Underwater Test: Loop Knots vs Speed Clips with Topwater Lures
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
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?
Take a look at the underwater footage below!!
Loop Knots vs Speed Clips with Topwater Lures [VIDEO]
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Both a loop knot and speed clips allow for freedom of movement at the nose of the lure.
There isn’t a snug knot holding the nose in place to the leader line.
However, both a loop knot and speed clips will cause the line to lie down in the water, closer to the front hook.
The main benefit to speed clips is how easy it makes it to switch from lure to lure.
They are also much smaller in profile compared to a snap swivel.
Take note of how fast it takes for your line to sink toward the front hook of the lure.
That is important when fishing with topwater lures.
You want as little slack in the line as possible to get the most out of topwater presentations.
With speed clips, the line drops almost immediately toward the front hook.
This means it is absolutely critical to maintain tension on the line if you’re fishing with speed clips.
Overall, both methods are completely fine for rigging up topwater lures.
You have to be mindful of the slack in your line when fishing with speed clips or snap swivels.
The line will fall much faster than if you’re fishing with just a loop knot.
Keep tension on the line by keeping the rod tip up during the retrieve of topwater lures.
If you have any additional observations, questions, or comments, please dope those down below!!
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Love the idea of the speed clips, so much easier to swap out lures. Over the years I have used a snap swivel without much determent to the top water bite. I do believe the loop knot will be more productive in clear calm water. Here’s my problem with the speed clip, in the last year I’ve had 2 lures come off while fighting fish, so besides the loss of the fish that was 20+ dollars of lures. One was with a moon walker and the other my favorite Jerk Bait.
Thank you for the feedback Michael! I was curious about lures coming off of the speed clips, especially those that are more like a paper clip style. If the lure gets pushed back and turns it can definitely come undone.
Yep my eyes are 75 years old. Tying knots is not as easy as it used to be. Definitely going to try the speed clips.
Great alternative to re-tying knots!
Good topic. The success is in the details.
Thank you for the feedback Charles!
I’ve never used speed clips and lately all I’ve been doing is using loops. But the older I become the worse I get at tying knots. To tie a knot I usually have to take off my sunglasses and put my readers on and my fingers are just not as sensitive and stable as they were when I was younger. By the time I tie a loop knot I probably could’ve done about 15-20 casts. So at this point in time, I feel like I’m losing fish to begin with by tying. If a speed clip takes the span of 3-4 casts to switch out then the ratio for the line sinking into the water or looping your hook is definitely better than tying a loop knot. Thanks for the perspective. Your study help me crunch the numbers so I just might try speed clips for myself. For others, I recommend tying a loop knot really quick to avoid getting tangled. It’s just not for me at this point.
Definitely give the speed clips a try. Can help a bunch if tying knots is an issue.
Exactly what brand of speed clips do you use and recommend??
My bad , looks like a Norman !
Hey Randy! Yes Norman Speed Clips and also Tactical Angler or Topwater Co.
Good stuff Tony, thanks for the info and the videos!
You’re welcome Brad!
I had no clue how much difference that makes, thanks for sharing
You’re welcome Chad!
thanks alot
You’re welcome Ronald!
Great video and demo! Thanks!
You’re welcome David!
I noticed the last Moonwalker I received came with a small split ring attached to the nose eyelet. Would you use a snub knot to the split ring or remove it and use a loop knot to the Moonwalker’s nose eyelet.?
Hey Jan! I would remove the split ring and use a loop knot.
Great analysis, Tony, thanks for putting this together!
Thank you for the feedback Kenny!