Okay, a bit of a long post but I’m looking for some feedback on using weights in trolling for Walleye and trout.  I’m interested in your experience and preferences and why.  There are three weighting systems that I’m thinking about and wondering about the pros, cons and perhaps most appropriate uses of each.  I’m discounting weighting with three-way swivels because, having tried that, I’ve found it to be too finicky and apt to tangle when working so close to the water in a canoe.

Snap weights.  I have a set of the guppy weights from Off-shore Tackle.  I’ve always had a bit of difficulty utilizing them as snap weights because it is hard to keep the snaps from slipping on braided line like the Suffix 832 that I prefer.  Wrapping the line around the snap does work but makes it that much more difficult to remove when I’m reeling in with a fish on the line.  That being said, snap-weights have the advantage of easy off, easy on and you can move them further or closer to the lure depending on conditions and desired action.

In-line weights.  The Off-shore Tackle guppy weights are designed to be used as in-line as well as snap weights.  My understanding is that the main difference between in-line and snap weights is that in-lines are more subject to erratic action if the water is rough or surging since the lure typically runs so much closer to the weight.  In the past I’ve just use duo-lock snaps to connect my line to the weight and another duo-lock running from the weight to the lure.  It occurs to me that I would be better off using snap swivels instead.  Would I then also use a snap swivel to connect the line from the weight to the lure?  That would make 3 snap swivels for the rig.

The third weighting system I’m considering is the Wing-it system.  (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
This seems very effective because it is so versatile.  Using the same sliding connector (which I can attach or remove without retying my line) I can use bottom bouncers or slip sinkers of any weight I choose (also without having to retie.)  While, in the end, I may not bother with bottom bouncers at all, the one thing I don’t understand is the practical difference between a sliding slip sinker such as these Wing-its, an in-line weight or for that matter, a snap weight set the same distance back from the lure.  The in-line is a little more streamlined and perhaps a little less likely to snag but would it be that much different? 

The reason I’m asking about this is because all these weights can start to add up.  If I could use one system that would work in different ways maybe I could save some weight and space in my tackle bag.  But also, if there are significant differences, when best to apply one over the other?

Thanks for indulging me.

The only weight system I use are snapweights. I carry two 2oz weights and one 3oz weight plus an extra snap. That allows for any combo I may need. I don't use them unless fish are too deep for deep divers. I usually attach them 5-6' from lure. That way the fish can't use the weight for leverage to throw hooks.

Quote:


I met an older guy one year on a spring trip on Quetico lk and when I paddled by he and his buddy waived me over to their campsite to chat a bit.

I had my little tackle pack open on the floor of the canoe. Compared to many it's not very much tackle at all,
He laughed and asked me if I had EVER used all that stuff on a single trip.
I said NO, but well you know, I "might" need it someday.

He said that after 25 yrs. of trips, he and his buddy brought just jigs and plastic tails. I believe he said 1/4-3/8 jig heads in yellow/white and the tails the same color.
Said they routinely caught the Grand Slam and I don't doubt it.

One year, I did the same on a 1/4 yellow jug head and white tail.
One of these days I'm going to bring just jigs/tails and will probably wish I had done it sooner.
I have the stuff now, so I guess I need to justify the cost and bring it "just in case".

Okay, but when are you guys doing most of your fishing - June and July?  My trips are mostly from the first week in August until Labor Day. So deep is good.  I don't really "fish" that much.  By that I mean with wind and all, it really is a lot of work to stay in the zone, so its mostly trolling.  I had pretty good success last year with just jigs and tails and I plan to take some.  I have some seriously heavy ones so I can get down there and I did manage to boat an 8 pound walleye that way last season.  But when it comes to trout and big pike, I've done best trolling in-line weight.  But to be perfectly honest, I just like to try something new.  I picked up some Sutton flutter spoons and I just want to give them a try - they're so darn purty.  It seems like an elegant way to fish deep.

Kerry wrote on Mar 11^th, 2015 at 6:50pm:


I troll with Sutton Featherlites May thru October up there.  The only variable (other than "copper for cloudy"/"silver for sunny") will be the weight of my clip-ons.  When it's really hot the weight tends to get heavier.

I have found them to be very effective.

Jimbo