Which is best for fishing for Lake Trout?
February 5, 2010 by Brian Helminen · Leave a Comment
An old and a new Diamond King, both work just as well, the old one maybe better.
One would think that newer, nice looking Diamond King lure would work better than the old and worn out one, but these lures are almost identical (both Diamond Kings, same colors and size) and the one with the peeling paint still outproduces the new one. We all have out favorites and some of us have/need/want all of the colors and shapes known to modern man, but the truth is, we don’t need that many lures. For the past couple of years the lure you see on the right has been used on every trip, and has caught fish EVERY time. There have been many times that it has out-fished all other lures 3 to 1. In other words, IT ALONE caught 3 fish to 1 for all other lines combined and we usually fish with 9 lines at a time.
Let’s face it, when you are trolling at depths of 100+ feet deep, those fish can’ tell the difference in colors between any 2 lures. What they are attracted to is the action of the lure… a slow, lazy wagging and perhaps the rattle of the little metal tab you see near the hooks. This particular lure has a good action at speeds of 1.5 to 2.75 mph, so when you are moving a little slow (1.5) or a little fast (2.75) it still is attractive to the fish. I think this one has better action than a new one because it is bent from being bitten by so many fish. The bottom line is (and this intended to be a pun) I’ll keep on using this one until it is lost or I quit fishing. The latter is not likely to happen any time soon, but loosing lures, and any tackle in general, is so commonplace that I can’t believe I still have this one. I hope I didn’t jinx it by writing this
Prepare now for next summer on the water.
February 1, 2010 by Brian Helminen · Leave a Comment
Some of my trolling rods to check and repair this winter.
Now is the time to go through your fishing equipment to make sure you are ready for the summer . It’s never too early, because before you know it, spring will be gone, the lakes will be open and you’ll want to get out there on the water.
Here’s a list to get you started:
1. Check and/or change the old monofilament line from your reels. Mono always stretches and gets bridle over time and nobody likes to loose fish because of weak line.
2. Check and lubricate your reels with light oil (and very little of it.) on the bearings and bushings and lithium grease on the gear surfaces. Check for any loose nuts or play in the crank handle.
3. Check the eyes on all rods for loose binding string. Use epoxy or fingernail polish to hold any loose ends. Replace broken eyes with new, high quality ones.
4. Check and sharpen the hooks on all of your favorite lures.
5. String up new leader lines.
6. Re-organize tackle boxes and get rid of unused items.
7. Sharpen bait knives and fillet knives.
8. Most importantly,buy lots of new rods, reels and fishing tackle. The more you have, the harder it is for your wife to notice when you buy more.
A summer of fun begins with equipment that is in good shape, so start now so you are ready when that magical time comes.
Miscellaneous trolling lures & gear that need checking, sharpening etc...
