Applications

Drop Shot

The choice of hook depends on the angler although a circle hook is very effective. Use a Palomar knot to tie the hook on the line. For instructions on tying a Palomar knot click here. Fluorocarbon and monofilament lines work well. Use 6-10 lb line for general fishing.

Salamander Sinkers drop shot is tied directly to the pole line. This prevents loss of the sinker. Insert the line through the eye of the swivel and tie your favorite knot. This rig works great for bass, crappies and other species. Retie the knot connecting the line periodically to prevent line/knot failure.

Baits can vary from 3-5 inch worms or dropshot plastics to live bait. Hook the bait at the end with the hook exposed for normal conditions. The bait can also be rigged weedless if fishing in an obstructed environment. The length of the tag line or leader can vary also. Usually a length of 6 to 24 inches is sufficient.

Drift fishing applications with Salamander Sinkers

The diagram below shows how much area can be covered using the Salamander Sinkers. By targeting cast to specific areas an angler can cover a vast amount of space. Also by leaving the bale open after the cast the current will carry the bait down stream and pull line off the spool greatly extending the casting distance.

Attach the sinker leader to one of the eyes with15 to 30 lb test line. Attach the bait leader to an eye with 10 to 12 pounds pound test line. Use 15 to 30 lb test for the pole line.

Carolina Rig

The traditional Carolina Rig style where a leader of 6 to 36 inches is attached to the sinker. Any traditional bait such as worms, grubs, and other soft plastics can be used in addition to natural bait.

Another application is with a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader with a Styrofoam floating rig such as a Lindy® Rig or Carolina® Floater attached near the hook. The Styrofoam keeps the baited hook off the bottom where the fish can see it. It also keeps the hook from snagging and debris from fouling the bait. A combination hook and floating device is also available from Maumee Tackle and Bass Pro®. Either natural or artificial bait can be used.

The sinker is extremely effective in current such as oceans, swift rivers and creeks where the angler casts upstream and allows the current to push the rig downstream. It doesn't bounce in current like a jig but slides across the rocks allowing the bait to remain at a constant level and speed semi-independent of the sinker. Due to its inline design, the sinker will not tumble or entangle in swift current or during a fast retrieve.

Use the model 142 for slow current and model 144 for swift current. Another feature is that the angler can control the action of the bait by applying slight movement on the rod as it drifts in the current. By adding and removing weights the angler can adjust the speed of the sinker in current.

The configuration below shows the sinker with the end cap removed and the weights exposed.

Some presentations are:

Boon doggling
Bottom Bouncing
Carolina Rig fishing
Casting
Current fishing
Drift Fishing
Side drifting
Trolling

Line: When fishing with Salamander Sinkers always use the larger test rated line on your pole rather than on your leader. For example if the leader is rated at 10 lb test use at least 20 to 30 lb (preferably braided for sensitivity) test on your pole. The reason for this requirement is the hook will inadvertently encounter an obstruction at the bottom of the fishing environment and become snagged. When pressure is applied to the line a break will occur at the least point of resistance which in this case will be the leader. The break will most likely occur where the leader is attached to the hook or the sinker.

Leader: Use fluorocarbon or monofilament line for your leader. Fluorocarbon is practically invisible to fish while the stretch properties of monofilament line allows for better hook set.

Knots: Attach one end of the leader to the closed end of the sinker and attach the other end of the leader to the hook and tie with a knot. There are many different types of knots that can be used depending on the preference of the angler. There are three great sites that contain details on knots used specifically for fishermen. One web site is Grog™ which has a section devoted to fishing. Another good place to learn how to tie knots for fishing is TnOutdoorsmen. Finally, if you like videos try VideoFishingKnots.

Hooks: Various types of hooks can be used with Salamander Sinkers. Jig tails and grub tails work well with a floating jig. Regular hooks can also be used especially if they are bent at the eye such as worm hooks. Do not use weight jig hooks or attach additional weight to the hook. The hook should be as light and small as possible.

Baits: Plastic worms on a worm hook have been staple bait for many fishermen. Color selection is a consideration and the general rule is dark colors in darker water and light colors in lighter water. Shape and size are experimental, personal and subjective matters. Popular soft plastics include worms, lizards, and tubes in a wide range of colors. Make sure the point of the hook is slightly embedded in the bait to prevent snagging with obstructions. Live bait such as minnows and worms can also be used.

Rods: The selection of a rod should be based on your personal preference and the fishing environment. The river angler wading in waist deep water may prefer a 6 foot medium action rod for control and usability while a bass fisherman on a boat may prefer a 7 foot rod because it is better suited for his quarry. Make sure your rod is rated for the weight of the sinker.

Reels: Open face spinning reels work well with Salamander Sinkers. High gear ratios allow the angler to take up slack in the line quickly when fishing in a fast environment such as swift water. Bait casting reels are exceptional when fishing calmer waters.

That's about all there is to rigging up Salamander Sinkers. Try the sinkers for yourself and you will experience the performance, fun and pleasure of what fishing should be!

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