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Go Big or Go Home…

Go Big or Go Home…

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Duch Fork Custom Lures

Dutch Fork Custom Lures makes Ghost spinner blades, and they’ve been in Pro Reports before. The blades are plastic, and as a result are very lightweight—we’re talking potato-chip light.

While this may not seem like a big deal at first glance, the light weight does make a significant difference in the way the blades perform. And that difference can be a trigger that will make fish bite.

Because these tough blades are so light, it doesn’t take much to make them spin, unlike blades made of metal. The Dutch Fork blades will spin when pulled at 0.4 mph, and that is a good step below metal. The slowest I can pull metal spinner blades of the same size is about 0.7 to 0.8 mph. (These are snelled spinners and not ones built on a wire shaft.)

Is that enough of a difference to entice slowpoke salmon to take a whack? Maybe it is at times. I know it can make a difference to trout and kokanee.

Another feature that makes the Dutch Fork blades different is that the finishes are somewhat soft in that they are painted on clear plastic and are transparent, hence the name “Ghost.” There isn’t chrome or brass to highlight the colors. Again, there are times when muted colors are preferable, like in clear water or when the bite is slow.

There are 56 finishes available in the standard blades that are offered in six sizes, from 2 to 8. There are two willow-leaf blades as well.

That’s the background. The news from Dutch Fork comes in three parts: first, the company now makes Colorado-style blades in sizes 10 and 12. Second, there is a new line of Turtle Shell blades, and third, the Quik Change Clevis has a new tandem version. All are worth checking out.

The big blades are intended for the muskie market, and they’d work well for tiger muskies, of course.

However, given the size—think XXXL-egg size—and the wide range of colors offered plus the ability to run ‘em very slow, it seems they have a place in some of our estuary fisheries. The availability of exact finishes is still in the works at publication.

The Turtle Shell Ghost blades new this year have a hexagonal pattern molded into the blade such that the individual hexagons can be felt on both the inside and outside of the blade. These hexagons set up a different pattern of vibration and also reflect light differently than does a plain, smooth blade.

Currently, there are 10 finishes specifically designed to highlight the turtle-shell design. The blades are available in sizes 4, 5 and 6.

Finally, Dutch Fork introduced a tandem Quik Change clevis that allows you to run two Colorado blades on the same snell. The blades are oriented so that they are 180 degrees apart.

Having said all of that, the company is now developing UV-finish blades for the salmon and steelhead market. Look for them soon.

For more information, go to: www.dutchforkcustomlures.com.


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