This is going to be my 1st time throwing anything this big. I bought a couple of 9' ospreys. My question is, do I tie directly to the bait, or do I use a split ring? It seems as if I were to use a split ring it might tear up the bait. Should I just use a palomar knot? I'm using 20lb big game. Any other advice for this newbie swimbaiter would be great. Thanks

P.S. I'm getting a 9" slammer next week. Does the same apply to it? I've already bought the gami 2/0 hooks.