spring fever
Well-Known Member
I said that in the original layout of this thread that the no.3 version of the LED hootchy for salmon was my favourite because you could do a lot to it-ie. add mylar,have a double hook set-up etc. It really catches fish-BUT-it had a flaw-the loop on the top of the light would break if you got a large Spring on. Happend to me this weekend after my second large Spring-doesn't hurt the light and you would rig as in the no 2 example-totally inside the hootchy however I hate changing a winning combination especially when I'm fishing. THE FIX-probably the easiest-but not the best-put a split ring (small as you are able) through the eye of the light-put your line through the split ring-not the eye. Jam a toothpick through the eye behind the split ring forcing it into a vertical position. The hootchy will run true but when you have a large fish on the split ring will rotate to the side allowing a more direct pull on the hooks and since the line is not throught the eye itself it doesn't break. The Best Solution:Get one of the little red pins with the hole in the top used for kripple K anchovy holders or some RHYS Davis ones-file it down and cut to length so it fits in the LED top loop. Run your line through that. I have tested this in the shop to breaking a new 40 lb test leader-the pin popped out at about 18 to 22 lbs-the leader broke at a 43 lb steady pull and there was no damage to the light.. This has not been boat tested-only shop tested 4 times. I'm pretty confident that this will solve the problem. Takes about 5 minutes to shape the pin and get a nice tight fit. After that it's like a regular hootchy-reset after each fish. Got some other thoughts-please share
