Northwest Fishing Reports

We're gonna' go hit Offut again and go rent a boat this weekend. I don't own a boat, so I'm usually just fishing from shore or a dock. Last time, we just anchored down and casted out w/some power bait, around a 4' lead, worked pretty well. But, I want to try some trolling this time. Any tips on trolling a wedding ring would be greatly appreciated (set up, how much lead, weight if any etc.)
I picked up 5 wedding rings, 4 different colors, 2 with smaller hooks, and 3 with average size hooks for trout.

Anyway, stoked to get out and try it, just wanted to get the scoop from the pro's out there.
Thanks

Jimi

Jimi,
here's my input, although I'm no expert, I've used this technique over the years and it usually produces. Use the Double whammy if you have one and put on a crawler so that only about 1" or so hangs back below the bottom hook. Attach to a size #7 black barrel swivel. put on a #4 crimp lead above the swivel(maybe 2 with warmer weather, the fish go deeper) OR attach a set of Ford fender pop gear (4 blades) Leave the lead on with the pop gear. Pull out line slowly (usually around 40 or 50 pulls)while you're moving so's it doesn't get tangled up. You can also use the wedding ring without popgear. Just mix it up and experiment. If you're getting weeds or bottom, take off the weight. Just move fast enough to make the blades spin slowly. Let us know how you did! Good luck and I hope I helped.

When fishing for Trout when I'm not casting a Trout Pellet Fly I always throw on a Mack's lure Flash Light Troll in front of my wedding rings and a little piece of worm on the hook.

troll a nightcraler with just a split shot

I'm not a pro but I have some experience with this method of fishing. First off, the lake in which you are going to be fishing isn't that deep so this time of year the fish you catch may have a mossy or muddy taste to them due to the warm water temps. I haven't bought a pre-tied wedding ring spinner for several decades as I like to make my own. I would re-tie the store bought lures with a premium flourocarbon leader material in 6lb test and make the leader at least 3' long. If you do this you can also change out the stock hooks for a colored hook if it doesn't already sport one. I also have been tying them with two hooks, like a walleye rig, for use on kokanee. As for fishing a wedding ring style spinner rig you have a few options. You can fish it by itself, with gang trolls or with a flasher/dodger. I've enjoyed using the flashlites gang troll made by Mack's Lures. It has less drag, spins at very slow speeds, puts out a lot of flash and you don't need to worry about the blades tarnishing. If you fish the spinner by itself be sure to use at least one swivel, two is best, spaced a couple of feet apart to prevent line twist and place the weight above the last swivel. With a gang troll I use a rudder/keel to stop the line from twisting and also on witch to attach the weight. With a mini flasher/dodger I go with a long leader 3' to 5' so as not to hamper the action of the equipment. Use bait, worm, maggots, powerbait, shrimp, corn, etc. on the hook(s) and start shallow in the mornings and keep adding weight to go deeper as the day goes by. You shouldn't need too much as the lake is only about 20' deep at it's deepest point. If you use a gang troll, vary the length of you leader (1' to 3'), as at times the fish like it close to the blades, sometimes farther back.

PS - If you aren't familiar with tying an egg loop/bumper knot for your hooks you'll want to learn it. There are many guides to be found on the internet, here is a link that can get you started. http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com/reso ... erknot.htm You will need to re-tie your wedding ring rigs eventually, especially if you vary your leader length.

For tying a two hook rig just thread on a second hook, after tying on the first hook, an inch or two above the tied hook and repeat.

Put it behind a ford fender, no weight and go as slow as you can with the little blade spinning. Tip with worm.