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| I have found that one of the best ways to troll (the weed flats) on my home lake is to use spinner baits. I was wondering what speed is most productive during the summer months. I have been using 1 - 1 1/2 oz. baits.
Thanks,
J.P. |
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| Anywhere from 4 to 7+ MPH, the important thing here is to keep your lure in the water 99% of the time. Now the faster you go and the closer your lure is to the boat the higher in the water colum your lure will be.
Trust me on this one, make sure your drag is set so that if you pull your rod forward it releases line. Now at 4+ MPH the hooks will set them selfs, tight drag will rip lures out of the fish mouths. Another thing here is make sure your using single hooked spinnerbaits as they are almost weedless. |
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| Rich makes some good points about drag, hooks, and speed. But there are almost an infintessimal way of running spinnerbaits. One of the most effective that Rich didn't mention is to run the baits slower (2 to 4 mph) and work the bait by lifting and dropping it back. This is one of the best tactics around when the fish bury themselves in the weeds.
As far as spinnerbaits themselves... heavier baits are preferred for trolling, as you need the weight to keep the bait from twisting and spinning in the water. Also check to ensure that the thread windings are well glued. Heavier blades produce better vibration than thin blades, regardless of the blade type. Two big single hooks (preferably stainless) are preferred as well. Don't be afraid to try changing blade types either, as often the blade type will have an effect on the vibration emitted by the bait and its running depth.
Commercially, the big Grim Reaper and Fudally Hawg Spin are about the best out there. There are some great custom baits available as well from guys like George Taylor, Rob Dey, and Tony Gallucci. None of these big spinnerbaits are particularly easy to find in stores - you will likely have to resort to the Internet or mail to get them.
Steve Wickens |
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| Check out rhinolures at http://www.rhinolures.com/rhinolures/home.htm Not 100% sure, but I think some of these are George Taylor's lures. I bought one from George at a Muskies Canada meeting, and although I have only tried it once without catching a muskie, it runs fantastic at high speed and it appears to be very well constructed. I have yet to see a spinnerbait made as sturdy.
Cheers,
Chris Sommerville |
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| Chris,
You are correct... the spinnerbaits on this site are George's. They are (IMHO) the best spinnerbaits on the market for resiliency. And they do produce fish... I've boated over 60 muskies on George's baits over the past 2 seasons. They've already scored 2 over 45" so far this year for me. From a size and weight perspective, they about 20% bigger than a Fudally Hawg Spin. They also have a .098 stainless shaft (I know, because I procured the wire for George.)
NOTE: These baits are about 4 ounces... they are not for casting unless you like hernias!
Steve Wickens |
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| J.P,
All the above are great tips. I have found also that trolling spinnerbaits at a speed where they pop out of the water once in a while to be productive. I do use the Grims and the Hawg Spin with great success. Another little tip is to make sure your hooks are razor sharp. This helps rip threw the weeds and cause the lure to be almost weedless.
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