View Full Version : Worm Harness
What are the best worm harnesses and how do you rig them for drifting Lake Erie? Does anybody use Erie Dearies any more? Am going out from Port Clinton June 13 & 14 on head boat. Any advice would be appreciated. Cranks? Jigs?
Search: weapons, casting harnesses, flipping harnesses & mayfly rigs... those are what you'll want.
FreeByrd
05-15-2006, 10:10 AM
The other methods mentioned by ETT have become much more popular over the last few years but I'm sure some are still using the classic Erie Dearie / weight forward spinners - and with all the fish from the 2003 reaching legal size this year I'd bet the odds are good for success if you want to work weight forward spinners - it won't hurt to bring a few along, but be prepared to use the other methods if you see they are working better. Lots of good headboat choices in Port Clinton. Stop in and see the guys at Fisherman's Wharf for tackle needs before your trip. They have multiple boats out every day and know what is working.
Most of the headboats will be using some type of casting harness by then and have you "working the swing" as much as possible in a headboat situation. Casting cranks would likely work on some days but I'd NOT recommend trying that on a crowded headboat when everyone else is working casting harnesses / weight forwards - a good way to cause a lot of tangles.
Best bet is to call the service you are going out with a few days before to confirm what is being used. Even better if you get in town the evening before and can go in the tackle shops for the up to date info - or get there very early the morning of the trip. The boats all have a Capt and Mate. Let them know you haven't fished in a while and could use some advice - pay attention to what they show you. If there are a few people catching more fish than others on the boat (usually are) put down your rod for a few minutes and observe what they are using / doing.
Steve
My plan exactly. Will try to get up there about noon or 1:00 the day before we go out. Talk to them at Fisherman's Wharf and watch the first boats come in. Thanks for your help.
BIG Ray SR
05-15-2006, 04:03 PM
Your best bet is to talk to the people at the marina. I go out of the Shore-nuf charters. They will show you how to rig your line. You will need a few different sizes of egg sinkers. Listen to the Captains when he sets the boat up to drift. He will tell you where he is marking fish. Down so far and on the bottom. He will tell you for what weight you can use and how to count your lure down to the fish zone.If you can get a few harnesses with quick change spinner blades to be able to change the color. Gold, Purple, red and white are some of the standard colors. Gold is the main stay for consistantly putting fish in the boat. Good luck and keep a tight line.
bob oh
05-16-2006, 07:24 AM
If you are going to work a worm rig I would get in-line sinkers with swivels on both ends. I am sure the Wharf has them; a lot easier to switch harnesses and a lot less twist. I agree with Freebyrd, I'd get some weight-forwards - gold, chartreuse, dark green for sure.
rod bender bob