So my first duty, in my opinion, was to make a contribution. The forum itself is simply called "Perch Jewelry" and asks members to upload pics of their favorite hard water tackle for these little bandits. This is just a small sampling of my tiny heavy metal arsenal.
As I was laying all this out, trying not to hook the pets, it occurred to me to take it a step further and make a contribution that would be more informative than just showing what I carry out on the ice in my tackle bag. First off is a little trick I'd figure out a few years ago while fly fishing nymphs in dirty water.
I hate tying knots! I particularly hate tying knots in winter when my fingers are as sensitive and dexterous as broom handles. Why not try those little spring clips (used by many bumbling knot tiers) for colder days out on the hard water when you're constantly changing it up? These clips are tiny, strong, have a low profile, and as a bonus allow your tiny jigs to swing and dance. If you're worried about their strength, don't, I've spent days landing 20 and 30 pound salmon without ever having one fail! They are available in 3 sizes at select fly shops, Bass Pro and Le Barons.
Spring Clips for Quick Change Overs |
Designing by the seat of my pants, using old election signs and a polyethylene cutting board, I came up with something that covered my two main concerns: 1 - that it hold my rod securely and, 2 - that it fold flat to fit in my bucket. Now it was time to test it. Sitting on the slick kitchen counter with a jig dangling over the edge, I reefed down on the line and to my surprise the "tip down" didn't move an inch! As an added bonus a mild breeze would cause it to gently jig the bait.
Since then my tip down has proven itself over and over, and I can say with full confidence that it can handle anything that comes to dinner.
Spend an hour or two and make your own, it's not that difficult.
Check out Perch Jewelry and other neat stuff at:Fishing Lake Simcoe
Very nice handy work John.
ReplyDeleteHey John. You know, I've been looking at those clips for quite a while. I use a snap swivel because I change lures frequently, but snap swivels tend to break after a while. I think I'll pick up some the next time I'm at the tackle store. Thanks for the positive input.
ReplyDeleteMark
Mark
ReplyDeleteI know you're using spinners & the occasional rapala for those west coast trout. Just make sure you get the large size clip to accomodate the larger eyes. Forcing a large lure onto a small clip will open it enough to compromise it's strength.
I will be checking them out also, John. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete