Easy Flat Line Clips

Capt. Scott Goodwin · 02-03-2007, 06:15 PM

Most people are familiar with outriggers and the dropback they give to a fish. This moment of slack line enables the fish to get the bait further in his mouth and turn away before the line comes tight. However, flat-line clips are not as common, though just as important. The benefit is twofold, first it gives the fish a short dropback. Second, the clip holds the angle of the line down which keeps the bait in the water.
Sometimes you will see other versions of a flatline clip screwed into the transom, suctioned cupped or attatched to the rod. These work, but I always hate to screw anything into the boat, and the others are awkward.
You can make a simple, removable clip that you attach when you are trolling. I prefer a Blacks clip as they are sturdy, adjustable, and reasonably priced. You can buy a downrigger version or cut the wire and beads off of the outrigger version.
I rig them on 200 to 400lb mono with the clip on one end and a loop on the other.

Attach the clip to a clete or towing eye on the back of the transom.

Make it just long enough to be easy to reach. About level with the gunnel is just right.

Try this and you will see your bait presentation and hook-up ratios improve.

Tackle · 02-24-2007, 05:23 AM

Scott - Great tip.

Are there any other release clips you would recomend?

Capt. Scott Goodwin · 02-24-2007, 03:37 PM

I have used other clips on various boats, but I believe these to be the best. They are simple, few moving parts, and hold up very well. I use the same one on my outriggers. They have a wide range of adjustment. We use them live bait fishing with a very light setting or cranked down pulling lures for tuna and marlin. I'm sure there are other good ones out there, but these are my preferred until I find a better one.

Double Z · 02-27-2007, 08:19 PM

Yep, Flatlines are great and also add to the cool factor of the Chinese Fire Drill when 6 lines go off when two people are on board. Something about hearing them snap just adds to the action. I like to use the Aftco roller flatlines for Rapala's and other rigs that kick. Another line friendly way to go is to use a rubberband.

02-03-2007, 06:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
Capt. Scott Goodwin Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cocoa, Florida Posts: 116	Easy Flat Line Clips Most people are familiar with outriggers and the dropback they give to a fish. This moment of slack line enables the fish to get the bait further in his mouth and turn away before the line comes tight. However, flat-line clips are not as common, though just as important. The benefit is twofold, first it gives the fish a short dropback. Second, the clip holds the angle of the line down which keeps the bait in the water. Sometimes you will see other versions of a flatline clip screwed into the transom, suctioned cupped or attatched to the rod. These work, but I always hate to screw anything into the boat, and the others are awkward. You can make a simple, removable clip that you attach when you are trolling. I prefer a Blacks clip as they are sturdy, adjustable, and reasonably priced. You can buy a downrigger version or cut the wire and beads off of the outrigger version. I rig them on 200 to 400lb mono with the clip on one end and a loop on the other. Attach the clip to a clete or towing eye on the back of the transom. Make it just long enough to be easy to reach. About level with the gunnel is just right. Try this and you will see your bait presentation and hook-up ratios improve. Last edited by Capt. Scott Goodwin; 02-24-2007 at 03:31 PM.

02-24-2007, 05:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tackle Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 56	Release Clips Scott - Great tip. Are there any other release clips you would recomend?

02-24-2007, 03:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
Capt. Scott Goodwin Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cocoa, Florida Posts: 116	Clips I have used other clips on various boats, but I believe these to be the best. They are simple, few moving parts, and hold up very well. I use the same one on my outriggers. They have a wide range of adjustment. We use them live bait fishing with a very light setting or cranked down pulling lures for tuna and marlin. I'm sure there are other good ones out there, but these are my preferred until I find a better one.

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02-27-2007, 08:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
Double Z Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: State of Confusion Posts: 15	Yep, Flatlines are great and also add to the cool factor of the Chinese Fire Drill when 6 lines go off when two people are on board. Something about hearing them snap just adds to the action. I like to use the Aftco roller flatlines for Rapala's and other rigs that kick. Another line friendly way to go is to use a rubberband.