Winter 2024
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into each hole. Alternatively, I would apply adhesive lead tape at the chin. Others tried the same bait (unaware of my modification) and would wonder why I was getting bit, and they weren’t.
NOT AS SECRET, BUT JUST AS IMPORTANT - HACK #3
Tuning a crankbait out of the package, or after modification, was another trick that separated winners and losers. Rarely did a lure run true out of the package. Knowing when and how to bend the front eye and lure hangars were keys to success. Having sharp hooks was as critical back then as now.
Regarding hooks, back in the day tournament anglers painstakingly hand-sharpened every hook including trebles. We would watch Sunday fishing shows and
football games with a pile of blued carbon steel hooks and a whet stone on our lap, slowly sharpening each point until it wouldn’t drag across your thumb nail.
When Snag Proof frogs came onto the scene, the hookup ratio was disheartening until you learned to bend out the hooks enough to widen the gap and get the hook point in a better position. Now they come with premium Gamakatsu EWG hooks.
SECRET LURE HACK #4: SHAVING, WIRE AND FEATHERS
Another popular lure modification attributed to Zell Rowland was to shave the bottom lip of a Pop-R, and thin both sides of the mouth by filing them. Many good lures were ruined in the process, but when done correctly produced a lure that spit and sounded
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