AS SEEN IN THE WINTER 2004-05 ISSUE

Simply put, release clips allow near-shore and offshore anglers the ability to thoroughly cover multiple facets of the sport fishing arena. Most commonly utilized in conjunction with outriggers, downriggers, kites and to position flat lines, the concept is quite basic. Your running line extends from your rod tip, through the release clip and into the playing field. The tension mechanism on the clip allows you to adjust the point at which a strike snaps the release open, freeing your running line so you can fight that sailfish, marlin, or dolphin with no interferences.

Release clips are primarily used to position live, dead, and artificial baits in predetermined positions in the water column, allowing you to maximize your presentation, improve lure action in rough conditions, and avoid tangles while making sharp turns. Consistently successful anglers are knowledgeable in various types of release clips and how to make the most of each when presenting offerings directly on the surface, just below the surface and deep into the targeted species hunting territory.

What very well may be the most versatile of all release clips are Dubro’s spring loaded, adjustable releases. While other release clips are fixed to outrigger or downrigger lines, adjustable clips can be positioned at preferred intervals to suit ever changing conditions. After a kite is deployed, an adjustable release clip can be easily attached by compressing the springs and affixing the clip to the line. When conditions allow, multiple releases can be added, allowing you to suspend two or even three baits from a single kite.

Worthy of mention is a simple solution to a common problem. We all know that it’s not unusual under less than desirable conditions for your fishing line to twist and tangle around the kite line. When this occurs, I prefer to shy away from the adjustable clips and use a pair of modified kite releases. The modified release clips are rigged on a short loop of mono with the addition of a small ball bearing snap swivel. The snap is affixed to the barrel swivel on your kite line. The end result is your release clip is suspended inches below the actual kite line, eliminating the horror of twisted & tangled lines.   

Along with the adjustable clips, release clips designed specifically for use with outriggers are generally secured to the outrigger line via small rings on both ends of the clip. Once a rigged bait or lure is positioned at the desired interval in the spread, the main running line is run through the outrigger release clip which is then raised to the tip of the outrigger pole with a simple pulley system. When a strike occurs, the release snaps open, the hook finds a home, and you’re hooked up! Competitive billfish crews often go to the extreme of modifying their release clips. In advance of an event, they re-rig multiple sets of release clips with easy open snaps, making it convenient to change clips that are not operating smoothly or altering clips to sets with different predetermined release points. In other words, tournament crews will use a precise hand scale to pre-adjust release clips to open at exactly 12 or 16 pounds of pressure. Different sets of clips are then utilized with specific artificial lure or natural bait spreads.

A large percentage of mid-size boaters venturing offshore equip their vessels with a pair of 15’ or 18‘ outrigger poles, each usually outfitted with a single release clip. To quickly convert the riggers to double spreaders, which will allow you to pull two more baits in your spread, snap on a spring loaded kite release clip midway up the line. You may have to remove the adjustable clip to reach the first release, but on calm days the small inconvenience usually pays off big!

Release clips designed for use with downriggers essentially do the same thing as outrigger clips, only well below the surface.  Again, adjustable release clips can be added onto the main downrigger line, allowing anglers the ability to present multiple baits at varying levels in the water column.

Lastly, release clips rigged to the stern of a boat for flat-lines provide a lower entry point for your trolling lures, resulting in improved lure action in bouncy sea conditions.† Again adjustable clips come in handy here. Simply affix an adjustable clip to a short piece of heavy mono and tie off to a stern cleat. 

Anyway you utilize them tournament proven Dubro adjustable release clips offer the ultimate in versatility. Dubro clips can easily pull large or small baits along with a vast array of artificial lures. Easy-to-use, one-hand operation makes Dubro clips quick to load when the action gets fast and furious. Their rugged, heavy-duty design and weather proof components provide serious blue water fishermen with outstanding trolling capabilities.

Remember that release clips are an essential part of your total arsenal. A quick shot of WD-40 every now and then will keep all release clips operating smoothly. 

---

Save and Share this Article: