I'm a firm believer in clips.
From the many times I fished two seperate rigs from the same boat while lure casting and trolling (even livebaiting) for barra, it has made no difference.
Some times the clips out fish the no clips and vice versa. My thoughts are its the angler working the lure that really get the hits, the lure is mearly the icing on the cake. Sure the fish are in a one lure type mood every now and then but generally a hungry fish will eat what fits in its mouth.
People reckon clips are seen by fish, I say so what. If the fish has seen the clip then its looking at the lure aint it. Sure some times with the toothies no silver on any terminal tackle is required to limit bite off but thats one application not a general thing.
One advantage that clips give me as an angler is the freedom to change lures quickly and reduce leader changes. This means my lure spends more time in the water and thus more chance of a hook up... and less stress means longer sessions etc the easier we make it the better it gets is how I like to think.
I use a clip called a speedy clip? they are what hangs off the end of a notted dog. The small ones are a bit of a muck about but once you get used to useing them they are good. The slightly bigger ones are better again. The normal snap lock ones are okay mate, lets face it we dont allways hook mosters and that so to dont limit your self. I use what ever clip is there so long as its heavy duty.
Muz