So it's been blowing all weekend so decided to make a bunch of new sword rigs for when (and if) a weather break matches up with a day off.
For the last several years I've been experiementing with various J hook setups. I've had some success with J hooks but sometimes the hook pulls. I'm now going to switch to big circle hooks. I've got 2 different ones for this experiment, a 16.0 VMC offset and an 18.0 Eagle Claw non-offset snelled to 300 lb mono.
Then you need something to keep the mantle from sliding down the hook. I've sewn it to the line using rigging floss as well as used a funnel shaped spring for ballyhoo rigs. I guess anything would work. This is just a piece of pool noodle with a couple of beads to hold it in place.
Next buy a 33 lb box of squid from Amory's in Hampton for $25. I was using the jumbo squid found in asian markets but with the size that comes from Amory's it's more common to the size squid found in our waters (match the hatch). Using food coloring, I soak it for a few hours in green, red, and purple. Keep some natural and this gives your 4 colors to try.
I made 16 rigs today.
With 300 lb mono if you cut the line at an angle, you can push it all the way through the squid straight out the mantle.
Vacuum sealed them individually and drop them in the freezer...I'm ready for when the wind stops blowing.
If anyone is overnighting anytime soon, I'd be glad to share these rigs. All I would ask is a report back on how they worked. Shortens my experimentation time.
For the last several years I've been experiementing with various J hook setups. I've had some success with J hooks but sometimes the hook pulls. I'm now going to switch to big circle hooks. I've got 2 different ones for this experiment, a 16.0 VMC offset and an 18.0 Eagle Claw non-offset snelled to 300 lb mono.
Then you need something to keep the mantle from sliding down the hook. I've sewn it to the line using rigging floss as well as used a funnel shaped spring for ballyhoo rigs. I guess anything would work. This is just a piece of pool noodle with a couple of beads to hold it in place.
Next buy a 33 lb box of squid from Amory's in Hampton for $25. I was using the jumbo squid found in asian markets but with the size that comes from Amory's it's more common to the size squid found in our waters (match the hatch). Using food coloring, I soak it for a few hours in green, red, and purple. Keep some natural and this gives your 4 colors to try.
I made 16 rigs today.
With 300 lb mono if you cut the line at an angle, you can push it all the way through the squid straight out the mantle.
Vacuum sealed them individually and drop them in the freezer...I'm ready for when the wind stops blowing.
If anyone is overnighting anytime soon, I'd be glad to share these rigs. All I would ask is a report back on how they worked. Shortens my experimentation time.