Wire spreader vs. a slider on your line

Riverteeth · 03-15-2005, 11:49 AM

Folks,
I'd like to see some thoughts out there on the pros/cons between the following two set-ups that one can use fishing for salmon

Setup A: Wire spreader, with the long line going back to your bait/plug. Then your short line has weight or a diver of some kind attached to it

Setup B: Mainline going back to your bait/plug. Then on a slider or barrel swivel, the short line has a weight or a diver.

What are your thoughts? What works better under different conditions? Do you always use a weight with one setup A and a diver setup B (or vice-versa)? Only use way for trolling, the other for anchor fishing?? Does it depend on whether you are using a Kwikfish vs a Rogue bait rig versus a prawn rig? I'd like to hear some thoughts/theories on this.

Chromaflage · 03-15-2005, 12:02 PM

I started using spreaders many many years ago. Once I switched to sliders, I'll likely not go back to the spreaders. I've had more tangle issues with spreaders with leader and leadline. Also, the spreaders get tangled in nets. The other advantage is that there's more "give" on a take with a slider when back bouncing.

Just my .02

(OK, BD, I used my own pennies this time.

)

CrF

bobross · 03-15-2005, 12:11 PM

I just switched to a slider from a spreader. Spreaders get tangled on everything. They tangle up the bait line and the dropper while in the water, they tangle up in the boat, they are a mess.

Why did I wait so long?

glowball · 03-15-2005, 12:48 PM

I like the slider because if you miss the fish and get the weight stuck in the net the fish can still run. With a spreader you'll most likely snap the fish off.

Kris

Boatdog · 03-15-2005, 12:51 PM

Quote:

I like the slider because if you miss the fish and get the weight stuck in the net the fish can still run. With a spreader you'll most likely snap the fish off.

Kris

And...

Quote:

The other advantage is that there's more "give" on a take with a slider when back bouncing. CrF

Yup Yup!!!

Taildragger · 03-15-2005, 02:47 PM

How do you guys rig up the slider? never tried this as we have always used spreaders. :tongue:

SlackBite · 03-15-2005, 03:06 PM

Taildragger,

It's very easy. From the main line for the rod thread the line through one of the loops on a small barrel swivel. On the other loop of this swivel will be your lead dropper line. Next, thread on a bead or two on the main line. I like using a tee bead for this. Next tie on your main swivel and terminal gear just as you normally would.

Hope that gives you the idea.

SlackBite

steelheadslayer · 03-15-2005, 03:11 PM

Always a slider, for everything.

What slackbite said. I use a slider from UB fishing. I first put a tee bead on the mainline, then slider, small bead 5mm, and tie off to a six bead chain. Attach leader to bead chain and dropper weight to slider and you're

Up-4-Air · 03-15-2005, 03:53 PM

I don't even remember the last time I used a spreader. And NO, I don't have alzheimers. "Half timers" but not alzheimers. I'm with "glowball" on this one. If the lead gets hung in the net the fish can still run while you sort out the mess. With a spreader your likely to break something.

Taildragger · 03-15-2005, 04:38 PM

Got it! Thanks guys!

Chromaflage · 03-15-2005, 05:40 PM

0

Riverteeth · 03-16-2005, 06:36 AM

It seems like everyone in response to my query likes sliders much better. OK-- now what about preferences for a lead weight versus a diver to keep your gear on the bottom??

Boatdog · 03-16-2005, 07:10 AM

If you want to stay on or near the bottom, use lead. Better feel and less expensive if you hang up. Divers are good for trolling deeper water or trolling off of the bottom at set amount of pulls.

That's my two wooden pennies!

steelbiten · 03-16-2005, 09:18 AM

Heavy lead can get stuck between rocks very easily in strong current when using a slider. If you are using braided line when that happens the situation can get expensive or dangerous. A diver is less likely to get stuck on the bottom. I love using lead on a slider cause the fish don't feel it when they hit the bait, but you got to be real carefull when back trolling in current.

Boatdog · 03-16-2005, 09:27 AM

I agree, steelbiten. A Jet diver is best for backtrolling and staying near the bottom. It also floats when you take the current away.

Lead is good for intermittently bouncing along the bottom when slow trolling forward. It also works for regular trolling.

Weighted divers i.e. Delta Divers, Deep six, etc. are good for trolling when you want a consistant depth at varying speeds, and when the bottom isn't a factor.

slabhunter · 03-16-2005, 09:35 AM

Lead on a slider at the top ends of the holes.

Riverteeth · 03-16-2005, 12:17 PM

Curious-- does anyone out there prefer a wire spreader to a slider? Or is there ever the rare situation where a wire spreader is better than a slider?

KROY · 03-16-2005, 12:41 PM

I like to troll the spreader with the bead chain cover guard when there's a lot of salad in the water. Only for baits or lures that spin.

I've personally seen the net thing with the slider, saved a nice fish and I was able to cut the dropper while the fish was running.

fop · 03-16-2005, 03:29 PM

Guess I'll have to be the one that goes against the grain. Maybe because I'm left handed.

I alway use the spreader bar when I'm trolling with a lead ball. Used to use the slider but, with the weeds, I seemed to get way to many twists in the mainline. So, with the spreader bar the line twist was elimitated. I also have several bead chains on my riggin'. Also, always have a flasher.

I troll with either 30 or 40# mono, depending what area I'm trolling, and won't use braided so the line twist was a big factor. I use much lighter pound test, maybe 15#, on my lead dropper and if it gets hungup in the net, while netting a fish, it will break the lead off.(Don't ask me how I know this) No big deal, lead is cheap.

fop