Pro Tips Weekly: Wesley Strader

Loop knot way to go for topwaters

As far as I’m concerned, the best knot to use to tie a topwater lure to your line is a loop knot. It’s easy and quick to tie, and there are a lot of websites that will show you how to tie it. Tied correctly, the loop knot doesn’t slip and won’t inhibit a surface plug’s action. It’s especially useful when you’re using a “walking” plug like a Zara Spook. Also, it doesn’t change the balance of the lure nor add weight to the front like an O ring does. An O ring also can dampen the action, especially on a smaller topwater lure.

— Goodwill pro Wesley Strader, Spring City, Tenn.