Walking bait: loop knot or direct tie?

[.dsaavedra.]

when i use a Spook, should i use a loop knot (rapala) or a direct tie (trilene knot)? thanks...ive never used one and i plan on using it tomorrow morning.

[Tin]

Instead of the spook, try gettin some confidence in that buzzbait. lol. Anyway, I like the trilene or palomar.

[.dsaavedra.]

i really dont like buzzbaits, and spooks do well on this pond (ive seen other people using them there catching 5lbers)

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

The loop is supposed to allow the bait to have less resistance-let it move more naturally.

Personally, I think they move fine and I have much more faith in a Palomar

[Gatorbassman]

A loop knot by the book but I just put a split ring on instead.

[islandbass]

If you want to use the palomar, all you need to do is add the smallest duo lock (not swivel) snap. One end to the bait and the other to the line. You will actually find it easier to WTD with it.

The Rapala knot is good too. You can't go wrong with either. Bottom line, it's a matter of convenience.

If you're a beginner, you might have difficulty learning to WTD with a direct tie knot.  However, it can be done.  I direct tie when I'm too lazy to tie a loop knot.

Also, a split ring can be used BUT the Duo Lock snap gives you more play and there is zero chance of getting the line or knot caught up in the ring.

[TrickyVT1887]

palomar and a Norman Speed Clip

[.dsaavedra.]

ima have to get some of these "clips" everyone is talking about. ive seen them and i know what they are and all, but i dont have any. seems like it will be much more convinient than re-tying every time i want to switch baits. do they hinder the action of baits at all? i know that rapalas are easily messed up by added hardware...does it affect them? im guessing the smaller the better with these things huh?

anyway back to the topic of the thread....i actually have used a WTD bait before but only for a few casts. i used a direct tie this morning and it worked fine. WTD is not really that hard with a spook. :

[TrickyVT1887]

the norman speed clip is basically a cross between a clip and a split ring they dont really affect the action much especially on crankbaits or something you would walk to dog with. The reason to use a clip or a loop knot is the bait will work more freely thats the same reason many people use the loop knot on jerk baits as well to get a more erratic action.

[Matt Fly]

The loop, or flemish knot allows you to get max action when walking the dog,.     Knots that cinch up on the eye don't allow the bait to move side to side freely.

       Matt

[Sam]

You can get the "clips" with and without a swivel.

Check out your local tackle shop.  There are a number of sizes to select among. I usually purchase the black ones.

They work fine and a friend uses them all the time and when he switches baits it is done in a flash.

He catchs a lot of bass, too.

On Rat-L-Traps and crankbaits I tie a Palamor to the split ring.  Works fine.

I just like that Palamor knot as it will not slip.

However, with that said, the Palamor knot can "burn and crimp" your line close to the bait so be careful.  Be sure to wet the line before and during the tightning procedure when using a Palamor knot and pull s-l-o-w-l-y.