"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
That is the question.

I always use a duolock type clip for crank baits. I do that for two
reasons. First is because I feel it gives me a much better action than
tieing driectly onto the nose ring of a crank bait. The second is because
of being able to change baits quickly. I have had circumstances where I
have caught a couple fish and then the stopped hitting, but they would
still
chase. As soon as I changed colors or body styles just slightly I would
nail a couple more int he same place. I know some guys can break off and
retie quickly, but I feel the pressure of time with bait in the boat
instead
of the water.

Now lets get to topwater. With buzz baits, except some swimming minnow
types or a Norman's weeedwhacker you have to tie directly on, but I'm
talking about stick minnows or poppers. I usually work these baits on the
same rods as I do crank baits for much the same reason. To keep fish from
pulling loose on a run. As a result they often get put on the clip that I
already have tied onto the line. I also seem to get a lot of fouling of
the
bait particularly when working a stick bait like an Excalibur spittin
image
all the way back to the boat. I am wondering if eliminating the clip will
reduce the back and forth action just enough to keep the bait from over
running the line and fouling.

Unless I'm forced to use a leader, usually wire because of pike/muskie
cutoffs, I rarely use a snap or clip. I have had snaps open up when I'm
really pressuring a fish, so I try to avoid that when ever possible.

I do however realize that some crankbaits have reduced action when the line
is tied directly. So, for lures like that, I simply put a split ring on the
line tie and cut/retie when I want to change lures. Yes, I know that this
takes a little bit of time, but I also found that I had a tendency to go too
long on retying and lost fish too.

I prefer to have as few connections between me and the fish as possible,
especially ones that are easy to open like a snap.

Tying direct might solve the topwater problem, hard saying.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com