I stopped using a loop knot on my walking baits and minnow baits years ago, because I stopped trusting them. I went the split ring, or snap route and although I have nothing against either, I was wondering if there isn't a loop knot that retains most of the strength of the line. Any recommendations?

Sorry, don’t have a great answer for you, but have seen several that look good, on videos and such, don’t know the “name” of the knot. I’m very interested to see results from those that know.

No, they are all bad - lol. That said, the best rated versions I’ve seen are variations of the same knot that test out very similarly. The slightly stronger version is the Rapala knot shown below. There is a simpler version, nearly as strong, and that leaves your line tie cut pointed back toward the bait, making it more weedless. It’s called the Kreh Loop Knot (aka: Non-Slip Loop Knot). To tie it, you simply eliminate step 5 in the diagram below. You also, in step 2, go through the hole from the same side of the knot as you exited, then in step 4, go through the overhand knot in the exact opposite direction as you did in step 2 so that those 2 lines end up side by side going through that hole. I’ll try and find a diagram of that later today (video added below). Haven’t seen strength testing comparing that aspect of it, though, to verify that advice, but it appears to be what makes that tag line hold pointed back toward the lure and remain weedless.

 

Video: Kreh loop knot

 

I agree with @Team9nine - in that I don't have a ton of faith in any loop knot.

Especially with mono /FC and never in tests less than 10 lbs. 

IMO, Introducing over hand knots in that stuff  is like crossing the streams in Ghost Busters. 

But if I 'had' to use one,

the Double Figure 8 Loop Knot would be it.

https://youtu.be/1rGk13ICCMQ?feature=shared

A-Jay

A good duo loc snap makes for the best loop knot for me. Tie that on with a Palomar and be safe. 

The loop knot pictured above is what I learned as a kid. I lost a lot of lures because of it. I too have no faith in it. I like using the split ring, in particular the Owner oval or the tear shaped ones. With the tear shape, you can tie on one end or the other to get a different action out most baits. I really only use these for topwater baits like the Dog-X, Gunfish, and Kicknocker but I have also caught fish just tying straight to the bait.  So to be honest, I am undecided as to which works best. I haven't lost baits or fish but I couldn't tell if it has made any difference in the amount of bites I have been getting. 

8 hours ago, Team9nine said:

No, they are all bad - lol. That said, the best rated versions I’ve seen are variations of the same knot that test out very similarly. The slightly stronger version is the Rapala knot shown below. There is a simpler version, nearly as strong, and that leaves your line tie cut pointed back toward the bait, making it more weedless. It’s called the Kreh Loop Knot (aka: Non-Slip Loop Knot). To tie it, you simply eliminate step 5 in the diagram below. You also, in step 2, go through the hole from the same side of the knot as you exited, then in step 4, go through the overhand knot in the exact opposite direction as you did in step 2 so that those 2 lines end up side by side going through that hole. I’ll try and find a diagram of that later today (video added below). Haven’t seen strength testing comparing that aspect of it, though, to verify that advice, but it appears to be what makes that tag line hold pointed back toward the lure and remain weedless.

 

Video: Kreh loop knot

 

I don’t use loop knots a lot but when I do, this is the knot I use and haven’t had any issues with it.  It’s basically an improved cinch knot with an extra step.  I do leave my tag line a little longer than what is pictured.

The only loop knot I will use is the Perfection loop using live bait hooks for off shore big game fish.

Fresh water I use Owners Hyper weld snaps. Size 1 for line under 10 lb smaller lures. Size 2 for deep diving crank baits.

Everything else tie direct to the lure eye using the San Diego jam knot or Palmar knot.

The problem with loop knots on lures with a lot of movement is the lure wears and flattens the line, snaps solve that issue.

Tom

This omitting step 5 , as @Team9nine stated is what I use on crappie jigs. Never used it on bigger baits because I don’t like a single line tie on the eye of a heavier bait. Just don’t trust it as the line connection becomes thinner by rubbing on the eye by repetitive casting and retrieving.

 

We are now trying to solve for hypothetical problems that likely don’t even exist.  We run line across bass teeth, wood, rocks, and on and on and now we are worried that rubbing a smooth ring on a 1/2 oz bait across the line is going to cause failures.  That line is going to fail LONG before some 1/2 oz bait is going to wear down the line n a loop knot.  If it is failing at this spot, you probably need to retie more than once a month.

If that is such a problem, think of the damage we must be doing when the line runs across the rod eyes or the reel line guide /s.

5 minutes ago, SkippinJimmy said:

 

If that is such a problem, think of the damage we must be doing when the line runs across the rod eyes or the reel line guide /s.

I’ll guarantee “stress” on the loop is much greater than line running through line or reel guides. If those are your issues then it’s time to upgrade to some gear made in this century!

11 minutes ago, Motoboss said:

I’ll guarantee “stress” on the loop is much greater than line running through line or reel guides. If those are your issues then it’s time to upgrade to some gear made in this century!

/s means sarcasm…but thanks for the tips

This is a classic example of a solution searching for a problem.  Loop knots have been around forever and continue to be popular.

 

Thank you, sarcasm intended 😁

 

Just like the classic line  “                               “  have been around forever and continue to be popular.

I still use the aforementioned loop knot, just not on Megavision 110 lure. We are always looking for a better mouse trap.

