Am I Missing Something?

[Preytorien]

So I'm a huge fan of buzzbaits, and now that I'm getting the hang of spinnerbaits, I find myself throwing them more and more often.

 

I just have one gripe about them both. It's the "R-bend" in them. My line slides up it, or when I'm using a snap, the same thing occurs.

 

I've seen just a scarce few manufacturers who've thought to put a twist or two in the bend to keep this from happening, but looking at the majority of spinnerbaits out there, few have followed suit.

 

Is this a performance issue? Does twisting the wire cause problems? I can't see that it'd be too much of a problem to do the twist. From watching "How It's Made" I'm sure there's some handy little robotic device that'd do it at a lively clip of 90 per minute or something? I wonder why most don't do that.....

 

Anyone have any ideas why that isn't the norm?

[Dwight Hottle]

SOB offers twisted loop or r-bend on all orders. The twisted loop is supposed to offer more vibration because it is more rigid. You can take a piece of clear plastic tubing & slip it over the r-bend to close the loop.

[Montanaro]

palomar rarely slips in my experience

[Scott F]

In the "old days", all spinnerbaits had the closed loop. Now, as you noticed, few do. I've tried all the methods of adding tubing to keep the lure from sliding up but I found that they all get torn up when you get a number of fish on them. Pike are really bad for tearing up baits. My solution is that I buy all my spinner baits from a guy who makes them for me. I also like single spin baits with Colorado blades that are nearly as hard to find as baits with closed loops and he makes those as well.  They cost the same, and I get exactly what I want.

[Ratherbfishing]

I much prefer the closed loops-especially if I'm up North where I might need a steel leader. 

[Ima Bass Ninja]

I would guess that having a twist in the wire would be more difficult to get the arm straight with the body causing the bait to perform poorly.

[Preytorien]

What knot and line are you using?

Typically (since I'm a bank restricted fisherman) I use snaps, but on occasion I've had a Palomar even slip if the arm is polished enough

[BassAssassin726]

I always see people talk about this happening but I rarely have it happen and I only have R bend spinnerbaits. Use some wire or something to wrap around the bend.

[michang5]

Granted I've only started throwing spinnerbaits at the beginning of October, but I've not had my Palomar knot slide down the R-bend at all. Same with buzzbaits, which I first tried back in July.

I've thrown four different spinnerbaits from two different companies. All are open R designs.

Is your Palomar tight enough?

[Preytorien]

I'll double check them but my palomars are as tight as I can pull and I spit em' up good before tightening them down. Keep in mind since I don't have multiple poles to switch out, I almost exclusively use a snap (no swivel), so my knot isn't my biggest concern since I rarely tie direct.

I'll just have to keep using ones with a twist. I was just wondering if twisting affected performance or if it was a manufacturing complication since very few spinnerbaits have them and I have yet to see a single buzzbait with one.

[flyfisher]

I am not sure why you being a bank fisherman necessitates the need for a snap though.  Tying a knot takes about 30 seconds and in the case of a palomar about 8" of line.

 

I would also guess that manufacturing a R bend type spinnerbait is much easier and cheaper and as others pointed out, easier to run true.

[SkeeterZXMan]

I use the improved clinch knot on a majority of my lures, including spinnerbaits. Give that one a try and see if it helps keep your line in place.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

I wouldn't recommend throwing spinnerbaits or buzzbaits with a snap (or much of anything else for that matter.) 

 

Try heat shrink tubing. 

[papajoe222]

The use of the R bend eliminates the line fouling at the tie point.  Often, when using the closed loop style, the line would catch at the tie point when casting into the wind as the lure would tumble.  With the R bend, the knot will spin around and thus eliminate the fouling.  The other reason is that a thinner diameter wire can be used in manufacturing which gives the bait more vibration.

[ClackerBuzz]

I wouldn't recommend throwing spinnerbaits or buzzbaits with a snap (or much of anything else for that matter.) 

 

Try heat shrink tubing. 

x2.

ditch the snap.  

[geeman]

I use tubing or jig skirt collars; but I read somewhere that someone was using heat shrink. I haven't tried this; but sounded like a good idea for staying in place longer.

[Jolly Green]

R bends are the simplest (cheapest) to manufacture, one bending operation vs. multiple twists/turns for twisted eyes, coiled eyes, or even U bends. And as has been mentioned, less problem with the line fouling and/or possibly breaking off in the V on a less than perfect cast.  Buzzbaits in general are made with wire that is a little heavier than is ideal for twisting into a closed eye.

 

I'm paraphrasing a few paragraphs of "Luremaking" by A.D. Livingston, a great read for any angler, not just tackle makers.

[ClackerBuzz]

Typically (since I'm a bank restricted fisherman) I use snaps, but on occasion I've had a Palomar even slip if the arm is polished enough

 i'm assuming ur using snaps b/c its quicker to change out lures.  they have their time and place with other species but not much in bass fishing. they reduce lure action and collect weeds.

 

u might also want to look at:

are you too lazy to tie knots?

or u still use snaps b/c that's what u were taught as a child?

[jly]

I use a polomar knot and don't have any issue, however you said you like the snaps.  so tie a good polomar knot onto you spinnerbait and give yourself a length of leader and tie a snap (or o-ring) to the other end of the leader.  so when you want to snap on a spinner you just snap it to the o ring or snap and when you take it off it will stay with your spinner.  just an idea for you, but your best bet is to just do away with the snaps all together.  just my 2 cents.  good luck

[DocBar]

FWIW, I only use a clinch knot or palomar and haven't had a problem with either. That includes saltwater fishing and catching fish over 50 lbs. Never had a knot fail. One of the pleasures of mono? LOL

[Primus]

SOB offers twisted loop or r-bend on all orders. The twisted loop is supposed to offer more vibration because it is more rigid. You can take a piece of clear plastic tubing & slip it over the r-bend to close the loop.

 

Great recommendation, the S.O.B. Mini Me is a winner. He will also make the baits with whatever blade sizes and type that you specify. I prefer to tie my spinnerbaits on with a palomar knot as other posters have suggested.

[cajunpapi]

Typically (since I'm a bank restricted fisherman) I use snaps, but on occasion I've had a Palomar even slip if the arm is polished enough

Get rid of the snap! Palomar snug uptight should do it , if not glue knot to position.

[J Francho]

Yep, ditch the snap.  I use an improved clinch knot - fast and easy to tie, just loop the line areound the R-bend, and spin the bait 5 ro 6 times, and run your line back through the two loops.  Works fine with just about every mono, copoly, and holds fine (contrary to popular belief) with several brands of fluoro.

[RAMBLER]

I modified/improved a dozen spinner baits that have the open line tie.  I pinched the bend right behind the tie point.  Then put on 4 wraps of fine wire, making sure he ends are turned in so they don't catch the line.  Then I soldered the wire.  Now, they all have a closed loop line tie.  Hope I explained it so it could be understood.

[Mike2841]

I use an improved clinch knot with mono and berkley braid knot with braid for spinners and buzzbaits. Also booyah offers spinners with the loops in them, I've seen them a lot at my local dicks sporting goods.