Worm harness

[EYEFISH4FOOD]

As a 2nd year walleye fisherman, I’m still new to the game. I was wondering if any of you could tell me what size blades and beads and line to use when making my own worm harnesses. I have plenty of time to try and make some myself as I work outside and when it’s too cold i just can’t work so, I would like to try my hand at it. I did do very well on them at times last year and would like to experiment on colors of my choice and not the ones that are already pre-made. Any advice would be appreciated!!! Thanks in advance.

[PZeiler]

17# XT Trilene
1 - 1/0 hook
6 - 5mm beads
1 - #5 deep cut Colorado blade
18" overall length casting
36" overall length bottom bouncer
42" overall length trolling

[EYEFISH4FOOD]

17# XT Trilene
1 - 1/0 hook
6 - 5mm beads
1 - #5 deep cut Colorado blade
18" overall length casting
36" overall length bottom bouncer
42" overall length trolling

Is there a reason or benefit of using only one hook? I’ve used some with 2 hooks and even treble hooks. I know I’m opening up a can of worms, but I’m just trying to get educated!

[edgejason1]

hey man quick question.. I do use the gold or copper Colorado blades... but my question is... what color of beads do you prefer? I try different color beads but don't know if bead color even matters?? thoughts??

[loomis82]

Casting my opinion and again opinion is one hook all all the way. I worked on charter boats during summer time in the high school years and some after. I've always prided myself in being a good caster. With one hook you only need a inch or so of worm. Sometimes no worm. I will say with no worm very few will bite again if you drop back to them when you miss. I couldn't tell you how many times customers would put a whole worm on a two hook cast and catch one, little did they know I watched the worm rip to pieces and fly every which way with their wild cast.

[itsbob]

Ur welcome guys.I have bought and tried a lot of different color blades over the years and the #4 hammered gold Colorado with a lip always outfishes everything else when casting.I have read reports from CoVanna where a copper blade worked better for them,I've tried them but they have not outfishef my gold.You should see the bag of different colors #4 Colorado I have bought and don't use.I really do not know why the different color blades work better for trolling though.Our go to colors we start for trolling is a #5 purple boxer Colorado with copper back.The color on front is purple with several black dots and a small corner color of chartreuse.We also will run half double willow blades.The best color willows have been antifreeze color on front and back with some orange in it.Another willow color that works is a purple front with a pink back.Yeah,getting the itch to get out fishing again.Oh yeah,the harness bite usually starts when the water temp reach 50 degrees.That usually happens during the first half of May.So hoping we have some stable spring weather this year that doesn't muddy up the water.When we finished our season casting in October last year,those 2015 fish were finally averaging 2lbs a fish.This year,I'm thinking they will be between 4-2lbs in size.Perfect size.

[Lucky Duck]

Once again Bob, I took notes on those blades. I am going to get some of those blades you said you have had good success with.
Bruce

[loomis82]

I will also say that I rarely ever didn't have a number 3 or 4 hammered gold Indiana blade on. Again preference. Wouldn't get into all the fancy colors out there. Yes they work but day in and day out a standard gold or copper will keep up with any custom color. Make sure you pay attention where in the water column your catching. Cast and do counting method. Cast 1000 1002 ect you catch a fish at a 8 count repeat. Dont be afraid to try different counts even a "splash and go" cast and retrieve right away. Fishing "the swing" if your boat drifts sideways cast straight off the back. As the boat drifts your lure will swing and just as it changes directions or starts coming up a lot of strikes happen.

[Hoytman86]

I will also say that I rarely ever didn't have a number 3 or 4 hammered gold Indiana blade on. Again preference. Wouldn't get into all the fancy colors out there. Yes they work but day in and day out a standard gold or copper will keep up with any custom color. Make sure you pay attention where in the water column your catching. Cast and do counting method. Cast 1000 1002 ect you catch a fish at a 8 count repeat. Dont be afraid to try different counts even a "splash and go" cast and retrieve right away. Fishing "the swing" if your boat drifts sideways cast straight off the back. As the boat drifts your lure will swing and just as it changes directions or starts coming up a lot of strikes happen.

I second the advice about gold blades. I always have them in the water when using harnesses and they always catch fish and usually out catch any other color. I preferred hammered gold, Colorado blades for casting and Colorado or willow blades for trolling. I use 2 no 1 octopus hooks on mine.

[itsbob]

I have bought those custom painted blades at fisherman's wharf in downtown Port Clinton.Bet they have a pretty good selection since last season was a better spoon bite.