Due to the weather and other circumstances, I recently found myself heeding my own advice. I was checking some of my gear when I remembered an article I had recently read. It concerned an item that is designed to help make tying dropper loops easier. I decided to make one.
One thing I liked about this was its simplicity. The list of items needed was stuff that most fishermen, or ladies, would have lying around in their garage or workshop. You may need to run to the local office supply store for one item (actually two of the same item), but that’s it.
The premise behind this gadget, called a dropper-loop jig maker, is that anyone can make a dropper-loop with minimal effort. I can tie one the traditional way, but I must say this method looked much easier and faster. This rig can be used in many ways. Tie a loop in the bottom for a sinker, put a swivel on the top, and you have a basic tog rig.
A second loop can be tied for a two-hook rig. You can put a flounder ball, a jig head, or a bucktail on the bottom, and a teaser hook on the loop and use it as a flounder rig. You could also set it up as a striper rig for beach fishing, by putting a teaser on the loop and a plug on the end. This rig has many uses. Let your imagination run wild. I found this device easy to make and use. I also had my son make some rigs and he found it easy to use. Kid tested and kid approved.
A list of what you’ll need:
– Hammer, screwdriver, and tape measure
– A 2”x 8” board, at least 30 inches long
– Five 2” nails
– A half-inch screw with a wide lip area around the top to prevent slippage through washer. I used a No. 8 by half inch lath screw.
– One washer
– Two metal binder clips (original plans called for one, but a second one can be set over nail No. 1 if you are using pre-cut leader material. Both tag ends of line can be held in the clips, then the clip on No. 1 can be removed. You can then use nail No. 1 as originally designed to hold a spool of line.
On to setting up your loop maker (see photos above):
*Step 1 – board, nails (in place to be hammered in), binder clip, washer, and screw, and tools.
*Step 2 – board, nails in place and numbered, and binder clip screwed in. Nail one to two (eight inches); nail two to three then three to four (five inches each or 10 total); nail five is four inches from edge and two and a half inches between nail three and four forming triangle; nail four to six is 11 inches angle toward corner.
*Step 3 – line from three to four to five, back to three to four, and from four to six.
*Step 4 – double line being twisted five times between three and four. Line around nail five is pulled through the middle of twisted line. At this point, move hands to line on either side of twisted area. Put created loop around nail three or four to create resistance, and pull line out to sides which causes knot to tighten down. When tightened down, your loop will be visible.
*Step 5 – finished rig with hook and sinker in place. I used a heavier non-fishing line for visibility.
One other point is that you can adjust the loop size by where you place the nails. Wider placement will result in larger loops.
Out and about: Reminder! Don’t forget to sign up for the Saltwater Recreational Registry Program. You can do it through the Division of Fish and Wildlife website.
Next, I want to pass on some information about the South Jersey Kayak Bass Fishing Club, and a big event they have going on next weekend. A close to home flea market for fishermen. First, they are an environmentally conscious tournament fishing club that is strictly catch/photo/release. They have approximately 25 members and hold 15 tournaments a year throughout South Jersey. This local group is a member of the South Jersey Bass Club Association. That is a group with about 30 local bass fishing clubs, with a membership of perhaps 1,000 fishermen and women. All are freshwater boaters clubs except this club, which is strictly kayaks.
This organization organizes the clubs, but more importantly supports Youth fishing events in South Jersey and gives small college scholarships to local high school seniors pursuing a degree in fisheries management, environmental science or another related field that may benefit fishermen.
The first of the two major events they organize annually to finance these good deeds is happening soon.
The SJBCA Fisherman’s Flea Market is March 7 at the Millville Elks Lodge, 1815 E. Broad Street, Millville from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission is $2 with kids under 14 free. Rain or shine. They usually get about 60 tables of vendors with both Salt and Fresh water lures, tackle, rods & reels, weights, clothing, shoes, etc. as well as people selling boats outside. There are free door prizes all day long, food, raffles on both stocked salt and fresh water tackle boxes, as well as a kids casting area. Feel free to check out their website at www.sjbca.org/fleamkt.htm.
Try to get out and support this group, and aid in their efforts to help local youth anglers. I will keep you informed of their other events and fundraisers as I get information on them.
Just a reminder that the back bays, inlets, and rivers open up March 1. If you go out, watch for any ice and snowy patches that are still around on the sod banks. Good luck if you decide to throw the line.
Send your fishing news and photos to Mark Robbins at mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
