Favorite dodger for Kokanee?

Whaler · 10-21-2008, 04:19 PM

My father and I have been fishing together for Kokes for about 6 or 7 years now and he always uses Ford Fenders while I almost always used dodgers. I like the sling blades due to their low resistance while fighting fish but find they do not have a lot of side to side action at slower speeds (We typically troll at .8 to 1.0 mph otherwise his fenders are trying to yank him out of the boat and I can't get him to run dodgers!). In a previous thread adobe wall stated, "I've been pretty surprised at the difference in action between dodger types" and it got me wondering if I can improve the attraction by running a "better" dodger. What are your thoughts on which dodger is best for .8 to 1.0mph? Popular choices to choose from seem to be Sep's, Vance's, Ken's, Luhr Jensen, etc. What about 1.1 to 1.3? What about 1.4 to 1.6? (I assume sling blade)

Calm winds and seas to all.
Rodger

fish junky · 10-21-2008, 06:25 PM

My favorite is also the Slingbades. The most productive for me though would be a Vance's copper/pink.

SilverBullets · 10-21-2008, 06:59 PM

Try bending the slingblade type dodgers, this will produce more action for the speed your trolling. Also, attaching two together will get em swinging pretty good. All the dodgers you mentioned are good ones for trolling at 1.0-1.4 mph in my opinion. Try putting those ford fenders on the back of the downrigger ball, not on your line. Clip your line with the dodger 2' in back of the trolls and 4' above them with your lure behind it. This is only if your fishing at least 40' down. The ball trolls work well at some lakes, but try them on one side of the boat and not on the other until you see what they prefer. Hope that helped.

moknots · 10-21-2008, 09:09 PM

.8-1.0 mph 0000 Worden Trout Dodger
1.0-1.4 000 Worden Trout Dodger

Rick on Rogue · 10-22-2008, 03:31 AM

I like Vances dodgers, and they seem to work best at 1.2 mph, faster than that and they start to roll over. Gold plated on cloudy or overcast and silver on bright sunny days. His "bugs" work quite well too.

FallRiverGuy · 10-22-2008, 07:23 AM

It all depends on the what the fish want. I like to use sling blades, Warden Trout dogers, and Wild Things.

ElkTalker · 10-22-2008, 07:41 AM

I own a lot of dodgers most of which are Slingblads and Sep�s.
I also like a slower trolling speed (0.8 to 1.2) so all but two of my Slingblades are bent at least a little. If you don�t want to bend your blades then connecting two in tandem will also put more action in the water.
The standard 4� dodgers should work at speeds up around 1.3-1.6 mph just fine but when you hit 2 mph the best dodger is a slingblade.
I like my speed slow in the spring trolling spinners, and when the water warms up to 54 degrees I start throwing everything at them.

Good luck ET

joemomma · 10-22-2008, 10:21 AM

seps's, worden, alvins, and slingblades in that order!

fish-on-bend · 10-22-2008, 12:25 PM

Don't forget Les Davis, Vance's, Pro Troll and Abe and Al's. Not to mention my home-made willow blade lake trolls. I have them all in my boat. There..........that ought to clear things up.

This is a little collection I picked up this spring at Sportsmans on their discount rack.

dlm · 10-22-2008, 02:16 PM

to just about everything listed. I DO NOT like the pro troll dodgers with the c-chip, have never gotten any good action from them at any speed.

I would like to add for consideration the Crystal Basin Wild Thing, especially in Watermelon. GP lunkers loved it late this summer.

In early morning spring my favorite gang troll is the standard cowbell with chartreuse tape, or red tape later in the morning.

I have not used the ford fenders for kokes but have seen many many fish caught with them.

Dropshot · 10-22-2008, 02:26 PM

I like the Wild Thing also.

Kens Custom Tackle puts out some pretty sharp looking dodgers as well that I plan on trying out next year.

moknots · 10-22-2008, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlm

I DO NOT like the pro troll dodgers with the c-chip, have never gotten any good action from them at any speed.

The guys at ProTroll told me that some folks are having better luck with their 4" plastic flasher (it's not a dodger -- flashers go round and round, dodgers are supposed to swing side to side but not roll over) when they run it "free" by running their mainline through the front swivel, only, followed by a barrel swivel (I'd add a bead above the swivel), then leader and lure. Lets the flasher swing clear around the mainline. Try it when the dodgers aren't working.

Whaler · 10-22-2008, 03:44 PM

Thank you everyone for your input! It sounds like I need to put a little more bend in my sling blades and also spend a little more money to increase my dodger collection for next spring.
I was doing a little surfing and found a custom color from Ken's that looks intriguing... might be worth a try.

adobe wall · 10-22-2008, 05:35 PM

Gold Star dodgers.

