Speed Clip vs. Loop Knot (Underwater Test With Soft Plastics)
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
Using speed clips for artificial lures seems to be a hot topic for many.
While they are popular with hard baits, a lot of people are curious how they do with soft plastic lures on hooks.
I’m here to break it down in this video comparing using a speed clip vs. a standard loop knot with our 5″ Mulligan Bomber rigged up on a 3/0 1/8oz Hoss Helix Hook.
Check out the video below to see the results!
Grab The Gear Gear Shown in This Video:
- Rod: Slot Machine Custom Rod
- Reel: Otis 2500 Spinning Reel
- Lure : 5″ Mulligan Bomber
- Hook: 3/0 1/8oz Hoss Helix Hook
- Mainline: 10lb Diawa J-Braid
- Leader: 20lb Ande Monofilament
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STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
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- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).




So, what do you think about using the speed clips with other type lures such as the skinny lipper, etc
They work great with hard baits such as the skinny lipper, wake mullet, fat lipper, etc.
Tony
When is the fishing contest going to be?
Speed clip vs loop knot!
As soon as I can finally get out there on the water haha. Its been a little while.
I’m guessing that the very slight weight of the clip was not bringing the bait down as much as the resistance it adds at the front end of the lure. The real test here would be in catchability. Just guessing again, but I believe that Luke would say your odds are slightly better with a loop knot. There are always tradeoffs. Here it is likely the convenience of dialing in a lure and saving time doing it versus perhaps a slight decrease in catch rates.
I may need to book a fishing trip with Luke – I use speed clips the whole trip and he uses a loop knot. See who wins!
Do you have any particular brand of speed clips you prefer, or work better?
Tactical Angler and Topwater Co. are the popular ones I prefer. We’re looking to possibly start carrying some in the shop soon!
I guess the knot to the speed cli is of n consequence?
Very appreciative of this demonstration. I have been using tactical angler’s clips on my heavier rigs, but will now also give them a shot on my lighter, in-shore setups. They are definitely a huge time saver.
Thank you for the great feedback Phil!
Great comparison on the soft plastics. Thanks. I would’ve guessed it would have made much more difference. How does the clip affect changing between a skinny lipper and a wake bait or flea flicker. That would help me more but I’m afraid to go away from the loop.
They work great for the hard baits. Bass fisherman use them a lot for crank baits.
Great video and comparison. Much appreciated Tony!
You’re welcome Walter!
Why do u start in English and then go to a foreign language? Would be nice if you could make ur videos in English only.
Not sure what you mean there. All of our videos are in English.
Thanks Tony. I’ve been interested in this topic ever since you guys addressed my question during Q&A a few months ago. I explained that I lost most of my vision in one eye and that tying knots while wading was difficult since I see the world in 2D and not 3D. I can do it in my “Fisherman’s Cave” with time but would like a quicker change-out in the field (water). Have you thought about using a Speed Clip tied to the end of the main braid line. Then having an assortment of leaders (preferred length) with Loop knots tied on one end to fasten to the clip when needed. And the other end tied to a selection of several hook/size/weights (with leaders and loop knots) that you can pull out, exchange easily, and only having to rig your choice of plastic, which is not so difficult with one eye?
What do you think the action on this rig would be?
Feel free to edit this long response!
Thank you!
For the oast 3 years have been using a small clip tied to a 15″ mono leader to braid and a mono leader loop knot to jig and a knot with loop at the other end to quickly switch lures without negative affects. It saves retying delays.
It can work, but I prefer not to have anything that has weight to it connecting my leader to my braid. It’ll weight the line down and interfere with the lure action.
Would be similar to this test I did using a swivel connecting my leader to mainline:
https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/how-swivels-affect-lure-action/
Sorry for you loss Frank. I tried rigging leader in various lengths, with different hooks/jigs and found no good way to store, selecting, attach while holding rod, container, etc. Worked okay in boat. Tight Lines.