Underwater Test: Loop Knots vs Speed Clips with Topwater Lures

Loop Knots vs Speed Clips with topwater lures – is there any difference?

In a recent video, I tested loop knots vs snap swivels with loop knots coming out as the clear winner.

But, what about smaller speed clips?

[danielchrist]

This seems irrelevant to me. To me, does it have the same action while fishing? That's the question that needs answered. I fish top water every morning sometimes with a snap swivel, sometimes tied straight on, and I've never had an issue with my line getting caught in my hooks. And I always let the bait sit for 30-60 seconds before I start fishing it. The big issue is the swivel affecting the way the bait moves because a lot of topwater lures are so light the addition of a swivel ruins the balance.

[williamsocha]

I found this video to be quite interesting & informative. Last June at Colt State Park in Bristol, R.I., I spotted fish breaking just outside the "mill gut". I had a 7', 6" inshore rod rated 5/8 - 2 oz with a twitch bait tied on with a loop knot. My 2nd or 3rd cast a nice sub slot striper nailed it. Nice fight, no leaps, but landed & released it after a quick measure. Around 25 - 26". I alternate between knot & clips mostly on instinct/ hunch. Lure shape, size and weight determines my choice between the two.

[barryhowell]

I put 3 or 4 bobber stops in front of my loop knot, keeps the line straight and far away from the first hook especially if they're are treble hooks

[billanderson]

Over a number of past decades I regularly use both methods. I have yet to experience my leader fouling on lure hooks apon landing after a cast. Perhaps I have been doing something wrong to miss out on leader hook snags. Any suggestions?

[RagnarrBjorn]

We use solid wire leaders on those same style baits up here in Michigan for the toothy fish, and we don't really seem to have any issue with the front hook catching it, so maybe some of you guys should try that. Plus you wouldn't have to worry about the blue fish or other toothy saltwater fish cutting off your baits either.
And before you say that the fish might be leader shy, if they will hit a bait that has a huge set of hooks hanging off it, they will hit something with a fine wire leader on it.

Try it out, you might save some of your baits to be used more than a couple times. ;)

[richerwin]

THE main problem with clips, aside from altering the action, is that if you don't retie, you don't refresh the last few inches of line. Line damage won't be noticed and removed. Retie often enough to develop knot tying speed and you'll be better off.

[ABNRGR]

Joe, Luke, off subject; I am new to Salt Strong and I am watching my way through all of the videos and two years ago on the YouTube video labeled “The best inshore reel for you” Joe asked why do you think that so many people are buying the 1000 size reels?
My answer would be because fishing is about being excited when you hook a fish, and when you hook a 24 inch redfish with 1000 series reel or an 8” trout the reel just starts to scream as the drag comes out.
Bottom line I buy and use them because it’s so much more exciting

[comfortablynumb]

I have no use for clips. It's easy to tie the loop knot y'all have taught on your videos. I've used it for over 30 years and don't remember it failing. Expensive snap swivels are great for trolling for toothy fish and changing leaders a lot, and for keeping twist out of the line. Otherwise I don't see any use for clips or snaps.

[stevenberg]

When using mini clips take the split ring off, number 1.
Just this morning I was walking a spook JR with the smallest SPRO quick clip..
If there was any difference between a loop knot I couldn't see it.
Your still not using the smallest clips out there like SPRO or Anglers Micro.

[davetrent]

Great topwater info gentlemen & THANKS~! <*}}}}><

[Fish-Erman]

Loop knots are weak trash, a quality snap or clip is a much better option.