Hi Guy's,
While we are on this subject with knots and the three turn uni knot would be suffice.
Is there certain type of floating or sinking model stickbaits that would work better with tying directly too it ?.
From my novice experience,
All manner of stickbaits float or sink will have better "connectivity" and therefore "feel", making it easier to work the bait.
With larger stickbaits, the benefits of tying directly is diminished somewhat as the size of the bait itself would overcome any interference that a split ring may cause.
I too use a 3-4 turn uni (depending on the diameter of leader used).
For stickbaits with smaller gauge wire, I cut a small 6-7mm chafe tubing and slit it lengthwise an place it around the wire before tying direct. Not so much for chafe protection, but to increase the diameter of the leader line loop which would improve the KBS of the loop.
I have even started tying direct with poppers.
Cheers