Got some questions on how to make pin rigs. Credit for how I do them now needs to go to Capt. Ed Keelin and Scoutin 4 Goodies. Sometimes the bite’s so hot that it doesn’t matter, but I can tell you that more often than not, doing these things the right way puts more fish in the box.
So, you need 80lb fluoro or 100-130lb clear mono, 1.0 or 1.2mm double barrel crimps, Mustad 7766D’s, some stainless wire (95-135lb works well) and some 1/8oz and 3/8oz egg sinkers.
Here’s the design.
You want to crimp just one good time in the center of the crimp leaving the ends flared out. That makes the crimp not have pinch points on the ends. Before crimping, I like to mash the very tag end of the leader with my teeth. Then, stick a piece of 1.25" long wire out the back of the crimp so that the wire is between the two barrels. Pull everything almost* tight, as the end of the leader you mashed with your teeth will catch in the barrel of the crimp and not allow it to pull through easily. This isn’t necessary- just an aid.
Next comes the bling, which Capt. Ed is good at tying by hand- and you know that the colors he’s tying up are what work best off our coast.
These have C&H and Fishizzle skirts. You can put whatever you want on though- or run them naked.
That’s exactly what I do but I run copper wire on mine to cinch ballyho down. Seems a little faster than rubber bands. Sometimes it’s a pain trying to get rubber band through eye socket with slimy hands. I also use S 4 G switches , but mine are well worn from fish chewing on them. Will need a new set by end of the season.
Phin, what is the philosophy behind switching from the 7766D’s trolling to 7691’s with the planer?
Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don’t tell them where they know the fish.
More Maxims of Mark, Johnson, 1927
31’ Contender
“Touche”
250 HPDIs
A planer with reel pulled with 40lbs of drag can straighten a 7766 if you happen upon a log wahoo or mako and don’t have your crew with a hand on the drag lever as soon as the strike happens. 7691’s are much stronger, but the cost would be crazy to put on your whole bag of rigs.
Don’t forget about the other end of the rig. If you put a Spro power swivel (130 or 120#) on the other end you can make a long leader with the swivel far away from the bait. This will also allow you to fight the fish right to the gaff , making it easier to get away with lighter leaders.
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Ed does tie good rigs. When I first bought my Scout I purchased like 25 straight from him. I think he ties the ones they sale at PI Outdoors. I like to do my own, and I do them similarly, but being as busy as I am, its nice to be able to get them from him.
