Harness or pin for spearing

[psegriz]

What do you use for spearing? I've used both but prefer the harnes. My only reason is that I don't lose minnows with them. When fish are aggressive they come in and rip the minnow off a pin before ya even get a chance to look at em.

[Mike89]

I have used both and have come to the conclusion I like the pin better. I feel with the harness you really have to crank it down on the sucker so as to not lose it and when doing so it really digs into it all the way around. With the pin, one hole and it's done. They seem to last just as long either way. I guess it really comes down to what you like anyway!! Where do you spear there by Brooten? Mike89

[psegriz]

Mike

There are a number of small lakes around that I spear. I kinda like smaller lakes for some reason. I see your from around Osakis, maybe we could hookup sometime for spearing. I got a lake partway between that I've had some good luck on.

[Mike89]

psegriz, anytime. My portable is always ready. The next few days are out as my wife had surgery today so I'll be waiting to get her back home and then get her to feeling good enough so as to leave for a few hours. let me know your thoughts. Mike

[psegriz]

With the holidays on weekends it makes it tough for most, not me I got construction job and get laid off in winter. I am going on a fishin trip on the 27th for a few days. After that I pretty much open. I got kids everyother weekend just let me know what could work for ya.

[mnmuzzleloader]

I prefer the pin. It is simple but very effective and I have been able to hold on to more suckers than with a harness. I usually can keep them alive for a few weeks with the pin hole as well. any reports???

[Mike89]

Griz, I'll holler after my wife makes it home. Maybe around New Years day or something? Happy Holidays to you!! Mike

[psegriz]

Mike89

Post here when able or at psegriz at hotmail dot com

[Mike89]

GRIZ, I will do that. Mike

[Kingfisher]

I haven't speared for many years, but did a lot of it for 40 years. I have used sucker's, and a lot of other lures over the years, but the best overall lure in my opinion is two large white and fluorescent orange daredevils facing each a direction, with a teaser turning @ 60 rpm. The advantages I see is that the big northerns usually come in nicer, and using suckers it too much trouble.

[Owen]

A few years ago I switched from using a pin to a harness. However, I would say it doesn't make much of a difference and really comes down to personal preference. I have found that some harness rigs seem to hold better than others. I bought one a few years ago that has never failed me. Now, I wish that I would have bought a bunch because the ones I have tried lately are ok at best.

Griz & Mike, if you guys don't mind, I would be interested in hooking up with you around the Brooten area. I would becoming from the south. As far as lakes go, the only one I have tried in that area is Norway (north of Willmar). Although I haven't been up there yet this year and I haven't heard about the water clarity?

Owen

[Mike89]

Owen, works for me as long as Griz is OK with too. I think there will plenty of time to hook up. Where do you come from? Mike

[psegriz]

Owen fine here

EDIT and in a few days I could get ya a report on clarity in norway as a friend plans to spear out there.

[Owen]

Mike and Griz,

Thanks for the hospitality. I'll be coming from St. James. My schedule will be pretty flexible after the holiday. I'll keep an eye on this thread for a tentative date.

Griz, a clarity report on Norway would be great. I am debating about trying Norway on Sunday or I may try the Mankato area.

Owen

[psegriz]

Owen

From St. James I have a cousin that lives down that way. I can't remember her married name though. They have a big feeder pig farm down there. She teaches elementary school. Just thought of the last name. Eckstrom, do ya know them?

[Owen]

Griz,

I can't say that I know them personally. There is an elementry teacher named sherri (sp?) who is married to Brad. Brad farms in the area with his father Dale.

Owen

[psegriz]

OWEN YEP thats them

[Whopper Stopper]

I have spent more then my fair share of time watching fish in a dark house. I have come to the conclusion that a harness with the spinners brings in a lot more one - three pound fish with over half at the speed of light. I have the best luck number one, using straight Mono for my decoy line and then using suckers that I have pre-threaded line under the back bone and tied with a loop to except my small snap. I have spent many hours angling in spear houses and for instance with set ups like the Jimmy quick strike Rigs, it seems fish will come in and look at the beads and such and then leave ( I am talking bigger fish 7 pounds + ). I have had Northerns come back 4-5 times as I jigged the Rig but not take it. I have also just put down the sucker that I had threaded up and watched 15 pound Northerns come in and inhale it, talk about a rush!. Something else I have notice many times is that when things are slow if I am using a harness I will put on the pre- threaded sucker and see lots more Walleyes and Bass. I don't know why that is because in the summer both fish love the spinners, all I can figure is that the reflex bite isn't happening when you are for the most part stick fishing. Anyway I just thought I would chime in with my experiences, hope you all have a fun and safe Holiday!

WS