spinner rig woes

[BobT]

Every year beginning about now and continuing until late October can be some of the year's best fishing for decent size northern pike. I have found that some of the most effective methods include slow trolled spinner rigs dressed with minnows but I have run into a problem that I have not been able to find a solution for yet.

When I tie my own spinner rigs I have found that making the snell from too light a line (or too small diameter) doesn't work very well. I believe that the line is too soft and flexible to allow the spinner to function efficiently. I have also found that using line that is too heavy doesn't help much either and I believe it is because the diameter is too large for the spinner's clevice to function properly.

It seems that over the years I have found that 12-15 lb. test mono works about the best but there is one problem with this system. I am targeting the one fish that is notoriously able to bite off mono line. Yesterday evening I lost four spinners to this phenomenon before I finally managed to react quick enough to get one 8 pounder to my boat.

Anyone have any suggestions for a different type of line to use when building my spinner rigs? Would braided dacron be a good choice or would it be too soft? It seems the line needs to be stiff but not too heavy and yet still handle the teeth of 10+ pound northern pike.

I welcome your suggestions,

Bob

[MuskieMojoTackle]

Quote:

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Every year beginning about now and continuing until late October can be some of the year's best fishing for decent size northern pike. I have found that some of the most effective methods include slow trolled spinner rigs dressed with minnows but I have run into a problem that I have not been able to find a solution for yet.

When I tie my own spinner rigs I have found that making the snell from too light a line (or too small diameter) doesn't work very well. I believe that the line is too soft and flexible to allow the spinner to function efficiently. I have also found that using line that is too heavy doesn't help much either and I believe it is because the diameter is too large for the spinner's clevice to function properly.

It seems that over the years I have found that 12-15 lb. test mono works about the best but there is one problem with this system. I am targeting the one fish that is notoriously able to bite off mono line. Yesterday evening I lost four spinners to this phenomenon before I finally managed to react quick enough to get one 8 pounder to my boat.

Anyone have any suggestions for a different type of line to use when building my spinner rigs? Would braided dacron be a good choice or would it be too soft? It seems the line needs to be stiff but not too heavy and yet still handle the teeth of 10+ pound northern pike.

I welcome your suggestions,

Bob

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Tyger Leader or Cortland Toothy Critter. Both are knotable coated wire that should work great for what you are looking for

[toddb]

Try Flourocarbon, It is stiffer than mono, less visible than mono, and more tooth resistant than mono.

toddb

[chickeywing]

I'll second Mojo's reply. I've been using Tyger under slip bobbers and under tip-ups too. Works great. My buddy has been using Toothy Critter on his spinner rigs.

TC

[RK]

Hi Bob -

Several options:

- 20# fluorocarbon. Pretty tough, and fairly stiff so the rig trails right. A lot of the walleye guys I know use this stuff to prevent, or at least reduce bite-offs. You can still get bit off, but not nearly as often.

- Knotable wire. Great stuff. Personally, I much prefer Cortland Toothy Critter. A lot more flexible and tinner diameter than Tyger.

- Heavy (20-35#) Fireline. Actually pretty good stuff for spinner rigs. Very tough, and just stiff enough. Before I started using fluoro for walleye spinner rigs, I used fireline when I trolled spinners over the weeds to keep the bite-offs to a minimum. Works fine.

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[BobT]

Thanks.

I thought about fireline but wasn't too sure how the spinner would work. I found some stainless leader material that appears to be quite flexible and tieable to try. The name escapes me at the moment, though.

I appreciate the options to consider.

Bob