To Clip or Not to Clip...

Some crankbaits, like the Luhr Jensen Speed Trap, come with high-quality
clips rather than split rings. If used to unclip a lure and put another in
its place, it's no longer on the original lure. You either snip it off and
retie, or eventually put on split rings, or buy another pack of clips.

I agree with Steve... my concern is my going too long without retying, where
the knot becomes strained by pulling free from hang-ups, or the lower
several feet of line becomes abraded and weakened. If I had the self
discipline to check you line regularly and retie, I might do well whether I
used rings or clips. Otherwise, being forced to retie every time I switch
lures takes care of the problem.

Another point... while I'm a big proponent of changing or adapting lures to
meet changing conditions, or switching lures as I experiment to find one
that triggers bass to strike, I've fished with several guys who spend too
much time tinkering with their tackle and too little time fishing. Rather
than change lures frequently, I'd recommend looking at other variables....
lure placement and presentation, or retrieve rate and pattern, for example.
A clip might tempt me to switch up too frequently.

Joe Haubenreich
--
Staring at a computer screen?
Rather be fishing? Free SWL background at:
www.secretweaponlures.com/scrsvr.htm

_______________________
"Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers" wrote in
message ...

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