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I have always (50 yrs) been tying the jig head with a tight knot at the top of the eye. This keeps the jig hanging horizontal for a more natural profile. Lately I have noticed that people are using a loop knot. Does this not let it hang unnatural in the water? What's up with this?
My opinion is all I can give. I always tie a tight knot and keep the jig horizontal. Never seen anything swimming while pointed uphill in nature. I also have to say that I mostly deadstick or "pitch and glide" back to me. I pull the line back toward the hook point. Others will chime in with their opinion, I'm sure.
I always tie an Improved Clinch knot to the jig (or a regular hook) ... but I do use loop knots on my leaders where they connect to the main line (but that's simply for convenience).
Loop knots are being used to allow the jig to hang "naturally" (horizontally) when being retrieved or when a vertical presentation is used ... with the idea that a tight knot on the jig eye would not "slip" as the jig changes direction (when casting) or would be "off center" when fished vertically, causing the jig to be at an angle (or in an un-natural position). All of that is based on the assumption that a jig will hang horizontally ... balanced, if you will, by the weight of the jig against the line connection to the top center of the jig eye. That isn't "always" the case IMHO .... but it is sound reasoning, most of the time. The size of the hook, density and/or length of the plastics attached, or even the style of the jig vs the weight of the lead head of the jig can alter that balance.
I, personally, just have more faith in the Improved Clinch than I do in a Loop Knot, as far as the breaking point @ the knot. I've had too many instances where when Pushing jigs & getting hung, I've had the leader break at the knot & I retrieve nothing but the "loop" still attached to the duo lock clip. Rarely have I broken off a jig tied with the Improved Clinch, where I came back with any portion of the knot or an indication of the knot on the empty tag end. I've also noted how the jig swims thru the water, when tied with the Improved Clinch knot ... in the conditions of very clear water (>3ft visibility). The line is generally in an elongated reverse ~ shape .... coming down from the rod tip, then leveling off about midways, then dropping towards the jig (due to the weight of the jig vs the resistance of the line against the water). This basically puts the jig in a slightly head forward diving position or a near level horizontal position ... depending on the speed of the retrieve ... both of which are "natural" positions of a fleeing prey species.
That being said ... like so many other things/factors in the world of Crappie fishing ... a lot of the time it boils down to personal preference and/or confidence, since the results are usually nearly equal in the outcome : ie - the fish bites the lure.
It's a lot like the difference in how I tie my jig on & how one of my fishing partners ties his on : I cut the tag down close to the knot, my partner does not & may have as much as a 3" tag sticking out. We're both using the same hi-vis line & the same knot. He often gets just as many hits, or catches just as many fish (or more). IMHO ... if the hi-vis line was a deterrent to a fish biting our lures, or the presence of that extra piece of line (representing a loop knot, sort of) was a factor in him not getting hits, or the position of our jigs wasn't "natural" due to being tied on with a Improved Clinch knot ... then we wouldn't be catching many fish. We have, we do, and we will continue to do so.
Loop knot for me, they have a little more natural movement when vertical jigging and I don't have to keep centering a tight knot on the eye constantly. Whatever your confident in is the best choice.
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Use a swimming pool if you can and look at the difference between the two.
Clinch knot for me as well. Loop knots for spider rigging.
I been using a cinch knot for 40 years. The only other knot I tie is a nanofil not when using nanofil line. That stuff is super slick and will slip with a cinch knot every time.
I had the same problem with PowerPro braid, when it was new. I just tied the Improved Clinch with a extra long tag and then tied a double overhand in the tag, close to the Improved Clinch ... then slowly pulled the main line, allowing the braid to slip in the Improved Clinch knot until the overhand knot snugged up to it. Used it for many months without failure or slippage. I'm not familiar with Nanofil, so I can't say if it would work with it ... but the principal is sound.Quote:
Originally Posted by Grainraiser
I use a "double" overhand knot on the idea that a single overhand knot can be cinched down to near or less than the diameter of the line, but the double makes a bigger knot ... which is much less likely to slip thru the coils of the Improved Clinch, regardless of how slick the line is.
https://www.netknots.com/application...nd_stopper.jpg
I use a loop knot for my spider rigging/multi jig and hook rigs,if I'm just tying on a single jig I usually use a Palomar knot.
Loop knot 90% for me . I lets the jig move more. Just use what works for you it doesn't matter I've caught fish both ways. If it ant broken don't fix it.
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Loop knot for me because it is easier to tie
I like to use Mustad Fastach Clips, size 0. Easy on, easy off when wanting to change jig head styles/weights. I found them clearanced at walmart one day and bought a bunch.
Only time I'd use a loop knot is if I'm fishing surface baits like poppers and Floating Rapalas'. Few I've read use the uni-knot, one I vouch for as the easiest to tie cinch knots and one that never comes loose. Line to line - the uni-.
