Ned Rig Gopher Tackle

[rogerdodger]

Looks like Gopher tackle didn't renew their domain name. http://www.gophertackle.com/ reveals an ad site for domain names. Just when I was going to give a try of their 1/16 oz mushrooms, other wise I'll be forced to make my own again which work well but are labor intensive although it does allow me to use those wicked sharp black nickel Matzuo's. Hopefully they will get it straightened out.

[dtrs5kprs]

Those are nice looking heads, and I am a connoisseur.

Phone number I have for Gopher is:

218-546-8195, Darrick Peterson, owner

Ned did a piece on Gopher a year or so ago, sounded like there were some health issues,etc. Hope that is not the case. Will check with Ned regarding their status.

[Travis Swift]

what size hook is that sickle? is that just a round head shaved down? they look good!

[kjackson]

Connie Peterson was the guy I talked to umpteen years ago, so I'm guessing Darrick is the relative...perhaps he took over.

[rogerdodger]

Well its a 1/16 ball head that I placed in a vise and tap flat with a hammer. I then powder coat which adds alot of strength after I cure them in the oven. Having removed the lead barb leaving the shank bare I put on a ribbed body of fly tying lead wire and cover with epoxy. The ribbed lead wire greatly helps prevent the twisting and doubling over which these baits are prone to. I took a chance last year and started to learn how to fish the Ned. It will make you the most deadly of finesse angler. Fishing a drop off the channel near Indian last yr. I landed a 5.5 lb LM only to be followed by a 26" Walleye. Success like that will make you go to great lengths to get everything right.......Roger. The hooks I like are the #4 Matzuo Black Nickel Sickle. I also use Black Nickle Sickles on A rigs, they will bend under extreme pull allowing you to get the rig back. They are inexpensive whether you buy them poured on ebay or as I do buy the hooks and pour your own.

[dtrs5kprs]

Connie Peterson was the guy I talked to umpteen years ago, so I'm guessing Darrick is the relative...perhaps he took over.

Son.

[Pepe]

Very nice work. Great idea to flatten the head that way. Thanks for sharing

[abkeenan]

Well its a 1/16 ball head that I placed in a vise and tap flat with a hammer. I then powder coat which adds alot of strength after I cure them in the oven. Having removed the lead barb leaving the shank bare I put on a ribbed body of fly tying lead wire and cover with epoxy. The ribbed lead wire greatly helps prevent the twisting and doubling over which these baits are prone to. I took a chance last year and started to learn how to fish the Ned. It will make you the most deadly of finesse angler. Fishing a drop off the channel near Indian last yr. I landed a 5.5 lb LM only to be followed by a 26" Walleye. Success like that will make you go to great lengths to get everything right.......Roger. The hooks I like are the #4 Matzuo Black Nickel Sickle. I also use Black Nickle Sickles on A rigs, they will bend under extreme pull allowing you to get the rig back. They are inexpensive whether you buy them poured on ebay or as I do buy the hooks and pour your own.

Another Matzuo fan here and also Sickle hook fan on certain applications as well. I use them swimming grubs sometimes, use them on my a-rigs and also use them exclusively on my crappie jigs.

[dtrs5kprs]

Answer from Ned, re: Gopher website

"Dave:

I gavePeterson a call this morning to report that the website was afloul.

You can call Gopher at 218-546-8195.

Best wishes,

Ned

PS -- Fished from 12'30 p.m. to 3:35 p.m. today. The green-pumpkin Finesse ShadZ on a chartreuse 1/32-ounce Gopher (occasional on a 1/16-ouncer) caught 48 of the 53 largemouth bass. All were caught in two to four feet of water. The surface temp in the best area was 43 degrees."

[Guest]

Dang,

He told me that his technique was deadly in cold water. That's crazy.