I’ve never had or used a lure retriever. I’ve always used heavy enough gear, or cheap lures not to worry about it. Last year I started using lighter line, and more expensive lures. Well after loosing several Lucky Crafts, Sebile’s, Tru Tungsten Swimbaits, and manhandling resulting in several broken rods I stepped back and invested in a $15 lure retriever.
The lure retriever was a great investment saving me a lot of time messing with below the surface snags. One thing I found is that there is no line management. The line gets twisted, and knotted easily. So one day I was out in the garage, and saw a piece of 1″dia PVC pipe, I cut it to 7 1/2in perfect for the palm of my hand. I knew that I would need something grippy around the PVC so I put one layer of black electrical tape around it. I then tied the end without the retriever securely to the PVC and wrapped the line around the PVC. This allows me to store the lure retriever and be able to manage the line. Now I’m not trying to remove knots from the line to be able to use the tool. The PVC also allows a nice firm grip so when the chains do get entangled in the hooks or hook of the bait I can pull with confidence.
When and if you get snagged attempt to get directly over your snag. Keep your fishing rod in one hand and lure retriever in the other. Then place your fishing line in the circular wires of the retriever, and let the weight with the chains attached slide freely down your line and when it stops or you feel it your lure bounce the retriever up and down until you feel the chains entangle with the lure. Then pull your lure free from the snag. Sometimes just the weight of the retriever will free a snag, and sometimes you must entangle the chains of the retriever in the hooks of the lure you are trying to free.
Good luck, and please practice safe handling of fish, and catch and release.
Jeremy
4 thoughts on “Got Lure Retreiver???”
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Good post Jeremy…I just invested in a plug retriever myself. I too had a piece of PVC lying around and used it for the handle. This is a must as you said to prevent tangling. I spent about ten minutes getting the knots out of the line after opening the package.
D
I used one today to save my A-rig from the rocks!
I’m glad it worked out for you, I would hate to loose an Alabama Rig, or Tennessee Rig with Hollow Bodied swimbaits as that could cost you over $50 depending on what baits you are throwing.
Jeremy Meier
Saved a brand new Lucky Craft Stayzee Saturday during a tournament. I don’t use it often, but it has long ago paid for itself.