Do you guys tie these on directly using a Palomar or improved Clinch? They do not come equipped with a split ring, so should I add one to impart more action? Or use a snap? Or use a loop or Rapala knot?

I thought they did have a split ring... I have a few and all mine came with them.

Think most of mine have split rings already. Regardless, either add a split ring or use a snap - don't tie direct.

I'm pretty sure, years ago, they used to not come with a split ring. I just bought a bunch and all had rings

The spoon I purchased over the weekend did not include a split ring. 

 

 

I add a split ring and a barrel swivel and use a Uni knot.

4 hours ago, slonezp said:

I'm pretty sure, years ago, they used to not come with a split ring. I just bought a bunch and all had rings

I think you’re right.  

Definitely add a split ring if it didn't come with one. I also add a ball bearing swivel, especially if I'm throwing it with spinning gear.

 

Tom

Oval split ring with a barrel swivel tied with uni knot

I use a premium clip on all my structure spoons with a Palomar knot, 10lb Big Game or 11 lb Armillo, no swivel. Line twist hasn’t been an issue with vertical presentations for me.

Tom

Really, most any knot, if properly tied, will work just fine. I use an Improved Clinch Knot on virtually everything because I can tie it quickly and correctly. I almost never have any knot failure problems.

 

Tom

20 minutes ago, tholmes said:

Really, most any knot, if properly tied, will work just fine. I use an Improved Clinch Knot on virtually everything because I can tie it quickly and correctly. I almost never have any knot failure problems.

 

Tom

Tom, I was using a Kastmaster the other weekend while targeting stripers.  The stock lure didn’t have a split ring and I had no other hardware attached. Just tied a Palomar Knot directly. I couldn’t get that wide, wobbling action that draws far more strikes now that I look back on my experience with using spoons attached to hardware 

4 hours ago, Dorado said:

Tom, I was using a Kastmaster the other weekend while targeting stripers.  The stock lure didn’t have a split ring and I had no other hardware attached. Just tied a Palomar Knot directly. I couldn’t get that wide, wobbling action that draws far more strikes now that I look back on my experience with using spoons attached to hardware 

I guess I should make myself a little more clear?. 

On ‎9‎/‎25‎/‎2018 at 12:22 PM, tholmes said:

Definitely add a split ring if it didn't come with one. I also add a ball bearing swivel, especially if I'm throwing it with spinning gear.

 

Tom

In my first post^^  I didn't answer your question re: what knot to use. My second post was just my opinion that what knot you use really doesn't matter as much as tying the knot properly. There are several knots that would work well. 

 

Tom

I tie with a Palomar (w/split ring) chasing 4-5 pound wild rainbows in the winter, and even with them fighting like they're a fresh steelhead I've never broken one off at the knot. Odds are any knot will do, but since the Palomar is easy to tie with half frozen hands it's been my top choice.