RECOVERING CRANKABAITS

One of the most frustrating aspects of crankbait fishing is losing them. Crankbaits are one of the more expensive terminal tackle components. Production costs force the prices a little higher each year. They are effective lures and valued by the angler. Here are five ways to cut down on the number of crankbaits you lose each season.

NUMBER ONE is a common method used by river anglers who lose of a lot of tackle on submerged trees, rocks and other objects. Simply remove the forward treble hook on a crankbait.

Most crankbaits tend to run with the forward end slightly lower than the back. With the treble hook removed, the body of the lure will bounce off submerged objects taking with it the rear hook.

NUMBER TWO is when you hang up. The most obvious way to get unstuck is to pull the bait lose from whatever has snagged it. Failing that, pop the line.

Hold the rod in one hand. With the other, pull some slack in the line between the reel and the first rod guide. Allow the line to pop tight. The jarring of the line sometimes will move the lure backward freeing it from the submerged object. Repeat several times until the lure works loose.

NUMBER THREE AND FOUR involve the use of products on the market under several trade names. The first is an extendable rod that has a spiral coil at the end. The tool extends to about 8 feet. The spiral portion captures the line and then slides down it to the lure. It captures the lure and breaks it loose.

The next is a heavy weight on the end of a strong line. Fasten it to the fishing line and allow the weight to slide down the captured lure. The then pull the strong rope back to you as it pulls the lure and fishing line free.

NUMBER FIVE is the Ultimate LureSaver Titanium R/S System. It is a big name for a very small product. The system allows you to pull lures free instantly without having to move the boat or move along the shore to another location. It allows retrieval without disturbing the fish.

The device is made of Titanium and replaces the split rings that hold the hooks. When the lure hangs up, the angler simply wraps the line around his hand and pulls steadily. The LureSaver opens, releasing the hook from the lure. It then closes again and you get everything back except the hook. Back at the boat, just replace the hook and your back in business.

Because the LureSaver is made of Titanium, it has a lot of memory and always returns to its original shape. The quick replacement of hooks allows for more time spent fishing instead of repairing tackle or messing with trying to get the lure up from the entanglement. It does not have any effect on the action of the lure.

A neat thing about this product is that it allows you to fish structure, rocky bottoms, brush piles and weeds without the fear of losing valuable crankbaits. It also cuts down on the amount of line and lure trash that is left in the water.

This product should be available in most tackle stores and bait shops. If you need help in finding it, contact the company at their website of www.ultimateluresaver.com.