Lure Retrievers - Worth Their Weight in Plugs
Dateline 08/24/98
Long ago I learned to make a lure retriever to save plugs hung on stuff on the bottom of the lake. In most farm ponds I could get my expensive plugs back. There were many times I stripped and went swimming to get a plug loose from a stump or rock out of my reach. As I got older I found I could order or buy lure retrievers and keep my clothes on. I also found I could make my own and save even more money.
Retrievers come in a variety of styles. One of the easiest to use is one that clips on your line and slides down to knock the plug loose. The problem with this style is you may lose the plug knocker and the plug. I made my own by getting a big split ring, adding half a dozen six inch pieces of light chain like key chain and a heavy three ounce sinker. This is tied to a strong cord so I can let is slide down the line and hang the plug, then pull both loose and back to me. You can also buy one similar to this. These will work to any depth the cord will reach. You can use a variety of kinds of cords, even a dog leash!
For lures hung in shallow water - 15 feet or so deep - a pole retriever works well. A little more difficult to store in the boat and to use, they work and I keep one in my boat. It will also pull lures out of trees. Of course none of us would ever cast up into a tree but it works that way too! The one I have has more than paid for itself. They would be somewhat difficult to make.
Lure retrievers are great - I won't leave home without one. With plugs costing $5 to $10, they are well worth the effort to make or buy and carry with you.
Any comments on lure retrievers? Tell me about any experiences you have. Have you ever made one? Do you have any stories about them? If so, you can also post information about it for others on my message board - you must register to post but can read the board as a guest. Also, if you have a story about lure retrievers, let me know about it at fishing.guide@about.com. for a "Fishtale"or discuss it in the chat room on every night at 8:00 EST. Tell others what you like.
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