Crawler Harness/Spinners

[D189]

I have been visiting this site for a few weeks now and I'm amazed at the exchange of information. You people are awesome. I'm interested in learning to tie my own harnesses and spinners. Can anyone tell me how to get started, materials, etc? I've seen some tools in Cabela's Tackle Craft catalog. Anyone have any experience with them or suggestions on other tools to buy?
Thanks everyone.
D189

[Richard]

D189
You shouldn't need any tools other than a nail clipper. First, learn your knots. You'll need to know how to tie a snell on the hooks. Then all you need is line,hooks,beads,floats,clevises,blades,etc.Have fun!!!

[Roscoe]

I always suggest Jann's Netcraft to anyone looking into their own lure making. They have everything you need and the prices are very reasonable. I also bought a Rudy's hook sneller from there and found it to be great. Makes perfect snells, and also other knots with ease. Best 4$ I ever spent. With it I can tie a whole spinner in less than a minute. Good Luck

[Redeye]

D189; Tying your own harneeses will not only save you a Buck,it will also help you to relieve tension. as was told to you by another angler, learn your knots. ask at bait shops what colors work best for the lake you will be fishing.Them go home and work out.Now for another very good catolog try stamina.you can call for a catolog at 1-800-546-8922 or visit them at www.staminalnc.com I hope this helps you out. good luck Redeye

[Smokin J]

Great Posts, One other thing, you cannot tie to many of them. I like the Quick Change system, you can change blades very quickly. Thanks

[Dan]

Click on Bait Rigs on the front of the mainpage, that is where I buy all my supplies for spinners.
Good Luck
Dan

[Eyefish]

Snelling a crawler harness. Cut a piece of monofilament 60 inches long and thread one end about an inch through the hook eye to be snelled. Pinch this short tag of line firmly against the hook shank with a thumb and forefinger and wrap the main line eight or ten times around the hook shank. Hold these wraps firmly and then take the end of the main line and pass it back through the hook eye from the opposite direction as before. Hold the hook and wraps firmly until the leader can be pulled tight. Thread the second hook onto the leader and postion it approxiamtely six inches from the first hook. Pinch the line against the hook shank and snell the hook in the same manner as the first. This method of snelling is easy and allows the hooks to be postioned exactly the same distance apart every time

[Richard]

Eyefish, I snell mine the same way. I thought about trying to explain it but didn't think I could make myself clear. You did it perfectly. If I could add a comment or two. I like to wet my knots before tightening and when assembling the spinner I put on enough beads so that blade doesn't hinder the hook. Love those interchange clevises. There's a special feeling when you catch fish on your own lures. Great project for the family too. Enjoy!!

[Eyefish]

Richard, all very good points when tying your own rigs. I have recently been trying a new type spinner called a Smile Blade they are made by a company in Leavenworth WA. (Macks Lure). The unique feature of this blade is that it is made of a plastic mylar type material and it weighs next to nothing, you can drift or troll extremly slow and it will keep spinning. Really a good technique when the fish are looking for something slower or just plain different. The phone number for this company is 1-800-525-8737. These blades come in three different sizes and many different colors.I like the silver or gold hologram.

[D189]

Jan's Netcraft? Is this a local store or a catalog? Do they have a website? Thanks Roscoe.
D189

[bwilson]

Hey Roscoe:
Where can you get one of those Rudy's hook snellers? Thanks for the tip.

[Roscoe]

D189 and bwilson:
Jann's netcraft is a catalog that sells all types of lure making equipment, rod building acc. and fly fishing stuff. They are out of Maumee OH. To get a catalog call 800-NETCRAFT. The website is www.jannsnetcraft.com The site doesn't have all the stuff the catalog has, so I'd get a catalog. They have excellent customer service and seem to be a first class business. The Rudy's hook sneller I bought is on page 35 (order # 305-720) of the 2000 1st edition catalog. It sells for $4.89, and works great. Ties mono or fireline very well. My harnesses look just as good as Cabela's because of this thing. Hope this helps. Good luck.

[Stump]

Eyefish Your direction on tying up a crawler harness was great.I sat right in front of the computer and tied my first one as I read your directions.I had bought a kit from cabela's but it did'nt come with directions.Your directions were clear and easy to follow and my harness's look better than if I bought them from a store.(because I made them) Thanks for the info and good luck fishing Stump

[Redeye]

D189; I forgot to mentionin the early post that,thru Cables and Stamina that you can buy snelled leaders with the hooks already on.they come in varing lengths. do give them a looksee.Redeye.

[bob oh]

http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/

[cmb]

Does anyone else paint their own blades?
I start with brass or nickel pollished blades and paint the top(convex)side and leave the back shiny. seems to work better than solid painted blades & I enjoy spending the time. they look far better than any comercial blade I have seen & I can play with an infinite color combos & patterns.
also, for storage I bought a plastic box designed for bass spinners(they hang on the dividers) and removed a couple of the dividers. I store my harneses in ziplock snack bags betwene the dividers.

[Richard]

cmb, I've never painted spinner blades but I paint my own Kastmasters. Cabela's sells the blank kits. Now you've got me thinking, hmmmmm.

[Mike T]

Another place that a few of us order from is Hagens,Phone# 605-996-1891 or www.hagensfish.com
They sell in bulk and if you have a few freinds
who like to tie this is a good way to order.