Knotless clasp

It is not known for certain who invented the knotless clasp for attaching baits and when. Although it would be interesting to find out under what circumstances it happened. Sooner or later it appears in almost every spinning angler. Perhaps it modified came from fly fishing from the clasp for changing flies. What is interesting in it, as well as pros and cons of use, in the description below.

Appearance

The appearance of the clasp without reference to the dimensions is shown in the picture. It is worth paying attention to the lug on the left – it is tightly pressed against the axle. On the one hand, this relieves the tension that occurs when pulling the fishing line, but on the other hand, it makes it difficult to install some lures.

Size

The size is selected based on the expediency of use – approximately the same way as the carabiners are selected. Their function is identical. It is important to note the simplicity of the clasp, because away from the stores it is not always possible to make yourself a high-quality connector for fastening baits.

Of course, you can use a string leash. This is where the most interesting thing about this device is revealed – the absence of knots! If for monofilament fishing line, the strength of the knot can be partially compensated for by its type and performance, then for braided fishing line loss is more significant, despite the recommendations of manufacturers to special types of knots.

Self-made

The following pictures show for clarity a homemade tied clasp made of thick wire and thick braided fishing line.

At the moment, the minimum size of factory-made, presented in the Russian Federation, is only 7 mm. Having made a small slipway at home, you can make fittings of any reasonable size.

A few words about the choice of material for self-manufacturing: it is desirable to choose a stainless steel wire with a diameter of no more than 0.5 mm. Very thin is not recommended to use, because under load it can “cut” braided fishing line. On the other hand, in field conditions, especially choose not have to choose – an ordinary paper clip will do.

Pros and cons

Almost every device has its own pros and cons associated with both convenience of use and efficiency.

1. From the pros it is worth noting:

• practically 100% use of the declared characteristics of braided fishing line, which is important when using rather thin cords;
• there is no need for well-developed fine motor skills of fingers, which is broken in cold weather, with age, etc.;
• no unnecessary parts in montages, which affects the total weight of the equipment;
• quick change of bait when it is necessary to urgently enlarge;
• free connection, although this can not always be considered a plus;
• low cost relative to analogs in the form of carabiners.

2. But there are also disadvantages:

• often unpredictable place of breakage of braided fishing line;
• due to design features is not very “friendly” with filamentous algae. Although with them in general few connections cope, except for the knot.

• Perhaps there are some more disadvantages, but they are likely to be due to the specifics of the baits used. For example, it is not always easy to fasten such a clasp to a popper. Especially if it is made of a fairly thick wire. But if the wire is thin, it can easily compete in convenience with carabiners of most types.

Mounting tips

• It is worth noting that a few turns, with which the axis of the clasp is wrapped, are made in the direction of the bend, pressed against the axis.
• As a rule, it is enough about 5-7 turns to reliably fix the braided fishing line on the clasp, without cutting the tip of the previously formed loop, less than one and a half to two centimeters.
• Final point: when making it yourself, it is necessary to remember to observe the school basics of safety, protecting yourself appropriately when eliminating excess wire material. Note that there should be no burrs that can damage the skin later.

Conclusion

In general, despite the external simplicity and apparent weakness of the installation, this clasp should be considered, if not as a complete replacement for the knot fastening of baits, then when used with braided fishing lines as a minimum. In addition, the mounting can be varied by using the clasp instead of the usual elements.