If the lure's tail gets bitten off, is it easy to replace?
Yes, push the tail upward, out of the slot, and push another tail in, downward, into the tail slot until it snaps in.
Are the SpoolTek Lures versatile in different water depths?
Yes, for most inshore applications, they can be steadily retrieved in water as shallow as 2 1/2 to 3 feet deep, and slowly bumped off ledges to depths of 45 feet or more. In offshore applications, they can be effective near the bottom in water well over 100 feet deep.
What is the most common scenario for effective use?
In many cases, the lures excel in moderate current speeds, with water depths of 8 to 20 feet.
Is the deployment of the leader distracting to the angler?
No, normally the angler will not notice the deployment since the leader length is only 12 inches, and spool tension is moderate during the deployment.
Can head and tail colors be successfully interchanged?
Yes, basically, all color mixes can produce good results, and it is up to the angler to find the best mixes for a particular application. The retail packs are sold in uniform colors, but various head and tail mixes can be very effective.
Which colors produce best results in silty or stained water conditions?
The “After Hours” color, which is a royal purple/ black back, and the “Gold Digger”, which is a black back with a gold body, are especially productive colors in this case due to their bold silhouette.
Which colors produce best in clear water conditions?
In many cases, the olive pearl bunker and natural colors are very effective in clear water conditions. This may vary, from area to area, and whether or not you are fishing at night or during the day.
Is the hook difficult to place back into the hook slot (hook eye chamber)?
No, when winding the leader back onto the spool, make sure the hook eye is flat while it enters the hook slot. Then continue winding the hook eye into the lure and push the hook the rest of the way until it fits snugly.
Can the hook be changed?
Yes. Cut the hook off and tie another one on with a variety of knots that you might use with mono line or leader. (clinch, uni knot, figure 8). A crimp can be added to the tag end of the knot for added security, or if adequate tools are available to you, a simple crimp will do fine.
Can a variety of hooks be used on the SpoolTek Lures?
Yes, but hook eye diameters are matched with hook slot diameters, so some quick engineering may be needed if smaller hook eye diameters are chosen. This may include building up the eye diameter of the replacement hook with materials such as epoxy, thread, tape, etc.
How is the leader attached to the spool?
The leader is crimped in a loop, doubled, then fed through a hole in the one piece spool. Then it is looped around spool arbor tightly, forming a very secure connection.
Is there a "wire - through" construction with these baits, and is it necessary?
No, there is not, and it is not necessary since the leader material is 80 lb. test. The stainless steel swivel (tying eyelet) is 200 lb test and is supported with a molded post through its internal end. The spool itself and the lure body both have a breakload to exceed 200 lbs. So, the leader material, testing at 80 lbs is the only point where breakage can occur.
If sand gets into the spool area and makes spooling difficult, what can be done?
In this situation, flush the sides of the lure where the spool edge is exposed with some running water from a hose. Use higher pressure flushing if necessary.
What types of retrieves are good to use with SpoolTek Lures?
There are many retrieve patterns that produce well, including straight cranking or trolling, when a large area needs to be covered. If you are fishing an area that is somewhat free of bottom structure, a pause and drag retrieve is excellent. In this case, the lure is allowed to go to the bottom and cranked for 5 to 6 feet and then paused and allowed to go back to the bottom. This is repeated throughout the entire retrieve. ‘Slow rolling’ retrieves are used mainly in cross currents and clear bottoms. The lure is cast up current and then allowed to sweep with the current until it is downstream. Jigging retrieves work particularly well along ledges. In this case, use the lure as you would a standard plastic tailed jig.
How light can an angler typically go with the leader material or main line with SpoolTek Lures?
In almost all cases, the fisherman can drop down leader sizes to at least half of the normally used leader sizes, and many times can drop down up to 75% of the leader size. This obviously results in far better lure action and more strikes due to the fish not seeing the leader.