Stingers; what, how, when and make your own!
Little stinger rigs are short hook extensions, easy to use, versitile and simple to make. The basic stinger is made of one hook, short piece of line and either a lure clip or split ring. Fully adaptable to lure, harness or jig, the rig can be used in many applications. Just a basic set up that can be made in just minutes.
If you want to buy them, thats fine. They are reasonably priced and available in most stores that stock fishing equipment. Popular brands include Northland and Lindy, and available in two hook types with variations.
One has a clip attached that can be hooked to a split ring on a lure or a jig. The other has either a loop in the line or a split ring, both are covered in a material that allows for placing over a hook and remaining in place while fishing. Most common sizes are 1 and 1/2 to 3 inches in length. The hook styles include a single bait hook and a treble version to choose from.
Best times to use the stinger rig include when fish seem to be mouthing your bait or short striking it. Mouthing occurs when the fish will close their mouth over the bait, and then remain motionless with it. Short strikes are when the fish are taking swipes at your lure, jig or harness and just missing it. More often than not, the angler never knows it happend. But, if you are marking fish on your finder and not catching fish, give it a shot. On the average it will improve your catch totals.
If you want to make your own, go for it. One of the coolest things about fishing, is making something yourself and putting fish in the cooler. For the most part I use a lot Mustad hooks, but there are several brands available today that will work. Try using a #4 or #6 livebait hook, or #10 treble. Have some fun, make a few up with bronze and red. I’m using 20 lb Berkley Big Game for the line. If you want to be a little extra stealthy, 17 lb Berkley Vanish fluorocarbon will provide that lil extra line invisibility factor. For your own preference experiment, and you could choose from 14, 15, 17 and 20 lb. The lure clips are available at Jann’s Netcraft, Cabela’s and Knutson’s that I know of in the area. Most fly shops and catalogs will carry them, as well. These slide over the split ring, or some jigs ( Northland Fire-Ball) have an extra eye just for the clip. The style that slips over the hook can be made with a split ring or just by tieing a loop knot. You want some type of slicone or rubberized paint. Once it dries around the loop or ring, it is ready to slide over any hook.
July 20th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Out on the rivers we like to use tube baits and crawlers. When necessary we tie on a trailer rig using the methods you describe and it does work. Don’t be afraid to give it a try it works. Great tip!
River Walleye Fishing