35 minutes ago, Motoboss said:

Thank you, sarcasm intended 😁

 

Just like the classic line  “                               “  have been around forever and continue to be popular.

I still use the aforementioned loop knot, just not on Megavision 110 lure. We are always looking for a better mouse trap.

Not sure why you seem to be upset, I seem to have hit a nerve.  My reply was more focused on the first comment.  It is simply my opinion that the argument around the line wearing out in the loop is a non issue, just like with line guides or rod eyes.  And it is a fact that loop knots have been around for a long time and continue to be popular.  You seem to agree to a point since you seem to use them as well.  If someone prefers split rings, more power to them…I use them as well.  Apologies if I offended you…it was not my intent.

And as you know, the Vision 110 comes with a split ring.

I use a loop knot for bucktails and soft plastics because it lets the bait look more natural.  A lot of other guys use TA clips, but they look clunky in clear water and are like magnets for vegetation.  A lot of times I see guys using loop knots that are too big or aren't tied right in the case of the Rapala knot.(the loop I use)  If the loop is too big, its not doing you any favors action wise.  If the tag isn't pointing straight down, you went through the loop the wrong way.  I use good FC leader, that will increase the strength of the knot tremendously over running line and good mono actually does the best breakage wise IME.  I usually 10-20lb for light to MH gear and 20-50lb for heavy surf gear.  

Gettin' loopy for loop knots in here!

4 hours ago, SkippinJimmy said:

Not sure why you seem to be upset, I seem to have hit a nerve.  My reply was more focused on the first comment.  It is simply my opinion that the argument around the line wearing out in the loop is a non issue, just like with line guides or rod eyes.  And it is a fact that loop knots have been around for a long time and continue to be popular.  You seem to agree to a point since you seem to use them as well.  If someone prefers split rings, more power to them…I use them as well.  Apologies if I offended you…it was not my intent.

And as you know, the Vision 110 comes with a split ring.

Ha ha, not upset in the least and certainly not offended. Jezzzz the internet sure is a tough place to have dissenting points of view conversations! I apologize if I offended you which wasn’t my point of response.

 

 Totally agree loop knots have their place, but for me, never on a weighted bait.

I used the 110 as an example as it’s a $25 lure that I would surely never trust a loop knot with. On a crappie jig, absolutely but my point being just because something has been around for ever doesn’t make it the “do all-end all” and certainly not a solution looking for a problem but could become a problem if used in the wrong application.

 

Relax brother it’s winter, no issues here 

I use clips but if I were using a loop knot, I'd consider a SDJ that isn't cinched all the way back.  You can get the movement and still have a very reliable knot.

 

scott

On 1/18/2025 at 2:20 AM, Team9nine said:

No, they are all bad - lol. That said, the best rated versions I’ve seen are variations of the same knot that test out very similarly. The slightly stronger version is the Rapala knot shown below. There is a simpler version, nearly as strong, and that leaves your line tie cut pointed back toward the bait, making it more weedless. It’s called the Kreh Loop Knot (aka: Non-Slip Loop Knot). To tie it, you simply eliminate step 5 in the diagram below. You also, in step 2, go through the hole from the same side of the knot as you exited, then in step 4, go through the overhand knot in the exact opposite direction as you did in step 2 so that those 2 lines end up side by side going through that hole. I’ll try and find a diagram of that later today (video added below). Haven’t seen strength testing comparing that aspect of it, though, to verify that advice, but it appears to be what makes that tag line hold pointed back toward the lure and remain weedless.

 

Video: Kreh loop knot

 

 

That knot looks so simple on the diagram, but for me in real life it is a complete PITA to get the loop to where it isn't ridiculously too long or too short.

I use the easy version to tie. The Doubled Richard Gene Fishing Machine Knot. That grumpy pro uses it too but I can’t remember his name right now. 

I have tried a variation of this knot from the vid. Kreston Loop Knot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enbVQgXLUh0

Skip through the narrative to 3:45.  Tie knot like shown from 3:45 to 5:45. Pull the main line to tighten, but leave a small hole in the center of the knot, large enough to slip the tag end through later.  At 5:45, loop tag end around the main line twice, back toward the knot, then stick the tag through the center of the knot. Gently pull the tag end down while pulling the main line which will "close" the knot with the tag inside the knot. Pull on the tag, and with the other hand work the two loops around the main line snug against the knot.  Cut tag at 1/8 inch and test for any slippage.  It's a lot easier to do than to tell how to do.

This works for me on 8# to 14# which is my range of lines used. 

Bassblaster just included this fantastic test in his recent newsletter

Loop knots are the ones in green.  

 

 

I've been using the Kreh loop knot and I've not had any failures I know of because of the knot. It never breaks in the loop and I bring in the knot sans lure.

 

Normally, my line will break above the lure a foot or two. I probably have abraded it on something in that area.

 

I have mostly only used it with Big Game mono in the 8, 10, and 12 pound ranges. I have used it with braid too, but not very much yet.

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Thanks for the table @AlabamaSpothunter. Shame it don't show the Kreh or the Rapala loop knots.

On 1/19/2025 at 9:09 AM, softwateronly said:

I use clips but if I were using a loop knot, I'd consider a SDJ that isn't cinched all the way back.  You can get the movement and still have a very reliable knot.

 

scott

Ive been doing basically the same thing with a uni knot on my strolling baits. I know a uni is not the strongest but with light line I’m using my drag anyway, and I trust a uni more than a loop knot.