heard a few things about the infamous loop knot
one thing that seemed to be what held the conversation up
was the "fact" it always hooks them in the roof of the mouth
now I use it from time to time
but it isn't typically my preferred knot
I did notice this photo though
of what is most likely is a professional crappie person with a crappie on the jig
it sure enough seems from the photo
this fish was hooked in the lip to me
so lets hear what the forum thinks about this one more time
what are the advantages of this particular knot ?
and no I am not trying to stir up anything
just want to see some opinions on it

I use the looper and like it...

that fella Todd from Oklahoma likes it as well
and some folks I know use it all the time

Since I started using braid I've gone to the Palomar knot.

The loop knot is a good knot and I to know many that swear by it. I've heard it helps get that hook set in the hard spots in the roof of the mouth. I've never heard anyone claim the knot would get that hook set every time. That sounds like boat ramp talk.

The picture above is actually a great hook set and one I strive for. IMHO the hook set is thru the hard spot thru the roof of the mouth. I refer to that area as the nose. The lips are clearly seen and have the thin area around them. often revered to as paper.

Whatever knot you use if you can manage hook sets in that area the fish are less likely to get unbuttoned.

[video:youtube]BoneHead Slim Sticks: http://youtu.be/_SK66LvhHfY[/video]

I dont use the loop knot for one particular reason. Most crappie jigs tend to hang in more of a vertical position than a horizontal position. because of the weight ratio.
A knot that cinches down tight to the eye helps keep the jig more horizontal, and will catch more fish. Just my opinion.
I like the reverse clinch knot.

that there Palomar knot is a game changer with braid for sure Tommy
I learned that the hard way from a veteran angler myself
I tie 3 knots depending on several factors but my favorite in most cases is the improved clinch knot on mono
sometimes though with a tandem I use the loop knot on the upper jig
and with braid its like you say for sure on the Palomar knot

Some anglers even put a drop of super glue on the knot once it is cinched down tight on the eye to keep it from moving, baitfish dont swim thru the water like a seahorse in a vertical position.

+1

I found with braid that if you don't take a pair of pliers to the eye of each jig head to make sure the gap is completely closed the braid can and will slide right through that gap. Rather than take the time to close all gaps (lazy) I went to a Palomar. I don't know what it is for sure that's getting these good hook sets but I'm not changing a thing.

Good topic

I have seen some gaps a few times on the eyes myself
I do know one thing
if an eye isn't a clean circle you might very well have issues with that jig or hook
on several levels ....presentation suffers for sure
and the loss of a fish could easily occur as well after a hook up
sure isn't much that's more disheartening than to watch the line break when you have the fish "right there"
and or slip off the jig or hook itself during the struggle

I agree with Tommy.Those jigs will fall off easily on braid.Iuse to make sure my jig hung just right finally noticed it made no difference.Since crappy feed up then a jig hanging down would make it easier for them to swallow and it's always in the hard part of the mouth. Just my thought.Darrell

+10000000000000000
Been there done that "Braid = Palomar all the way for me".

+1

Yup some eyes aren't painted.



Crappie Porn

Saw that pic too. My first thought was a staged photo to show the jig ??

I still primarily use a polomar.I'll use a loop on the top jig if fishing a double rig.

Yup found the same thing. I to tried for that horizontal jig. I finally quit spending the time worrying about it when I noticed it made no difference dipping big baits. Can't get a big bait horizontal if you try.

Thanks DW. Your making me think the angle of the jig slightly dipping may just be the reason for the better hook set. I two pole mostly. I will check this theory out. Very cool. Sometimes we miss the subtle changes in style that others bring to our attention. very cool.

I am going to use the loop knot this year after watching the Russ Bailey Crappie videos. He never said anything about always catching thru the roof of the mouth other than to say if you are using a long sensitive jiggin' pole then when you feel the bite jerk hard like you would a bass and most of the time you will catch them in the roof of the mouth, also have your jig hook bent out a little, not straight like it comes in the package. The bottom jig I use regular cinch knot, upper one the loop knot. He said people take it easy because they have been taught the paper mouths tear easily so they lose more fish than those who jerk up hard. This jerking hard is only for jigs, not minnows or minnow with jigs. The sensitive pole will absorb the shock of setting the hook hard and your drag will handle the rest. Just something I read, thought you might be interested.