Flasher Action

[Franko Manini]

For all of you who have given me tips in the short time I have been a member of this forum, here is a FREE TIP for you!

Never do a Google search on "flasher action" from your rather public work computer.

But seriously, someone told me a weird thing about flashers this morning and i wanted to run it past you guys. I was told that when trolled at the right speed, a flasher will rotate for 2.5 full revolutions, then reverse itself for 2.5 revolution, rinse and repeat. I KNOW the things rotate (duh), and I can buy that they would periodically reverse themselves, but really... could they possibly have a defined periodicity? Every 25 turns they back themselves up? I can't even understand how you could keep your boat speed so consistent as to lock in that kind of action.

So what gives? What tells you your flasher is working properly?

F

 

[Dogbreath]

....What tells you your flasher is working properly?

The tip of the rod dips to a regular rhythm (usually).

The answer to your other question is-as always-it depends.

Speed, currents, tides, even the diameter of your line dictate what happens with the flasher.

 

[eaglemaniac]

In my observations most flashers rotate for the most part. I remember when I used to fish Abe n Als and they would have a definite rhythm to them. You kinda new when your speed was good when the flasher had a consistent beat. I understand that dodgers are a little more random in there rotations. Of course as Dog mentioned speed is a big factor. Just my .02. eman

 

[Karma-Kazi]

I was always under the impression dodgers did not rotate but actually had a dodging action side to side. Correct me if I am wrong?

-KK

 

[scott craven]

I was always under the impression dodgers did not rotate but actually had a dodging action side to side. Correct me if I am wrong?

-KK

you're right, and flashers rotate

 

[eaglemaniac]

So dodgers don't rotate? eman

 

[scott craven]

Dodger's have a side to side motion. they swim rather than rotate

 

[Karma-Kazi]

When I first started fishing with my Dad and Grandfather they set me up with a center rod with a dodger and my lure of choice with a slip weight 10-15 ft up from the dodger. I caught lots of fish that way. The rod used pound constantly in the holder from the side to side action.

-KK

 

[Seafever]

Years back Hotspot made a flasher called the Super Hotspot....I have a couple of them.

They were designed to reverse roll sporadically.......they were a little heavier than the normal flasher.

At slower speeds under certain conditions a "normal" Hotspot might reverse rotation.....but basically they are designed to roll one way under normal and fast trolling speeds.

You can get a dodger to roll if you troll it fast enough.

To me there isn't any real advantage in having the flasher reverse it's rotation really.........

 

[eaglemaniac]

That's exactly what I thought as well Seafever. Kinda why i mentioned speed as being a factor. eman

 

[SpringVelocity]

When I first started fishing with my Dad and Grandfather they set me up with a center rod with a dodger and my lure of choice with a slip weight 10-15 ft up from the dodger. I caught lots of fish that way. The rod used pound constantly in the holder from the side to side action.

-KK

The funny thing is Steve is that probably still works. I will run one periodically if fishing is slow.