I have given up on sling blades. I've got quite a few if anyone needs them, about half still in the package.

regards, aw

Salmonslayer2 · 10-22-2008, 07:25 PM

Kens Custom Tackle is what I did well for me. Copper Series Dodgers were good and there "NEW" Rainbow UVR Test Dodger was great. Premium Mini Skirt Hoochie were good with these Dogers.

capron6 · 10-22-2008, 10:37 PM

Definitely dodgers over flashers. My personal preference is a sling blade by Shasta Tackle. I especially like the new UV series in the 4" size and had great success with them this summer. The sling blades are quite versatile and a sideways swing can be achieved by bending slightly to work at slow speeds. Faster speeds will cause the dodger to make a complete circle and become ineffective. Get them to swing from 10 - 2 to maximize movement. My target speed is 1.0 - 1.2 mph.

dlm · 10-23-2008, 06:14 AM

I have read several times about bending the sling blade and it sounds like something to try. I don't fully understand how to bend it. Are you bending it in the middle to give it a little more of a banana curve or on the leading edge to catch more water?

SilverBullets · 10-23-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlm

I have read several times about bending the sling blade and it sounds like something to try. I don't fully understand how to bend it. Are you bending it in the middle to give it a little more of a banana curve or on the leading edge to catch more water?

Just give em a slight bend in the middle over your leg. It doesn't take much, just a little pressure will change it's action.

P-ride · 10-28-2008, 05:48 PM

I too own quite a variety of dodgers in different colors/designs. By far my best producer and thus the one I have most confidence in is a 4/0 worden's trout dodger in 50/50 nickel/copper. It did pretty well this year!

I like the action of the sling blades too, but they haven't produced as well as my worden's. I need to try experimenting them at higher speeds and see what that produces.

Part of the fun of kokanee fishing for me is playing around with different methods and tackle!

adobe wall · 10-30-2008, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-ride

I too own quite a variety of dodgers in different colors/designs. By far my best producer and thus the one I have most confidence in is a 4/0 worden's trout dodger in 50/50 nickel/copper. It did pretty well this year!

I like the action of the sling blades too, but they haven't produced as well as my worden's. I need to try experimenting them at higher speeds and see what that produces.

Part of the fun of kokanee fishing for me is playing around with different methods and tackle!

I have around 10 Sling Blades, most brand new, that I'll trade for that nickle/copper dodger of yours. That dodger (or the nut on the end of the rod) outfished me every trip in my own boat

regards, aw

P-ride · 11-01-2008, 02:43 PM

Definitely couldn't be the operator that outfished you because he's pretty much clueless so I would think it's either the dodger or that corn you like so much....

Rick on Rogue · 11-02-2008, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adobe wall

I have around 10 Sling Blades, most brand new, that I'll trade for that nickle/copper dodger of yours. That dodger (or the nut on the end of the rod) outfished me every trip in my own boat

regards, aw

Hey guys, I need some help. I too have acquired aome Sling Blades, and I am not sure if I am even using them right. Which end goes towards the pole, large end or small end???

Thanks

Rick

SilverBullets · 11-02-2008, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick on Rogue

Hey guys, I need some help. I too have acquired aome Sling Blades, and I am not sure if I am even using them right. Which end goes towards the pole, large end or small end???

Thanks

Rick

Small end towards the pole, large end to the lure. I have found that the end towards the lure on most dodgers will have a duo-lock snap, the end towards the pole usually has a split-ring.

skaha · 11-10-2008, 08:53 AM

--I have had great success with fishwithgary system. Very good side to side and has outfished troll on other line.
--I also use Oki tackle flashers especially the mini model. Although these are intended as flashers and used succesfully on sockeye at higher speeds in salt water at slower speeds they dodge. Especially the mini if you use larger spinner it will dodge rather than flash.
--I'm fishing cold water here now over winter in southern BC so will be mainly be targeting large trout. I use the same flasher and even some of the larger flashers 1.2-1.7 with plug, bucktail, spinner or hoochie and at the slower speeds they dodge.
--Oki tacke has a crazy-8 which is a hoochie with disk for more action if required.

Kokonuts · 11-10-2008, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salmonslayer2

Kens Custom Tackle is what I did well for me. Copper Series Dodgers were good and there "NEW" Rainbow UVR Test Dodger was great. Premium Mini Skirt Hoochie were good with these Dogers.

I am new to this forum & Ive never see the dodgers from Kens Tackle, they look good!

I love new stuff, have any of you used the " Wiggle Fin"?
check them out at :www.wigglefin.com
Very interesting, I bought a few but will have to wait for spring to try em.

Kokonuts · 11-10-2008, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adobe wall

Gold Star dodgers.

I have given up on sling blades. I've got quite a few if anyone needs them, about half still in the package.

regards, aw

Adobe Wall.....Where did you pick up the Name? Are you from Texas?
I belonged to "The Adobe Walls Buffalo Hunters" a LONG time ago!.....Kokonuts

SilverBullets · 11-10-2008, 06:55 PM

Welcome to i-fish Kokonuts! Great to have you aboard here. On i-fish it is a custom for new members to tell a fish story...Got any good ones? I look forward to reading your fishing reports!

adobe wall · 11-10-2008, 07:05 PM

Family is from San Antonio, and I'm a decent long range shot. I'm not the "shot of the century" but I do have the coveted little gold badge. I'll have to hunt up the story of the fight at Adobe Wall, Texas sometimes, as I get asked about the moniker a few times a year.

