clips or loop knot??

[creek bandit]

Have snapped so many quick snaps, the ones shaped like a j. Now using decoy round snaps I got from mo's cheap as and rated to 22pound. Make sure you take the split ring off your lure. I tye my snap on with a loop knot and dont loose any action I even hunt trout in gin clear streems with no trouble.

[Hardb8]

Loops in my experience are much more favourable. The Perfection Loop in particular is my favourite. As with all knots it is quick and easy to tie with practice, also quite a strong knot.

On most hardb8s it is good practice to ditch the split ring on the tow point, and tie to the lure direct. I have had a loop pulled through a tow point ring before, by the head shakes of a thumpin, ill tempered Flatty. First and last time.

I have also experienced fish biting down on clips/crosslocks and opening them to win their freedom. First time i questioned if the snap was properly closed by myself, or maybe a one in a million that the fish had bitten down on it to open it up. The second time it happened, they were disscarded from my terminal rigging for good.

I think it is good to have at least one loop knot in your arsenal, for if your in a situation where you have none, or run out of clips, you can still fish with the utmost confidence in a well tied loop knot.

The Uni, although a sound knot that has its place in many situations, is not a true loop knot. If tied correctly it is designed to slide. Even though with firm pressure when first tied it can be in loop form, with decent pressure on it, it will slip to its true form, and become a hard knot.

Just a few of my personal experiences over my time on the water. Those of which turned me into a knot junkie, and a much more capable angler.

Regards B8.

[chrislocke]

i have been using the "rapala loop" which i found on youtube. its sweet! but yeah i dont use clips cause i kinda figure the less metal bits on the lure the better

[nagz]

Lefy's loop knot for me on all lures except poppers and spinnerbaits and metal slices, where i will use a uni knot. The lefty is great for all size leader that i use from four pound to eighty. Gold.

[stella fella]

I have tried lefty's and perfection loops and gave up on them because I found they didn't hold up too well. I found the best loop knot for jigheads is one I stumbled across while messing around trying different knots and it's also really simple. Simply pass the line through the eye and make a double of about 15cm, then, while holding the end of the double, tie a double overhand using the double, passing the jighead through and slide it down (I hope that makes sense) In testing this knot I found that it held between 90-100% strengh.

[Windknot]

Years ago, back before I started using braid, I always used loop knots (Rapala) to attach my lures, but now that I use braid and fluro leaders, I find that my leader soon becomes too short when I tie loop knots all the time. I must admit I'm a bit of a serial lure changer, especially when things are slow. I now use Decoy snaps all the time. I have always taken the towing split ring off all new lures immediately, as they're only there for the people who can't tie knots or don't use snaps, IMO.

There are some lures that I use frequently, such as the Smith Panfish, that I just can't get a snap to fit, as the towing point is too recessed. I still use a loop knot on these.

[Squidlipz]

Old School, go the the loopy!!

[GTgeoff]

I have lost many a fish with snaps, even the decoy 22Lb ones I use have been straightened out, with me losing the fish and my HB lure. Very frustrating when all your knots hold and your 8Lb braid and 8Lb leader have held up fine but the snap lets you down.

[TheChief]

I remove the split ring and a tie loop knot on all my lures.

I can't even remember the name of the loop knot but it's very simple. Tie and over hand knot (granny) in your leader, pass the tag end through the tow point and tie a blood knot and pass the tag end back through the granny knot and tighten it up.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by stella fella

I found the best loop knot for jigheads is one I stumbled across while messing around trying different knots and it's also really simple. Simply pass the line through the eye and make a double of about 15cm, then, while holding the end of the double, tie a double overhand using the double, passing the jighead through and slide it down (I hope that makes sense) In testing this knot I found that it held between 90-100% strengh.

Double Palomar? Good knot

[Alex]

Originally Posted by TheChief

I remove the split ring and a tie loop knot on all my lures.

I can't even remember the name of the loop knot but it's very simple. Tie and over hand knot (granny) in your leader, pass the tag end through the tow point and tie a blood knot and pass the tag end back through the granny knot and tighten it up.

Rapala Loop Knot

[Alex]

Originally Posted by basscada

This has probally been asked before, sorry if it has. I use loop knots on both.
Who use clips for hards or softs, what size , or do you prefer the loop knot or trusty uni knot?

I use size 00 Decoy snaps for HBs with Fish-n-fool knot for the fluoro to the clip.

Fish-n-fool knot to the jighead The strongest knot I've known of.

Lefty loop knot only if I am using it on the HB without a split ring.

Cheers,

[TheChief]

Another question I have is should I use a loop knot for surface lures? I've heard different theories on this. Some recommend loop knot and other say to tie a uni straight to the tow point.

[driftcorp86]

Originally Posted by TheChief

Another question I have is should I use a loop knot for surface lures? I've heard different theories on this. Some recommend loop knot and other say to tie a uni straight to the tow point.

loop knot for surface i reckon, gives the lure a bit more freedom to do its thang

[Rusty Hooks]

i use a loop knot all the time now after losing a couple of lures to clips. I was using normans speed clips. they seemed ok but losing my fav jp runt was the final straw. I just hope the bass managed to shake it free.