Damn Paper Clips
 

We'll it happened again last night. Hooked a decent fish on a Redfin. One headshake and it was gone. Feels like I broke off then I notice that the plug had come off the clip! - a Backlash clip in this case. Probably the 3rd or 4th time this has happened over the last 5 years with various clips like TA, Breakaway, Backlash, etc. Shame on me for not learning my lesson. Easy on.. easy off I guess. Time to give up on these convenient "paper clips" and go back to Coastlock snaps - PIA but at least I don't lose plugs/fish with them.
Wishing you all tight lines.... all the way to the beach.

DZ

I've been checking my clips regularly. If I notice any sign of them starting to spread, I change them. I reason that if they start to go on easier, the same holds true coming off.

Lost a ghostescent stick shadd like that last year. Pissed I was

It was a brand new clip - it didn't bend, no signs of wear. Fish just must have been hooked in a way that allowed the plug's connection to slide out of the snap. I realize that terminal tackle failure is bound to happen from time to time - its happened to me (and many others) in the past even with Coastlock snaps, barrel swivels, etc. It's part of what we do and we try to minimize it. But when a plug just slips off a snap without catastrophic failure (straightening) that's a problem and I'm kicking myself for using them for the sake of convenience.

It's happened to me with pencils twice in a row, too stupid to change the clip after losing the first pencil to a fish.

I think it is from the right combination of things if the clip is new and tight, the way the leader is knotted, how the plug is hooked in the fish

sometimes the fish just win

but you are right, easy on, easy off

never had it happen to a jig

I have been using this clip for years and never had it open- and you can use with split rings on the eye of the plug.

First got them at Pat Abate's shop. Much stronger than other clips I tried.

But I have lost big fish for other failures- mostly my brain- but not the clip.

http://riteangler.com/store/index.ph...d&productId=11

Can't say I've ever seen a Breakaway, but I would not want to run into the fish in a dark alley that does in a TA. I think you need opposable thumbs to get anything off of them. Not totally easy on or off since the gap is just about the same size as the wire loops going through the gap.

Ok so I know I am old school. I tie direct to the shock leader. Improved Clinch knot with a overhand knot for insurance.

I tried to get into them multiple times over the years, and I hated them more each time I tried them... I just dont like them.

I still use either duo lock or even better, coast lock. I get laughed at for it quite often, but I just stick to what I have confidence in and am comfortable with.

saw the same thing happen to Gary2 (Gary Hull) under point Judith light on a Real nice bass that started head shaking.

Those clips are not infinite. I use them on one outing and throw them away.

Folks keep using the same clip over and over thinking its an infinite sort of strength in that little paperclip. I actually heard one caster (novice) stating that he purchased one production rod over the other.. because the clips fit inside the guide rings... meaning he reels the clip all the way to the reel when hes done.. :confused:

Bummer you lost the fish DZ! But you're the kind of guy who can shake it off and get back out there :kewl:

[QUOTE=ThrowingTimber;1006208]
meaning he reels the clip all the way to the reel when hes done.. :confused:

I know someone who tries to do that almost every cast....He's getting better though....

Castanova....

Been using the Breakaway clips for years and btw....the same clips! I keep using them until they may show a sign of bending out which almost never happens! I have not bought new clips in about 4-5 years! Just have to make sure you tie onto the right end and check them periodically to make sure the line does not slide to the opposite end which can happen! I have always said these clips are great but why not have a closed end where the line ties on?? THIS IS NOT TO SAY ANY OF THIS HAPPENED TO YOU DENNIS AND I AM SURE IT DID NOT....JUST FOR OTHERS WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH THESE TYPES OF CLIPS! :)

what vic said- breakaways are cheap so I replace regularly. only had one failure about 6 yrs ago- didn't loose the fish or the plug as plug stayed in fishes mouth and leader formed a lasso around its tail :).

while landing a good size fish for Admiral Nelson a few weeks back in heavy surf the bucktail came off the clip that he was using...we were stunned but determined that when he'd retied after breaking off just prior to that he'd tied the clip on upside down...I've been using these for years...only seen two failures, the other was the result of me tying the thing on upside down...still prefer to tie direct as much as possible:uhuh:

Just replaced my four leaders with Coastlocks. I should have listened to my friend Zeke many years ago - who looked at the Breakaway clips - said "no way", and then added, "why would you use anything named Breakaway? Might as well name it swimaway"

Piemma - I remember tying everything direct to leader on Block. Going back to old school - Thanks for the memories.

Good luck everyone.
DZ

Dennis,
Your equation might also work with an arrow as well

Bi + Ne = SB 2
or
Bi + Ne --> SB 2

Coastlocks on plugs, clips on jigs.

Tie knots.

I like breakaway snaps. I use the smaller size and hardly ever change them. My experience has been that I lost way more fish with snaps than clips. Snaps were so bad I tied direct for years but that costs you fish because you stick with a single plug too long. I've lost two small fish in about 6 years to clip failure. Sooner or later I expect to lose a good one, but so what.....I lose them all sorts of other ways....and expecting to land everything you hook takes a lot of fun out of fighting fish.

Folks keep using the same clip over and over thinking its an infinite sort of strength in that little paperclip. I actually heard one caster (novice) stating that he purchased one production rod over the other.. because the clips fit inside the guide rings... meaning he reels the clip all the way to the reel when hes done.. ...ThrowingTimber

Thanks for not mentioning my name, but "novice"? :smash::rotf2:

Coastlocks....yeah...no!

I know - I've got the fever.
;)

can't say i have ever lost a fish with one, although now I will. I agree with George I figure out lots of other ways to loose fish.

I've never lost a fish on break aways land a 35lber yesterday... but like said lost fish to other failures,, straighten hooks,knots,chaffed leader, random braid breaks, and stupidity but never a break away..
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Tie direct. If you must use a clip , use CoastLocks and squeeze that locking finger that goes over the top with pliers sort of down and around. It will never open. Problem of course is you need to unsqueeze it with pliers to change the plug , etc. Sooooo....tie direct! :)

Sorry to hear that Dennis..there is no going back for me from TA clips. Have not lost a plug yet but if I do I figured I saved enough $ over losing plugs to doulock over the years to keep fishing them

I can't think of any loss (maybe once?) on Breakaway Clips - that's all I will use.

I have lost three on Breakaway clips. (what a horrible name for a clip!!!) anyway I have been using the TA clips that are heavier and more difficult to clip on but I have not lost a fish since. I like clips because I switch up plugs often, sometimes only after a few casts so I can't go thru the knot thing

I have had no such issues with any of the clips I have used. Currently using TA and they are tougher to get on/off. I do have to pay attention when tying them on as it is easy to tie upside down.... which I could see leading to a plug coming off while fighting a fish. Palomar knot 99% of the time. I like them, and dislike snaps.

I've lost more fish from tying crappy knots in the middle of the night than from failed clips.