Fishing for Wipers

[Trout_lover]

I thought I'd head up to Newcastle Reservoir next week to fish for trout. After I get my fill of the bows I want to troll for the wipers. I have a couple of #9 jointed Rapalas I want to try. Has anybody had any luck with the Rapalas? Also, have a chartreuse Pot-of-Gold spoon I'd like to try. I don't know if that works for trout or bass. Thanks.
[signature]

[Old_Coot]

Size #9 seems a bit big for my liking on those jointed Rapalas. And, for some reason, non-jointed lures work better for wipers than jointed ones (just my opinion). Size 7 is the largest I ever use on Willard wipers and the size 7s don't start working good until the water warms up. Early spring trolling requires SLOW trolling with smaller size 5 Rapalas.
[signature]

[Trout_lover]

ok, I got some smaller non-jointed Rapalas but they don't dive very deep. I just pulled out a #5 perch but I need to check the leader lines. How much leader line do you use with those Rapalas? Is 2 feet long enough or do you use more length?
[signature]

[ekimjack]

I don't use any leader when trolling for wipers. I hook a snap to the line and a rapala to that.
[signature]

[Old_Coot]

I do use leader but I do because my main line is braid. I use to tie directly to the lure but found that using leader really improved my catch rate.

My main line is 14 lb. braid and my leader is 12 or 14 lb. 100% fluorocarbon.

I use about 6 feet of leader.

I tried to PM you a copy of my notes but my document was a little bit larger than what BFT allows. If you would like to [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=message;user=451"]send me your e-mail address in a PM private message[/url], I'll shoot you a copy of lots of good Willard Wiper info (lures, locations, trolling speeds, techniques, etc.)

--- Coot ---
[signature]

[Trout_lover]

I'll have to try it both ways. I watched "Hooked on Utah" on the Willard Bay segment and they were attaching the crankbaits to the snap-swivels. Looks easy enough. They were hitting them good. I'd like to find a blue Rapala Countdown on sale.
[signature]

[Old_Coot]

I think I need to clarify ... I always use leader and I most definately DO use a do-lock snaps ... never a swivel of any kind because none of the lures I use at Willard "spin". The snap makes it a "snap" to change lures often.
[signature]

[altizerbd]

I always use leader and I most definately DO use a do-lock snaps ... never a swivel of any kind because none of the lures I use at Willard "spin".

Do you not use the swivels because they reduce action or something? Reason I ask is that I have had some mad line twists from fouled hooks on plugs. So, for that reason I use a swivel on everything.
[signature]

[Old_Coot]

Good question altiz,

Here are the types of lures I use at Willard trolling for wipers: lipless crank baits, diving crank baits (with lips), soft plastics with jig lead heads, top watter poppers, top water zara spooks, etc..

None of the above lures spin (when properly fished).

Yea, once in a blue moon I'll have a problem with a lure and it will twist up. But that is very unusual.

So, if none of my lures spin, I have no need for a swivel or a snap with a swivel.

I use #1 Duolock snaps only out there. Larger is too large and smaller is too small. Also, I have tried other brands of snaps but none of them are as easy to open with my thumb nail as the DuoLock brand.

And, a swivel or a swivel/snap combo just adds a gob of something that looks less natural than just that little snap.

The main reason I don't use snaps is because how they "look" hooked to a lure. However, even if they were invisable, I wouldn't use them because I don't need them ... again, my wiper lures don't spin.

Man, you sure have got me excited for the up-coming wiper season. [cool] [] [cool]

[#ff0000]EDIT:[/#ff0000] [#bf0000]EXCEPTION ... Often times when fishing the wiper boils, I'll use a 3/8 oz. blue/silver Kastmaster. And those DO twist a bit. On that occation, I will use a swivel snap.
[/#bf0000]
[signature]

[altizerbd]

You troll spooks and poppers? Sounds like fishing for tuna out there! Just playing, never heard of that though.

I use the swivel to attach my leader to my main line and a straight improved clinch to the lure. I think I am in the clear with that setup

Thanks for the breakdown.
[signature]

[Old_Coot]

[quote altizerbd]You troll spooks and poppers?[/quote]

No ... I don't troll top watter lures. Sorry if I mis-lead ya.

(I've seen it tried before though ... LOL)
[signature]