When it comes to natural or unnatural, CrappiePappy said it best with example he gave (though I personally don't want a tag end to distract from the lure.) Fish that strike lures do so because they are moving objects, going at the right speed, are one of many natural or unnatural shapes and actions and thereby capable of provoking fish to strike (for whatever reason anyone chooses to believe).
For me it comes down to which way the lure is moving : up & down or horizontally.
For vertical jigging, either loop or cinch is fine. But I like a tight knot at 45 degrees to the eye if swimming the lure horizontally as well as keeping the lure's body horizontal, except when paused or twitched. This applies to soft plastic lures and materials that flow behind a jig head.
For Beetle Spins, in-line spinners, surface lures and crankbaits, IMHO loop knots allow the best lure action and a lure's action is where it's at.
I believe you want to have the jig moving more or less "freely" on the retrieve, drift, or troll. This can certainly be accomplished using a loop knot of some sort. However, I do not like the idea of the eye of the jig moving freely against the inside of the loop knot, mainly for a concern about abrasion of the loop.
This can happen! Years ago when I first started trout fishing, I always used a loop knot. Then one day I hooked into a decent bass and played him for a few minutes. The line went limp and I pulled in my loop which had broken at the end of the loop. True story.
I still believe a free moving jig head best allows your bait to act in a more lifelike manner - as opposed to a direct tie. So, I tried some different snaps and finally arrived at the best solution for my problem. They are called "Snap Hooks", which are sold at Jannsnetcraft and manufactured by Mustad. The are light spring wire clips that are small, yet allow full freedom of the head during most presentations. You tied directly to the clip. Here is the link:
Mustad Snap Hooks. Easily change flies without tying
They are designed for flyfishermen to quickly change flies while wading. (That speaks volumes for their lightness!) I've been using these snap hooks for many, many years now (the size #2 works well with 1/32 - 1/8 oz. jigheads) and they give me the confidence that I'm presenting my bait as realistically as possible.
These hooks also allows for quick change up of jig heads should that be necessary. I've caught a ton of crappie, perch, bass, trout and pike using this simple snap. I see no downside. Just my opinion, but it does work well for me. Tight lines Folks! :)
Dang am I the only one that uses a Palomar knot when not using a loop knot? I am a bit surprised by this!
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I use a palomar knot, too. Those Mustad snap hooks look like something I'd be interested in trying though.
This ^^^^Quote:
Originally Posted by lowe175
What ever knot you use just make sure your jigs sits horizontal.... that's the most important step.... I always use a loop knot now... got tied of always having to pull my polarmor into position.....:cheers2
FYI, I have some better clips than they have IMHO! PM me if you would like to see what they look like.Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperCorona
Skip
I like to use these jig heads from Skipper Jigs, they help for a good hookup with the 60% angle of the hook eye. Tie your knot tight.
American Toad Thumpers – Skipper's Jigs
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Nope, I would hate to guess how to guess how many I have caught vertical jigging 1/8-1/4oz jigs tied direct with Palomar knots here on Kentucky/Barkley. Only knot I trust 100 percent with fluoro leaders and line for tourneys or just regular fishing.Quote:
Originally Posted by skiptomylu
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When I fish in summer I also use 1/8 & 1/4 oz jigs! I started using the Palomar in the 1970’s when I was bass fishing at night. Found it easier than. It’s to tie in the dark too, lol!Quote:
Originally Posted by pab1981
Skip
Loop knot for me also. Watch it in the water then decide. Fish may not care, but it makes me feel better :fishQuote:
Originally Posted by lowe175
My second favorite knot is a Palomar. It is the strongest in my opinion.
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I tie a hook snap Mustad Snap Hooks. Easily change flies without tying to the main line using a Palomar knot. Gives me the knot strength I need but allows me to quickly change jigs or colors. Lure hangs horizontal and it looks natural.Quote:
Originally Posted by skiptomylu
I only used a improved clinch knot for 50 plus years and then I started using a loop knot a couple of years ago and to be honest its likely I never go back . at least not on jigs for sure .
the action is unsurpassed it seems to me and the speed to tie it is fast as heck ......if you don't use one you should try it for sure ....it is the knot for jigs in my opinion
so you see old dogs can learn new tricks ....:Rofl
For jigs a double surgeons loop, aside from jigheads i use either Trilene knot, Rapala Knot or Snell depending.
Here are the ones I use and they are small and stay hooked up.Quote:
Originally Posted by shipahoy41
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Attachment 281516
Loop knot as I can tie it quickly even when arthritis gets bad. I love the presentation of the jig, as well.
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I have been using the easy clips both during the soft and hard water season. I use the improved cinch knot to tie on the clips. The easy clips really shine during the hard water season when changing lures with cold fingers. Using a hemostat to hold the clip when attaching line really makes tying a knot easy.Quote:
Originally Posted by Crestliner08
I’m a loop knotter.