Lure retriever

[Mr.J.]

Ok I have been stocking up on some big lures and at $15 - $20 each it is time for me to invest in a good lure retriever geared towards the larger lures.

I have never used one and I have never seen one in action so I am throwing this out for your advice and stories.

Thinking of larger lures, which lure retriever would you buy or even make and how would you best use it?

Thanks.

[wolfe]

I've seen them advertised, Mr. J., but I've never purchased one.

W.

[muskymatt]

I've seen some dandys at the muskie meeting , pretty simple to make .

You can attach 3-4 med weight chains 12-16" long, by one end to a weight that has a ring on it. The other end you attach to a retrieve line heavy enough to pull it off whatever it's stuck on .You slip the ring around your line and drop it down to your hook (try to do this as vertical as possible) as you drop it down most times the contact just knocks it off. If not manouver the chains until you feel you've got it and then pull up.The chains will wrap around the hook and hopefully grab a hook ar two.

[Wall-I-Guy]

Heard both good and bad about them. Be curious to see what people have to say!

[muskymatt]

I've heard some bad also. Mostly that you have to make sure there are no sharp edges. Get a quality chain that wont rust.And the weight shouldn't be too heavy.
Other lure retrievers include a telescopic pole with a corkscrew on the end . These are available in various length. If your running Big baits you'll want to match the size of lure to size of retrieve. I wouldn't go buy some thing at C.T.

Personally, I only run my prized baits on 80#. I've yet too not get one off.. Tight knots and a good rod..150lb florocarbon leaders are awesome

[Trophymuskie]

I use one and 90% of the time the weight is enough to knock the larger lures back, the other 8% I have to screw around and get the chains caught to pull my lure out and the other 2% of the time I lose the lure.

So since I have bought this $30USD lure retreiver it has paid for itself 100 fold.

[Mr.J.]

Richard

I like it, do you remember where you got it?

Thanks for sharing.

[SKEET544]

Made my own with a 1-1/4" lock washer and three pieces of light chain 12" long welded to it. Since making it I have not lost any lures and have brought up several other lures and four boat anchors with rope on them. One had a 10" believer and a bucher depth raider caught on the rope.

[mikemicropterus]

I have one it's blue and I use an old rod and reel. This has a wound loup that lets it slide down your line and knock the lure off what it is stuck to. It works good and have yet to lose a crankbait. I did have some problems with countdown minnows(rapala) getting re-stuck but have not lost a floater. Bought it through Bass Pro.

[Lunker Larry]

There is a weighted lure retriever at canadian tire that costs less than $10 that is easy to modify. I forget who makes it but the weight is shaped as a fish painted green. Has the large loops to run down the line and everything. All you have to do is add four or five strips of chain and it works perfect for muskie lures. Just make sure your cord is strong enough to bend the hooks straight when you start pulling.

[Mr.J.]

I remember seeing that one but it made me shake my head as to it's size but now I may have to slow down and take a better look next time.

Thanks for the heads up.