TIPS & TAILOUTS
Use Quick Release System With 360 Degree Flashers
By design 360 degree flashers are exceptionally effective . I think we can all agree on that , especially after many years of limits produced by those skateboard-shaped salmon agitators . The downside to these flashers is that they create a lot of drag after hookup and are often blamed for poor hook-to-land ratios by their users . Several tackle manufacturers have come up with a fix for this issue by creating quick release wire and magnet systems that allow the flasher to “ breakaway ” and hang from just one swivel creating far less drag after the hookup .
While not perfect , the flasher action seems to stay the same with these quick release systems with one exception . On the Columbia River , we often have lots of grass in the water in the summer and fall . Having a wire cable running along your flasher creates a spot that can collect these weeds , which can dampen or even kill your flasher ’ s action . This has happened in our boat , and it ’ s frustrating when you ’ re not fishing all of your gear effectively .
Recently we did a comparison by using quick release systems on one rod and without a breakaway on the other while fishing the lower Columbia River . The benefit of less drag is very apparent when fighting fish on the rod equipped with the quick release compared to the rod rigged without it . But surprisingly , the rod that didn ’ t have the release had a nearly identical hook up to land ratio . I ’ ve found that using the quick release systems on your 360 flashers is truly a matter of preference . If you ’ ve got less experienced salmon anglers on your boat , a breakaway system is recommended to help with fighting fish . Overall , these quick release systems help make fighting big salmon just a little bit easier , and that makes them a quality investment in my opinion . TYLER COMEAU
8 SALMON THE TAILOUT & STEELHEAD JOURNAL
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