SHORT BUS Tip #3 Planer bait alternative

[BTH284]

Everyone here knows the upright troller, Matanza bait on the planer can be deadly and has been for a long time and still will be for a long time to come period! Let's face it they are both one helluva bait.

I have been perfecting something a little bit different for the past 2 years as an alternative to the these deadly baits. It is the exact same as far as "action" in the water but the construction differs just a bit with more weight and a bigger profile. What I have found over the past 2 years is that this bait has actually been more successful FOR ME AND THE AND THE WAY I FISH as compared the success of the upright troller and matanza WHEN I FISHED THEM.

I start out with an old skirtless JAG 3 head from bluewater candy. The original 3 oz lead ones that Fishfinder Capt Joe sells work great too. An old ilander head with the thin lead flange on the back of the head works great too, even though the ilander head will swim upright anyway because of the hole in front of the head. I just happen to have had right many old "2nd heads" at my disposal from the bargain bins at tackle shows.

I then take a coarse file or rasp and file off the top half of the flange and head on one side. This will make the bait just under 3oz approx. Be sure to just file a little bit at at time until it will settle on the remaining flange

When you are done, take a look at the how the bait settles when it rolls, slides or swims. Here is a little demo to show you what happens.
http://s186.photobucket.com/albums/x...=100_15811.flv
Now I tie my flash on. When tying flash on I like to wet it. Then take 2 fingers and squeegy the flash flat. This will make it lay flat on your rigging floss so you can tie on with out any flash flailing around on you.



Reverse tie on your flash

Then you are ready to skirt your bait. I like at least 2 skirts.


The profile of this bait is considerably bigger than the other baits and is a bit heavier. It may be just enough difference to get the fish to bite when they are lip locked on other baits.
Also a great way to re use old tackle you have instead buying a new bait.

[Bluewater Lady Charters]

Thanks for sharing. Been using old heads but the file trick is cool.

[calebw]

Great tip, I am going to have to try that. How much flash do you like to use?

[Reel life]

thanks for the tip
I know what I will do with all my old heads now

[rarhomes]

You know it absolutely amazes me no one makes a witch or lead head that trolls right side up. One that a ballyhoo's face goes into and will keep him swimming right side up. Come on guys here is your big chance. Joe, Squid (is close with the Mantaza but no cigar), Canyon Gear, Island Lure (in my eyes the iland hood is the best right now, but it is a bit big and bulky) somebody please make a frigging lure head that works, it shouldn't be that hard. We need a skirt/witch from 1/4 oz to 1/2 oz. that and hoo's bill or head fits into and is weighted on the bottom so he rides right.

I KNOW I CAN make a Iland lure ride right side up but what about all the people that can't.

If you guys ("The Lure Makers") can't do it I guess I will have to quite building seawalls and buildings and find the time to make a lure mold that works.

Capt Rick

P.S. If this post just inspired one of you and you need a partner (I got some ideas)

[Reel life]

You know it absolutely amazes me no one makes a witch or lead head that trolls right side up. One that a ballyhoo's face goes into and will keep him swimming right side up. Come on guys here is your big chance. Joe, Squid (is close with the Mantaza but no cigar), Canyon Gear, Island Lure (in my eyes the iland hood is the best right now, but it is a bit big and bulky) somebody please make a frigging lure head that works, it shouldn't be that hard. We need a skirt/witch from 1/4 oz to 1/2 oz. that and hoo's bill or head fits into and is weighted on the bottom so he rides right.

I KNOW I CAN make a Iland lure ride right side up but what about all the people that can't.

If you guys ("The Lure Makers") can't do it I guess I will have to quite building seawalls and buildings and find the time to make a lure mold that works.

Capt Rick

P.S. If this post just inspired one of you and you need a partner (I got some ideas)

what about the pirate plug from south chathem tackle

personaly I dont like them but the will make a hoo swim upright

I would rather rig the hoo correctly to start with

[rarhomes]

what about the pirate plug from south chathem tackle

personaly I dont like them but the will make a hoo swim upright

I would rather rig the correctly to start with

There are some things that just aren't allowed on my boat.

Capt Rick

[Reel life]

There are some things that just aren't allowed on my boat.

Capt Rick

I know exactly what you mean

[gottaflylee]

Very cool Brian, love how they look...

[RWW]

You know it absolutely amazes me no one makes a witch or lead head that trolls right side up. One that a ballyhoo's face goes into and will keep him swimming right side up. Come on guys here is your big chance. Joe, Squid (is close with the Mantaza but no cigar), Canyon Gear, Island Lure (in my eyes the iland hood is the best right now, but it is a bit big and bulky) somebody please make a frigging lure head that works, it shouldn't be that hard. We need a skirt/witch from 1/4 oz to 1/2 oz. that and hoo's bill or head fits into and is weighted on the bottom so he rides right.

I KNOW I CAN make a Iland lure ride right side up but what about all the people that can't.

If you guys ("The Lure Makers") can't do it I guess I will have to quite building seawalls and buildings and find the time to make a lure mold that works.

Capt Rick

P.S. If this post just inspired one of you and you need a partner (I got some ideas)

I have often wondered if a tapered bit used for cabinets would work at least for seating the ballyhoo bill in the witch... something like in the below link,
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10609
May have to do some experimenting