If you're new to the sport, ask your questions here...

Bream Master · #1 06-12-2002, 08:49 AM

Don't be shy guys, if you want to ask any questions, there are some fantastic Bream anglers in here.

Warren.

Craig_S · #2 06-12-2002, 09:26 AM

Okay then Warren, I'll bang one away.

When using hardbodies is there any advantage to be gained in using a clip as opposed to a knot such as lefties perfection loop?

Is the LPL the best knot anyway?

Ta

Dave W · #3 06-12-2002, 06:53 PM

Hi Craig, mate I always use a loop knot - I know you can use a 'fly' clip and it doesn't hurt the action too much, but the extra weight of a clip can change the lure dynamics a bit, especially if you're using something like a Sneaky Scorpion.

I have also had a couple of clips pop open on me - not something you'd want to happen if you're comp. fishing with the winner on the end.

As to my favourite knot.... the one I use the most is a 'lure knot' (don't know if it has another name)

Have a look at it here:

Lure Knot

Cheers,

Craig_S · #4 06-12-2002, 07:34 PM

Thanks Dave, I reckon that is what I'm using too, bit of a granny knot combined with a blood knot.

chris_lemess · #5 07-12-2002, 01:06 AM

Hey guys,

Awesome site Warren! Very nice to navigate and pleasing on the eye!

In relation to the topic: some of you may have seen the snaps Taro and I use (maybe at the comp or whatever) but they are basically these:

or these crosslock snaps (which I use):

They are very small and rated to at least 20lb. I wouldn't use these on the flats if I was sight casting to nervous bream - but they sure make fishing hardbodies easier! You can interchange between hardbodies and plastics very quickly - saving valuable time if you see fish cruising by and haven't got the 2nd or 3rd rod rigged up properly. Ultimately I'd have 5 rods of course, but the snaps make my life a lot easier. They weigh nect to nothing and don't disturb the balance of the lure.

Unfortunately the first of those two from Owner aren't available here... neither are the smallest sizes in crosslocks. I wouldn't use the ones you can buy here (Berkley) because the smallest size offered is just that touch too big and the bream can probably see it.

Chris

reelscreamer · #6 07-12-2002, 08:22 AM

Hey,

yeah as chris said we both use snaps but if you can't order or get any from overseas I don't recommend using the ones you can buy here as they are too big and fly snaps tend to open up easily.

As with the balance of the lure because I change my trebles to owner fine wire ones they tend to be a lot lighter than the original ones and with the snap it actually makes it balance right again.

Taro

Bear · #7 08-12-2002, 04:42 AM

Hi guys,
I prefer to use a clip, especially in a comp situation with a quick lure change.

I've been using size 1 Shogun clips with no failures to date. Work well and don't seem to effect action. As far as action is concerned the lighter the clip the better. Just have to be careful of strength.

Dave W · #8 09-12-2002, 03:46 AM

Just a question about the clips guys, have you found that they spook the fish at all, more so when the fish are fussy or in clear water??

I tend not to use them as that's how I feel mentally - just the confidence thing.

It would be interesting to do a comparison between two guys fishing the same plastics, leaders, area etc. only difference being one uses clips and the other doesn't - any volunteers??

chris_lemess · #9 09-12-2002, 03:51 AM

Dave - already done that comparison thing. Made no difference. We both caught the same amount of fish in the alloted time space. The water was quite dirty though.

Basically if I am fishing flats with plastics, then I don't use snaps. If I'm on the boat, moving around, changing weights etc, then I always use snaps.

If I'm using hardbodies I also always use snaps. Makes changing easier especially for example if you come across a deep hole and you want to change to a plastic to get right down there.

Just makes life easier. If you don't find changing lures often is a big deal, then stick with what you use now. You're right it's a confidence thing!

Chris

Matt Fraser · #10 10-12-2002, 04:20 AM

G'day Craig,

I've got to say that I'm a fan of clips for hardbodies in most fishing situations including Bream fishing. The clip has to suit the application though. When fishing racks with hardbodies I use small coastlock style clips with no swivel. I used these on Oar Gees in the Bream GF and they never gave me a problem. The advantage of them is that I was able to change lures quickly whenever the hooks started looking dodgy.

Matt

Bream Master · #11 10-12-2002, 04:38 AM

Matt,

Can you find me a name of the clips you use and perhaps who distributes them. I'll try and track them down for the online store. Alternatively, anyone else who has a clip they are happy with let us know the details.

Warren.

Bear · #12 10-12-2002, 07:14 AM

Hasn't really seemed a problem so far Dave in clear and dirty water. I even use a Shogun no.1 which has a small weight to keep down floating lures like the Attack.

The small clips mean that there is no real effect on the lure. For me it was a case of wanting to change lures quickly.

Matt Fraser · #13 10-12-2002, 07:20 PM

Warren,
I'm going to the Tackle Warehouse today, so I'll have a look for the details on the clips. I think I need to stock up on a few anyway.
Matt

Matt Fraser · #14 11-12-2002, 04:00 AM

Warren,

The clips I use are Good Sport Cross-Lok Snaps (not coastlock as I mentioned earlier) size 0, 30lb test. The guys said that they were distributed by Wilsons. Hope that helps.

Matt

#15 11-12-2002, 04:16 AM

oooooooh sorry guys but I've been there done that with clips and they are bad news in my opinion. I've had way too many bream bend them open to use them again.

You can't beat a good knot, read what Starlo says about clips in his book.

Trust me you will only ever lose a 50cm bream once when your clip opens, you won't do it again......

Also I have video footage of bream taking the exact same lure in wonnerup but ignoring the same lure next to it being fished with a clip on the same line. Can they see the clip?

I have no doubt, ask my mate Brent, we then threw in prawns on 1 kilo line and they would'nt touch them, we then threw in prawns with no line or hook and they didnt even hit the bottom before the bream hit them. There is no doubt that they can see that its not right.

Also in this experiment the bream wouldnt take any lure untill we went down to 4lb as the water was very clear.

Clips also restrict the action of the lure and Ben Patrick (the guy who owns Halco) told me that there is no way he would use them. He said that you only have to change the weight of a lure by 2% to completley change the dynamics of it. I dont know how much a snap weighs compared to a sneaky 35 but I'll bet its up around 20% or more.

If the only reason you use them is beacsue its faster then thats not good I reckon. I'll bet that the difference in time between tying on a new lure and changing it over on a snap is about 10 seconds or less difference.

Stay away from clips, they lead to fear and fear leads to the dark side. Don't let your thoughts betray you young padowans.....