WOW, that was a fast summer! My 2 trips have provided some very nice memories to reflect upon during the coming months......I hope it is the same for you.

This months tip is probably more suited for July or August but can actually be employed almost anytime. At first it appears to be primarily a lake trout tip, and perhaps it is, but it can also be used to great effect for walleyes as well.

Plumbing the depths to reach fish that have taken residence in waters 30, 40, 50 feet and beyond can be perplexing. Add the use of a 3 way swivel and a large dropper weight and it can turn into frustration when that rig tangles and spins. There is a better way.

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This in-line weight is superior in many respects. Note the ball bearing swivel which really helps cut down on tangles. These come in many sizes. If you wanted to troll say in 50 ft you could run braid to the 3 oz size and then use a thin salmon type spoon behind it. There are a myriad of ways to employ these. Perhaps you have always wanted to run an original rapala in 15 ft. of water. These will help.

At this point you might be asking yourself why not just use an ordinary keel sinker in-line. Other than the ball bearing swivel there is another, perhaps more important reason I like to use these. And that is the detailed replication of an actual fish. Study predators long enough (land or sea) and you will quickly come to realize that they try and strike when the prey is preoccupied. The presentation I am advocating very much resembles one fish tracking another. I personally believe this is a trigger of sorts for larger fish. Yes I know they are heavy and expensive but they just might turn a slow day into something extra ordinary.


Please note: I am hoping to expand the "fishing tip of the month" to any and all who would like to contribute. If you would like to post your pet tip PM me so there isn't duplicate tips. 

jaximus wrote on Sep 15^th, 2010 at 5:56pm:


Jax, just what do you mean "this one"! Are you somehow implying there has been tips you haven't agreed with? Are you kiddin me?  

I like your double drop shot rig. That should of been "Jaximus fishing tip of the month".

Which-Way-U-Wagon wrote on Oct 1^st, 2010 at 6:36am:


Ice fishing weight indeed!! I haven't seen to many ice weights with a ball bearing swivel.

The three ways tend to tangle especially under "paddle power" where the forward progress on the drop can be inconsistent. The consequences can be a hassle......that is, a spool of twisted and weakened line.

What I especially like about these weights, and it is worth repeating, is the impression of one fish following another. Do not underestimate the triggering effect that can have on an apex predator. It's almost like they despise anyone else having fun and eating on their turf.