First time using them. I'm using #110 conis and have some questions.
First off, how are you supposed to secure the chain to the 3/8" fiberglass rod? I get the trap/clip set and on the rod, then give the chain a couple loose wraps around the rod before putting the ring down the top of the rod. I then push the rod into the bottom of the marsh mud and then slide the trap/clip to the desired depth. The problem is, when a catch is made, I have to pull the rod up out of the mud bottom, and the clip simply slides down and off the rod.
Another thing I have noticed is a large percentage of foot catches. What I think is happening is the rat is using its front feet to pull on the bait and the clip spins on the smooth rod. I know that with the trap/clip on the rod, it is easily spun around with my hand. And that leads to the next problem: Empty traps. I am using mostly baited 110s, and when using wood stakes, an empty snapped trap is rare. Using these Hagz Clips has so far resulted in 30% or more snapped empty traps.
One more thing that is happening is that if I have say a baby carrot or slice of apple on the trigger and the trap is set with the bait just above the waterline, most catches are a back foot. Very strange, but again, I think this must be from the clip sinning on the rod. I imagine the rat using the lower jaws to push itself up to grab the bait, the clip starts to spin on the rod, and the rat reacts to this by turning around and, in bailing away, hits the bait/trigger with a back foot. I even got one by the tail.

Others have these issues?
Or solutions to the above?

My solution to the spinning problem was using single spring 160s/220s. Can still get spinning but rats get more centered with the bigger traps.

All my small bodygrips have 3-4 feet of 16 gauge wire so I just wrap the write around the stake if its in deep water though I usually have my tater rake with me so I just fish the trap out and not worry about it.