View Full Version : Tuning Reef runners
I have several reef runners and have never caught a fish on one. I fish erie and have heard everyone else talking about all the fish they catch on this lure. I think I may need to tune them but I am not sure how to do this. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Jim
FreeByrd
05-19-2000, 06:45 AM
Jim,
The reef runners can be a little tough to tune but worth the effort. Same as tuning any crank, if it is veering off to the left bend the eye to the right, or vice versa. Do this with a small set of needlenose pliers. Do it in small increments. It doesn't take much to affect these lures. After adjusting - let it back far enough to keep out of prop wash and see if it is running true. Another issue may be your speed. Part of waht makes the reefrunners so effective on the eyes is their wobble. This can be exagerated at higher trolling speeds to the point where the it will roll.
Good Luck,
Steve
Jim O
05-19-2000, 07:26 AM
Yes the eyes tune just as others do, but I have found, particularily with deep divers, that some are basically untuneable. If you can't tune it in 15 minutes of messing around, you probably won't get it to work.
just my 2 cents,
Jim
Phil T.
05-19-2000, 07:43 AM
Agreed. Their quality control isn't what Rapala's is. I have one that will be getting its bill trimmed with a mill ******* file when I remember to bring it. Bending the eye wasn't enough.
Denied
05-19-2000, 09:11 AM
When tuning the Reef Runner, be especially careful as to how much you bend the eye. It takes very little you make a big difference. Many times I have thought that I did not bend the eye at all and then find out I had made a big change. I first tune mine by casting off the back of my boat setting in the slip. Most have been very close this way. Later when trolling, I again check them for proper tune.
Fishing Western Lake Erie aboard "DENIED"
www.cliftond.com
Dakota Red
05-19-2000, 06:59 PM
If you cant tune a Reefrunner send it back to the factory. They are nice people, they will send you a new one no questions asked. D.R.
Jim, I have found that when you remove the ring attached to the reef runner eye, the runners tend to stay truer after tuning, even after catching fish. Also (as stated in another message) it does not take much tweaking to adjust direction.
Hope this helps...
Rob
Ripper
05-20-2000, 02:01 PM
I found five or six whacks with a 5 lb sledge works. Then tie on a Thunderstick
Craig Myers
05-22-2000, 11:26 PM
Jim,
Just a little note to remind you:
Are you sure of where you are running the lures in the water column?
If you do not have Precision Trolling, I suggest you get a copy. You need to make sure you know where the lure is at in the water column.
For a copy: www.precisiontrolling.com
Slameye
05-23-2000, 10:40 AM
I troll a lot of the little rippers, and it seems that about 20% of the ones I buy won't wobble correctly. I have even tried 6lb test and they still don't want to wobble. I know it is not my speed, line test or rod because I will have two little rippers on identical tackle, and one will wobble and the other one won't. Any one have suggestions?