Modifying A Sammy 85

[Al Agnew]

Be sure and let us know how it works in the water. As I remember, I removed both of the big balls in that one cavity on mine. I also wonder whether removing the bigger ball nearest the tail would work as well or better than removing those other balls. Problem is that it looks to be much more difficult to get it out.

[dtrs5kprs]

Looks well done. Such a nicely sized bait. Wish they walked like their big brother right out of the package.

[Mitch f]

Good job man, working on something like that with another bait

[MOsmallies]

Well I was finally able to get the modified Sammy in the water this weekend to see how the action has changed. Now I didn't actually target fish with it, I just threw it off the dock and walked it back in a couple dozen times. Let me also preface by saying that I did not use the optimal rod or line size that I plan on using with it this summer. I tested it with a 6'8" MH jig rod with 15 lb test (not remotely ideal) because that's all I really had with me...

The first thing I noticed is that removing that one ball bearing has made the Sammy quite a bit lighter than I anticipated. I was still able to cast it with good distance just fine though. The Sammy no longer sits vertical like a long bobber. It sat at a much more horizontal angle when at rest, with the tail just slightly lower. The strange thing was that it actually laid slightly rolled on it's side when at rest. Not fully on it's side, just slightly off. It actually looked kind of cool laying on it's side like an injured or dying minnow. However... that did not affect the walking action which I was pretty pleased with. With the rod and line size I was using, it would not walk real far from side to side, probably just 6 inches or so, but I think throwing it on a medium action rod with 8 to 10 lb test will help it walk farther side to side. The feathered treble also adds great action that I think may help a few finicky fish to commit.

Once I actually use it to target smallies in a couple weeks I'll try to report back again.

Paul

MOsmallies

[rps]

If you finally decide you want the bait to float upright, change the body hook to something slightly heavier. A VMC Barbarian would be an example.

[MOsmallies]

Great idea RPS... I have size 6 kvd mustad trebles on there currently... Maybe I'll try replacing the belly one with a size 4. Thanks for the suggestion

[Al Agnew]

The feathered treble may keep it from walking widely. I've tried feathers on Sammies before and they don't seem to do very well with them.

[joeD]

With all of the changes, it's not a Sammy anymore. But, I admire your tinkering, Rodney Copperbottom!

[MOsmallies]

RPS's trick definitely helped the Sammy sit much more upright when at rest. I replaced the belly treble with a size 4 from a size 6. The feathered tail treble is still a size 6. This combined with a Medium action rod and 10 lb co-polymer line resulted in much better and more consistent walking action. I love the action and look of this bait now. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I can put it in front of some smallies this weekend. Thanks again for everyone's suggestions.

Gavin - If you still have that Sammy 85, I'd be happy to make the modifications and send it back to you. I've really enjoyed this process and would love to fix a bait you may not be using in it's current state. I already have all the materials, so there'd be no cost. PM me if you're interested.

Paul

MOsmallies

[Gavin]

Thanks for the report and your offer Paul..Have all the stuff to mod it here if I ever get around to it..