Do you guys direct tie or use a clip of some sort when using spooks, specifically super spook and super spook jr?

I use a clip for almost all my treble hook lures. Spooks, lipless, squarebills, whatever.

Does tying direct to the bait really hurt the action of the bait? Super spooks do not come with split rings on them

2 minutes ago, Striper9 said:

Does tying direct to the bait really hurt the action of the bait? Super spooks do not come with split rings on them

Haven’t found it to make a difference. I direct tie had issues with clips

I put oval split rings on walking topwaters.

Small clips or split rings - always. More freedom of movement and less wear and tear on the knot. You can use a loop knot, also, but the tie to a clip or ring is a stronger connection.

Teardrop split rings - gives it a bit more freedom of movement than the ovals.

Split rings, clips, or direct tie really don’t make much difference if you know how to work them.

1 hour ago, MN Fisher said:

Teardrop split rings - gives it a bit more freedom of movement than the ovals.

I didn't know these were out there. I know what I'm ordering tomorrow. Any size suggestions?

Here's what I use for my main walking baits.

 

Zara Puppy - #1

Zara Spook - #2

Super Spook - #2

I use a snap. I’ve never noticed any difference in the action or bite. 

1 hour ago, MN Fisher said:

Teardrop split rings

I never seen those either. Which end do you tie to, fat or narrow?

Tie to the narrow end....fat end through the lure eye.

I direct tie for more responsive action.

5 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Teardrop split rings - gives it a bit more freedom of movement than the ovals.

Huh. Never tried them.

I like this tear drop clip from VMC in sizes #00 for poppers and up to size #2 for spooks : https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/VMC_Crankbait_Snaps/descpage-VMCCS.html . They are cost effective to buy a range of sizes and then you are set . Makes changing top water lures faster as well . *Whether you use a clip or a split ring - just go with the smallest size which fits the top water lure so you do not impede the action with a clip / split ring that is too heavy .

I've found some baits walk better tying direct, but most walk better with clips or rings. I was comparing this last year. It does make a little difference with some. Can't remember which now ?

 

Some spooks do come with a split ring, so I don't think it's designed to be used without one. (see Lurenet)

I use whatever it comes with out of the package, unless its JDM and I know it is meant to get a split ring. 

Spook type walking lures have a downward line tie for a reason, using a clip or snap negates the spitting action.

I tie direct using the San Diego Jam knot, ideal for this category lure and poppers.

If you want more side to side movement use lures with hook eye hanger rotated perpendicular in lieu of inline with the lure belly.

Clips like Owner light weight Hyper Weld good for diving lures.

Tom

2 hours ago, WRB said:

Spook type walking lures have a downward line tie for a reason, using a clip or snap negates the spitting action.

I tie direct using the San Diego Jam knot, ideal for this category lure and poppers.

 

Yes, I remember now. The San Diego Jam knot won't slide on the line tie like some knots. I found I got better action if I slid the knot down low on the line tie.

 

2 hours ago, WRB said:

If you want more side to side movement use lures with hook eye hanger rotated perpendicular in lieu of inline with the lure belly.

 

Are you saying a spook would walk in a wider arc if you rotate the line tie to be horizontal instead of vertical? It seems like that would require a clip/ring. If the knot is stationary, it wouldn't matter which way the line tie was oriented.

No, the hook hangers like a Vixen.

Tom

Have always tied direct to spooks.

However the manufacturer sends them is how I fish them. I never use a snap or split ring on a spook.

Back in the day the line tie was in the nose before Heddon moved it under the chin. 

Lot's guys, of including myself would move it back to the nose and epoxy the original hole shut and also put split rings on the old style hook hangers in a effort to keep them from throwing it.

I don't do it anymore but I still have a bunch of old Spooks with epoxy on them.