I've got some good memories of deer hunting along the Guadalupe river.

regards, aw

ps- if you want those sling blades I'd still love to get rid of them.

Kokonuts · 11-11-2008, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adobe wall

Family is from San Antonio, and I'm a decent long range shot. I'm not the "shot of the century" but I do have the coveted little gold badge. I'll have to hunt up the story of the fight at Adobe Wall, Texas sometimes, as I get asked about the moniker a few times a year.

I've got some good memories of deer hunting along the Guadalupe river.

regards, aw

ps- if you want those sling blades I'd still love to get rid of them.

That is a great picture of you at Camp Perry! I was never able to shoot there but I did make the Black Powder Cartridge Nationals at Raton N.M. in 1992. That was when I belonged to the Adobe Walls Buffalo Hunters. When you get the time look up the story of the fight, it was really something. Also look up Billy Dixon & the story of his Long Shot , 1500 yards & killed an Indian while he was sitting on his horse. He used a Sharps Long Range Rifle with Iron Sights.

Kokonuts · 11-11-2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kokonuts

That is a great picture of you at Camp Perry! I was never able to shoot there but I did make the Black Powder Cartridge Nationals at Raton N.M. in 1992. That was when I belonged to the Adobe Walls Buffalo Hunters. When you get the time look up the story of the fight, it was really something. Also look up Billy Dixon & the story of his Long Shot , 1500 yards & killed an Indian while he was sitting on his horse. He used a Sharps Long Range Rifle with Iron Sights.

PS....I could use those sling blades. My pard & I use them at Lake Merwin. I could spread them around to some of my retired fishing buddys at the lake.

adobe wall · 11-11-2008, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kokonuts

PS....I could use those sling blades. My pard & I use them at Lake Merwin. I could spread them around to some of my retired fishing buddys at the lake.

Send me a PM with your address and I'll mail them to you. Hope you guys can get them working, they sure don't work for me.

regards, aw

skaha · 06-13-2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adobe wall

I have around 10 Sling Blades, most brand new, that I'll trade for that nickle/copper dodger of yours. That dodger (or the nut on the end of the rod) outfished me every trip in my own boat

regards, aw

--I tried an Oki tackle dodger for years.. several times with no success.
--Got a sling blade and matching lure fishwithgarysystem and was catching fish so put Oki dodger back on with same leader length as the sling and whammoooo started cathing with the old dodger.

--Obviously I learned small change can make a difference.

--The Oki is really a flasher but I use the mini at slow speed for kokanee and it dodges similar to sling blade.

dlm · 06-13-2009, 03:41 PM

The last couple weeks I have been using the uv slingblade with a slight bend and it has been hot. I am getting fish even when I don't see any on the ff, which means to me they are coming in from the side. I attribute this to the visibility of the dodger.

chartreuse moose · 06-13-2009, 07:22 PM

Kokonuts
I have been using the wiggle fin for a couple of years with great success.
I place them on the nose of my Grand Slam Buck Tails for Salmon, Brown and Mackinaw fishing. In fresh as well as salt water.

Fourteen · 06-13-2009, 08:16 PM

A good friend told me one of the most effective dodgers for Kokanee is gold . It 's caught over 20 fish for me this year paired with a green wedding ring .

Kokonuts · 06-15-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skaha

--I tried an Oki tackle dodger for years.. several times with no success.

--The Oki is really a flasher but I use the mini at slow speed for kokanee and it dodges similar to sling blade.

What & Where???

What is an Oki & Where can I get one!!

Kokonuts

Knotilus · 06-15-2009, 06:16 PM

Brads wobblers work fine. Try a couple sizes and tune em how you want em.

skaha · 06-16-2009, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kokonuts

What & Where???

What is an Oki & Where can I get one!!

Kokonuts

--Just google Oki tackle and you will find internet sales and stores in USA that carry.
--They are manufactured in British Columbia in Saanich on Vancouver Island.

--Originally as flashers for salmon fishing they have many colours, shapes and sizes.

--I've been to their manufacturing shop... its great small wholesale only but flashers actually made there not manufactured somewhere else and just packaged here. The owner actually works there.

--Also have other fishing products and the owners and staff take time off to fish with them.

--I moved to the interior of BC several years ago, after seeing the large fish including okanagan lk kokanee in the 3-5 lb range, I started using my old salmon gear... dodgers, flashers, plugs and larger spoons.

--At the time locals thought I was crazy as they were using ford fender, willow leafs etc.

--I have been using and like the fishwithgary system and borrowed some of his ideas when using the Oki flashers I am matching lure colours with the dodgers.

--The Oki's are designed as flashers and we used them on vancouver island on sockeye the mini with a lure behind and most sizes a lower speeds will dodge similar action but wider swing than a sling blade.
--If you pick up the speed or use light fly even on the mini it will start to flash rather than dodge.