Hey guys I was just wondering if anyone had any hints or tips for rigging baits. It seems like half of the hoos I rig spin and other half do not. I can’t see any difference in the way I rig, so I was wondering if any else has experienced this problem and found a solution. I currently use a small piece of copper tubing to penetrate for the trailer hook and I use rigging wire around the bill. I have heard that breaking the back helps, but it didn’t seem to increase my good rigs. Anyone use springs? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
Yes, springs are the thing for ballyhoo, but I personally like cigar minnows much better for kings. Slow trolling, and I meanSLOW {1-2 mph}, and at that speed everything spins, and loks wounded. That’s why it is so effective, rather than ballyhoo speed. I’m also amazed how many guys fish plugs here for kings, I’m from N. C., up here we quit using ballyhoo and plugs for kings back in the 80’s except for charter boats occasionally. Of course ribbonfish are the bait of choice for the tournament guys, or live blues or live menhaden. Short answer YES springs should solve your problem. LOL and tight lines. Also, if your problem is intermittent, it may have to do with speed, and waves on rough days baits spin more than on calm days. Think back on that possibility too.
Mac Daddy is correct. Your baits are going to spin if you are going less than 4 knots. Just some extra info for you, breaking the back is not what you need to do. Make sure that when you rig the bait that the hook is not causing the bait to bend unnaturally. Also, squeeze the hoos along the back bone to seperate the flesh from the bone all the way down. It does not take much pressure and you can feel the meat seperate. It makes them swim more life like.
Thanks for the advice guys. I always heard that the worse thing possible to have in your spread was a spinning bait. It just bothers me not to see them swimming right. I will try to squeeze the hoo and use a spring to see if that helps. Thanks.
A spinning bait is also referred to as helicoptering and this maybe what you are confusing. Mainly at higher speeds when the bait isn’t rigged correctly it spins like a helicopter blade. That is what is not good. Chin weights also keep from spinning as much when rigged properly but can be tough to get right. Just keep trying. You will get it. I promise! There is no replacement for experience.