Once installed, how do I tell them apart if I'm using different test ratings?

A: SmartLinks are color-coded - each test rating has a different color code. The best way is to use a sharpie marker and write the SmartLink rating on the belly of your lure - then you don't have to remember or check the color code.


13. I currently use a lure-knocker, why should I use the SmartLink?

A: Lure-knockers are time consuming and they don't always work. They are however extremely efficient at spooking the fish you were trying to catch.

With the SmartLink, it doesn't matter whether your 10ft or 100ft away from your snag, it will instantly release your lure and it won't spook your fish. If your lure has two hooks on it and you pull it free from a snag, you can still catch a fish on the remaining hook while retrieving your lure.


14. Why is the SmartLink environmentally friendly?

A: By being able to retrieve your lures and tackle, the SmartLink reduces the amount of lead, line, and lost tackle left in your waterways.


15. Will the SmartLinks rust in salt water?

A: No - they will never rust or corrode (Ref. To #4).


16. Do they work with jigs, spinner baits, and soft baits?

A: Yes - See the "Other Uses" page.