Current Pointer
{April 2007} 

Archived Pete's Pointers
{September 2003} {October 2003} {January 2004}
 {May 2004} {October 2004} {May 2005}{December 2005}{August 2006}

 September 2003

To save a great deal of money when using a Senko type lure here is a proven Pointer from Pete.   Purchase several feet of clear vinyl tubing from Lowe’s or Home Depot, in the 7/16^th OD by 5/16th ID size.  Cut the tubing in 1/8^th inch thick circles with a knife, scissors or a vinyl tube cutter.  Sears makes a great tool for this purpose called a Handi-Cut. 

Push your 5 or 6 inch Senko type lures through these little circles starting with the thin end of your lure and working to the center of the lure.  Work slowly to be sure you don’t tear your lure as you work the vinyl collar into position.  This will be a snug fit and really has to be so the lure does not come off on the cast.  The color of the Senko type lure will come right through the clear vinyl collar matching it perfectly. 

Now with the hook of your choice, barbless if you like, tied to your line you slip the point of the hook under the vinyl collar without puncturing or tearing your lure.  Push the hook under the collar until the lure rests at the bottom of the bend.  It should be a tight fit.  You can now cast the lure without fear that it will come off.  You can fish all day using the same lure without fear of tearing it.  The lure manufacturers want you to put your hook directly into their product so it will tear when setting the hook.  When you set the hook using this tested method, the lure will slide up the line on the collar and incur no damage.  It can be repositioned over and over again as you catch fish.  There will be no big pile of Senko type lures on the bottom of the boat at day’s end.  We suggest you carefully remove the collar from the lure at the end of the day so the fit remains tight.  A convenient method to carry your collars is in an empty film canister marked with the size of the collars inside.  You will need different size collars to accommodate the various size Senko type lures on the market but the collar system will work on all of them.