[wvlheel]

I've been using a lot of metal in the surf lately with some good results. One question- how do you guys rig metal lures like cast masters and Hopkins with the hole drilled directly into the lure?

I like to use speed clips for quick changing of baits, but the small ones that I used won't fit the holes in a Hopkins .

Second question, if a metal lure ( typically a cast master ) has a split ring , how do you rig to that ? Again, I would prefer to use a speed clip and not tie my leader directly to the lure.

Thanks in advance. For the record the speed clips don't seem to impact the metal lures presentation in the water so long as they are sized small. I'm interested in results with mirrolures this fall

 

[trigger22]

I approve the use of speed clips on any and everything you can get them on. I started using them in March of this year and haven't noticed any difference in my catch ratios and that includes the use of them on mirrolures back in April/May. I don't know for sure how many specks I brought to the boat/kayak in that time but it was over the 200 mark.

 

[ice cream man]

I've been using a lot of metal in the surf lately with some good results. One question- how do you guys rig metal lures like cast masters and Hopkins with the hole drilled directly into the lure?

I like to use speed clips for quick changing of baits, but the small ones that I used won't fit the holes in a Hopkins .

Second question, if a metal lure ( typically a cast master ) has a split ring , how do you rig to that ? Again, I would prefer to use a speed clip and not tie my leader directly to the lure.

Thanks in advance. For the record the speed clips don't seem to impact the metal lures presentation in the water so long as they are sized small. I'm interested in results with mirrolures this fall

You can add a split rig to the Kastmaster & Hopkins, then use the speed clip.
Or tie directly to either metal lure using a loop knot.
Make sure to use a good, small ball bearing swivel, with the speed clip. ....... ICM

View attachment 65425

 

[wvlheel]

Ice cream man- can you explain a bit more?

So, leader, swivel, speed clip then split ring and lure?

That seems like a lot of hardware- have I got that right ?

Finally, what is that lure you are sporting In. The picture ? Obviously a Hopkins but run in line with?

Just different than anything I've ever seen but obviously effective

 

[EvBlue]

The great thing about fishing the salt with those lures is you don't need to mess with changing lures- if fish are around they will eat them. I would add a good quality split ring and change the treble to a larger single hook (size 1 works well). I wouldn't mess with speed clips or swivels because you never know what you will get. A king or a big false albacore might leave you wishing you had simplified your rig and tied better knots.

One thing that really helps is to double the last 6-8" of line by tying a big surgeon's loop. Then use the doubled line to tie your usual knot at the lure. This gives you a decent chance of landing a toothy fish like blues or spanish. When the bite tippet gets frayed cut it away and tie a new surgeon's loop.

 

[BigE818]

Ill show you next Monday!! lol

 

[trigger22]

I just use the speed clip. No swivel

 

[wvlheel]

BigE, it won't be next Monday but it won't be long- sending you a pm

 

[ice cream man]

Ice cream man- can you explain a bit more?

So, leader, swivel, speed clip then split ring and lure?
Yes that's right.

That seems like a lot of hardware- have I got that right ?
Yes it is. Didn't seen to matter, we ( 3 of us ) had 2 back to back 40+ fish days.

Finally, what is that lure you are sporting In. The picture ? Obviously a Hopkins but run in line with?
Gold ( either 1/2 or 3/4 oz. ) dimpled Hopkins, switched out the hook.
Fished it to go long, to reach the school. Wasn't the only metal we used.

Just different than anything I've ever seen but obviously effective

We had several schools of winter time ( key word ) Reds dialed in.
Also used Johnson Sprites, 1/2 oz. Kastmaster, 3/8 oz. ( & heavier ) jig heads with Gulp & other soft plastics.
Spro bucktails rigged with Gulp. ...... ICM

 

[ice cream man]

I just use the speed clip. No swivel

So do I when Trout fishing the suds. Sometimes no clip, just a "loop" knot. ....... ICM

 

[ice cream man]

This should help. ......... ICM
View attachment 65430

 

[wvlheel]

Thanks man, yet again I am impressed and appreciative of the knowledge so willingly shared by this community.

Now if I can just get a few GPS coordinates ?......

 

[Scott Hobbs]

Finally, what is that lure you are sporting In. The picture ? Obviously a Hopkins but run in line with?

Just different than anything I've ever seen but obviously effective

That lure is a Hopkins and comes prerigged with the trailer which comes in multiple colors, sizes and styles.

Check out this article on using metal chasing fish.

http://www.onthewater.com/a-guide-to-fishing-with-metal-lures/

 

[wvlheel]

Do you have a link for that pre-rigged Hopkins?

Go any of you guys have a recommendation for split rings to use on rigging lures?

 

[Scott Hobbs]

Just google Hopkins lures or check out sites like Bass Pro or Cabelas.

 

[natefess]

i like to use the SPRO power swivels with hyper snap. Even the 50lbs class of swivel is tiny and the hyper snap is big enough to fit on the hopkins or kastmaster. The downside is they are really expensive and i have trouble finding them in local tackle shops. The SPROs will not fit on the Bass Pro fake hopkins however.

 

[ice cream man]

Thanks man, yet again I am impressed and appreciative of the knowledge so willingly shared by this community.

Now if I can just get a few GPS coordinates ?......

Not a problem. Just be ready when the call goes out in January. ..... ICM

 

[wvlheel]

You're on. I've got cold weather gear and waders from fishing Ocracoke in nov/dec. and a buddy owns a place at topsail, so I've got a place to stay.