Salamander Sinkers has taken the basic concepts of the traditional Carolina Rig and added features and enhancements. The result is a device that is the new standard in sinker fishing. By changing the weight distribution and adding a new cylindrical body Salamander Sinkers has created a terminal tackle system that slides over and through obstruction with ease.
This new creation is a fishing experience called the Salamander Rig. The rig is designed with the pole line inserted through the eye of the Salamander Sinker. A bead is placed on the line and a swivel is then tied to the end of the line as illustrated below. The sinker and bead are allowed to slide on the pole line. A leader is attached to the swivel and a hook is attached to the leader. The angler can add any type of bait to the hook. Use Salamander Sinkers with all types of bait including: beads, roe, eggs, floating baits (crankbaits,plastics, and others) and live bait.
The angler can be creative and add their favorite bait to the hook. One outstanding bait is the floating jig and tail. The bait is constructed by using a worm hook and sliding a skirt on the hook. A tail is added to the hook and to give the jig “life” a small flotation device is added. The jig will float or descend slowly to the bottom depending on the type of flotation used.
Use Carolina rig baits with the sinker. For other examples CLICK HERE
Drift fishing applications with Salamander Sinkers
The diagram below shows how much area can be covered using the Salamander Sinkers. By targeting cast to specific areas an angler can cover a vast amount of space. Also by leaving the bale open after the cast the current will carry the bait down stream and pull line off the spool greatly extending the casting distance.
Anglers can choose one of Salamander Sinkers models with enough weight so that the bait travels at current speed, bouncing occasionally on the bottom where fish hold. Salamander Sinkers snag resistant properties allows anglers to fish obstructions that would hang up traditional rigs. Salamander Sinkers lead free construction makes it ideal for anglers and the environment. Its inline design prevents the bait from wrapping around the sinker.
The configuration below illustrates the sinker with a snap, swivel, leader and bait. Use your favorite artificial or natural bait. For best result use unweighted bait that will flow naturally in current.
This rig allows the angler to quickly change out bait without tying knots. Construct several hook and leader rigs before arriving at the water. Simply open the snap and change out the rig.
For small streams and slow current try our 1/8 Oz model. It is designed ultra lite fishing.
Salamander Sinkers works with all types of bait. Below the sinker is configured with Chuck Booker Flies. These particular models have a plastic bead attached to the hook. The bead provides buoyancy to the fly without adding weight. Submergence is controlled by the sinker. It allows the fly to move unimpeded in current. The result is a fishing rig that keeps the bait in the fish zone longer and present it in a natural environment.
Double Swivel
Double swivel sinkers work great for drift fishing, float fishing and trolling.
Drop Shot
Salamander Sinkers drop shot is tied directly to the pole line. Insert the line through the eye of the swivel and tie your favorite knot. The choice of hook depends on the angler although a circle shaped dropshot hook is very effective. Use a Palomar knot to tie the hook on the line. For instructions on tying a Palomar knot click here. Fluorocarbon and monofilament lines work well. Use 6 -10 lb line for general fishing.
This rig works great for bass, crappies and other species. Retie the knot connecting the line periodically to prevent line/knot failure.
Baits can vary from 3-5 inch worms to dropshot plastics to live bait. Hook the bait at the end with the hook exposed for normal conditions. The bait can also be rigged weedless if fishing in an obstructed environment. The length of the tag line or leader can vary also. Usually a length of 6 to 24 inches is sufficient.
Trolling
Salamander Sinkers is the ultimate trolling sinker. It is designed to track behind the fishing line without wobbling or twisting regardless of boat speed. Its cylindrical construction slides over rocks and reefs with ease. The nonporous design reduces friction as the bait makes contact with the bottom. The addition of a flotation device keeps the bait from snagging and raises it off the bottom where fish can see it.
Above is the 1.25 oz sinker with a worm rig attached. A flotation device is added to keep the bait off the bottom.
Below the 3/4 oz model with a crank bait attached is a great rig for trolling.
Tackle
Line: When fishing with Salamander Sinkers always use the larger test rated line on your pole rather than on your leader. For example if the leader is rated at 6- 10 lb test use at least 10-12 lb test (preferably braided for line diameter, sensitivity and strength) on your pole. Use low visibility line especially for steelhead fishing. The reason for this requirement is the hook will inadvertently encounter an obstruction at the bottom of the fishing environment and become snagged. When pressure is applied to the line a break will occur at the least point of resistance which in this case will be the leader. The break will most likely occur where the leader is attached to the hook or the sinker. Also many anglers use monofilament line in the range of 10 lb. If you fish an area where multiple break offs have occurred the the braid line is needed to pull through these obstructions.
Leader: Use fluorocarbon or monofilament line for your leader. Fluorocarbon is practically invisible to fish while the stretch properties of monofilament line allows for better hook set.
Knots: Attach one end of the leader to the closed end of the sinker and attach the other end of the leader to the hook and tie with a knot. There are many different types of knots that can be used depending on the preference of the angler. There are three great sites that contain details on knots used specifically for fishermen. One web site is Grog™ which has a section devoted to fishing. Another good place to learn how to tie knots for fishing is NetKnots.com. Finally, if you like videos try VideoFishingKnots.
Hooks: Various types of hooks can be used with Salamander Sinkers. Jig tails and grub tails work well with a floating jig. Regular hooks can also be used especially if they are bent at the eye such as worm hooks. Do not use weight jig hooks or attach additional weight to the hook. The hook should be as light and small as possible.
Baits: Plastic worms on a worm hook have been staple bait for many fishermen. Color selection is a consideration and the general rule is dark colors in darker water and light colors in lighter water. Shape and size are experimental, personal and subjective matters. Popular soft plastics include worms, lizards, and tubes in a wide range of colors. Make sure the point of the hook is slightly embedded in the bait to prevent snagging with obstructions. Live bait such as minnows and worms can also be used.
Rods: The selection of a rod should be based on your personal preference and the fishing environment. The river angler wading in waist deep water may prefer a 6-9 foot medium action rod for control and usability while a bass fisherman on a boat may prefer a 7 foot rod because it is better suited for his quarry. Make sure your rod is rated for the weight of the sinker.
Reels: Open face spinning reels work well with Salamander Sinkers. High gear ratios allow the angler to take up slack in the line quickly when fishing in a fast environment such as swift water. Bait casting reels are exceptional when fishing calmer waters.
That’s about all there is to rigging up Salamander Sinkers. Try the sinkers for yourself and you will experience the performance, fun and pleasure of what fishing should be!
