Big Whites

[SKMO]

Martin's setup sounds excellent, especially if it will get you to depth without so much line out. Less line is good for better hookups and getting the thing in and out quicker. It can be a chore cranking in big whites from way far out. Actually it's a chore just getting the crankbait in and out. I have tried some other configurations tying onto the plug which always got fouled but not the exact one he explained which sounds like a winner.

Also if you are doing this in a lake that is not as clear as TR you might not need a plug that will run to extreme depths. I did a lot of this on Grand Lake in the past where you only needed to get it down 15 feet or so. I used Bomber flat-A's exclusively cause they always ran straight and true.

As a note one thing I have noticed on Grand and TR both is that often you can definitely locate a bunch of WB and catch one or two on every pass, have them pegged down to an exact location. It would seem you could park nearby and load the boat casting to them with a grub or spoon or whatever.... I have tried that numerous times and it has never once worked for me. I think the noise and attraction of the plug, plus the speed it is presented trigger strikes.

[Martin]

Hey and another way to shorten up your "line out length" is to use 10 lb Fireline. It is approx the dia. of 4 lb test mono, so it really gets a crankbait down good. Stay with a mono or floro leader though. You need some stretch somewhere as the Fireline has none.

[slipknot]

Thanks again everyone!!!! hey Martin have you ever removed the front hook on the Magnum Hellbender rather than snapping on to the shank of the front hook?

[Jason Essary]

My two cents. Ive done great on a trolling rig that can go to any depth. A local tackle store in Kimberling City (across from summerfresh) sells trolling weights that weigh ounce and 1/2 with swivels on both ends and wings on the side. The wings stablize the somewhat downrigger and help make it dig. U can troll it to any depth by letting line out and adjusting the speed of the troll. Ive done wonderful around point 5 this time of year. Mixed bags sometimes. Kent, smallies, largemouth maybe, Whites alot, even perch, channels and small flatheads very early, crappies, and heard of walleyes but never hooked one. I use 1/4 ounce white roostertails to troll with bass rods, and keep spoons tied on spinning outfits for when I see fish busting the surface.

[Martin]

Slipknot, no, I have never removed the front hook but you just have to experiment and see how the hellbender rides. Afterall, it is the main part in the whole equation. If you attach a 1/4 oz roostertail to the rear eyelet on a hellbender, you have little or no luck getting the HB to dive. If you use the 3-way rig as described so well by SKMO, the front hook could go. It kind of also depends on where you troll this monster. lol...... If you are going to be in the tree's, you'd better rig with a 3-way. If you are going to stay mainly on the flats (with few tree's), you can leave more hooks on.

We're talkin' fishing now. I think the more hooks the better. lol. That's just me though. You guys get out there and fine tune this stuff. One more tip. We usually remove the factory hook from the roostertail and put on a slightly bigger and feathered hook. Those big ole whites like that white and red feathered hook and you'll loose less fish with the bigger hook.

Man, where can you go and get better info than ozarkanglers.com ?

[Martin]

Oops, didn't mean to forget Coyote. I've seen those trolling weights at Sniders. Great idea. I need to try that also.....

There are other companies that make trolling divers. I'll have to look around for the info. I have used a plastic diver called a "Jet Diver". They come in a few different sizes and basically, they do the part of the hellbender. The will pull a smallish lure, such as the roostertail, down to specific depths. And they float if you stop the boat. Believe it or not, a 1/4 oz roostertail will sink a magnum hellbender so beware if you have to stop the boat.

Dang, my fever is up !

[slipknot]

hey Martin this forum ROCKS that is for sure !!!!!!

FYI: Where I come from the notebookers at http://www.fishing-notebook.com/forum/default.asp are in your league when it comes to professionalism and willingness to share their knowledge.

This thread just gets better and better. I am studying hard and doing my homework. Thanks again to all of my Professors for this outstanding class

[Martin]

Massers Bill Babler, Don House, SKMO, and all the other great fisherman and guides are the real backbone of this great forum. (Sure didn't mean to leave anybody out - There are so many).

These guys are on the water most everyday and have been fishing for many, many years. It's a rare forum to get that much REAL input.

[Jason Essary]

DITTO MARTIN, I try to help when its something that I know about, but Ive learned TOONNNNSSSS more than Ive given out. Thanks to all the boys on here, Large and Small.

[slipknot]

hey Martin (and all of the fellow posters) - if you all do not mind one last question.

Would I be correct that a #4 hook is the size you referenced in replacing the stock Roostertail treble hook with?

Thank you all and I hope to meet some of you out on the Rock sometime.

I will be in a gray and black G3 V170 C V Hull with a 60hp Yamaha on it floating over a school of whites - come and join me please