Why do I see so many people using snap swivels? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Does that hardware not make a difference on finicky fish in clear water? I was always taught to cut and retie my connections but I’m anxious to hear what I’m missing.

People don't want to take the time to cut and re-tie lures or other tackle.

Probably doesn’t make a big difference on fast moving lures. Personally, I don’t trust them. Just one more point of failure and really only saves 30 seconds compared with tying a knot.

Yeah they’re a no show on my boat.

I don't trust them either.

I use them for different situations. You have to get good ones. Quality coastal ball bearing swivels will usually not fail. I have 400 and 600 pound Aussie swivels I use offshore to catch fish weighing hundreds of pounds and never had one fail. I use 70 to 100 pound swivels inshore and have not had a problem. I often have steel leader on my lures so the swivel is not against the lure.

I put a Norton Quick Twist #10 on the end of a mono leader for topwaters. They do not impede the action at all and allow for quick lure changes. Very strong. They do not rust. I also have countless other pretied leaders on 20 lb flouro with a 30 lb swivel. This also allows me to go through a vast assortment of lures quickly. I used to tie directly with an Alberto knot and flouro leader, but I have not noticed a difference in bite frequency with this new system. And the biggest thing is that it saves time and allows you to change on a dime very quickly while not losing any fish catching qualities.

Norton Quick Twist on all moving baits with the exception of Topwaters, makes for a quick change if you wanna swap from a spoon to a suspending hard bait, or just swap colors. I have never noticed a difference in catch ratio.

If you troll it will help prevent line twist on spinning reels.