Best Harness Components

I am displeased with the harnesses I've been using - blade often don't spin - and am going to make my own. Would appreciate answers to the following questions.

Which are better - metal or plastic clevises? I don't care about changing blades as much as getting blades to spin at slow speeds.

Is Fireline a better option than monofilament for the snell?

What is the best leader lengt? I normally pull the harnesses behind bottom bouncers.

Final question - do you folks still pull harnesses with worms on them when the water cools down as it is now? It is high 60s where I am fishing. Or, should I make one hook harnesses and use minnows?

Thanks folks!!!!!!!!

[bladerunner]

<<I am displeased with the harnesses I've been using - blade often don't spin - and am going to make my own. Would appreciate answers to the following questions.

Which are better - metal or plastic clevises? I don't care about changing blades as much as getting blades to spin at slow speeds.

Is Fireline a better option than monofilament for the snell?

What is the best leader lengt? I normally pull the harnesses behind bottom bouncers.

Final question - do you folks still pull harnesses with worms on them when the water cools down as it is now? It is high 60s where I am fishing. Or, should I make one hook harnesses and use minnows>>


1st: Metal clevis' for sure; they'll definitely last longer (that is if you don't lose the harness' to snags);-)

2nd: I haven't had much luck using braided line for snelling (braids tend to cut into itself too much). I use 20lb mono (usually whats on sale).

3rd: The minimum length on my leaders is 2', the longest I have is 6'. You'll want to keep the bait away from the bouncer to prevent spooking the fish & possibly snagging on the bouncer.


I like using 2 #2 or #5 colorado blades w/ 2 #4 hooks (hooks spaced approx 3" apart) w/ at least 3 beads between the blades & hooks. I'm still using crawlers, I'll switch when temps reach about 55°.

Best trick for me to get the blades to spin on a slow troll is to let the bouncer just contact bottom, pump the rod 3-4x's; this should get the bouncer ticking bottom while getting the blades started.

[MN_Moose]

>Which are better - metal or plastic clevises? I don't care
>about changing blades as much as getting blades to spin at
>slow speeds.
For slow speed metal will turn easier. Use smaller blades. Indiana and willows on the smaller side. Consider Mack's smile blades that use no clevis at all.

>Is Fireline a better option than monofilament for the snell?
Mono is better suited. Less cost and runs nice

>What is the best leader lengt? I normally pull the harnesses
>behind bottom bouncers.
Best? I cringe! You're going to get one of the dreaded "let the fish tell you" which I deplore. I would say for spinners 3 ft to 4 ft is typical. Longer snells are typically used for Lindy/live bait rigging.

>Final question - do you folks still pull harnesses with worms
>on them when the water cools down as it is now? It is high
>60s where I am fishing. Or, should I make one hook harnesses
>and use minnows?
Yes, worms and minnows