Catfisherman’s Sinker Poll

Just wondering how many of you make your own sinkers and what types you’re using.

I usually buy them from RJ’s, I think it’s called?

They’re a little tackle outlet up by 169 and 81, by Fleet Farm in Brooklyn Park.

I’m hoping to get a mold and gear for the no-rolls this year.

Ooh and I also use barrel sinkers somewhat, depends on the current and location.

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I’m hoping to get a mold and gear for the no-rolls this year.

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You have a PM

i get all of my sinkers on ebay. typically use a 4 oz no-roll for most applications.

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I’m hoping to get a mold and gear for the no-rolls this year.

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I am also looking for some no roll molds and a melter.

We are making some custom sturgeon and catfish no rolls again this spring.

Here is the 2009 model:

I like to use Pyramid sinkers. I also use a lot of barrel sinkers.

Last year I started an annual spring sinker making party. We melted nearly 100 pounds.

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I usually buy them from RJ’s, I think it’s called?

They’re a little tackle outlet up by 169 and 81, by Fleet Farm in Brooklyn Park.

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JR’s
JR’s tackle

I use flat banks…
Buy from a local guy,I supply the lead and he doesn’t charge too much….Maybe a case of beer or so

I use no-rolls that I get out of BrianK’s boat when he looks the other way.

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I use no-rolls that I get out of BrianK’s boat when he looks the other way.

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you to

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I use no-rolls that I get out of BrianK’s boat when he looks the other way.

you to

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No skin off my butt…I steal my 4ozers from Everts.

I used No Rolls for a few months to see what all the hype was about. In fact I bought into it and was telling everyone else to buy them as well. Then after using them for a while, I quit cold Turkey.

They are quite a bit more difficult to mold, they cost a lot more to buy, and they are a PITA when it comes to using them since they get stuck in rocks easier and like to do “the helicopter” in deep water. I know guys that couldn’t even use them up on the Rainy last spring because the current was catching the profile like a kite I will use them as a backup, but save yourself some time and $ and use pyramid or bank sinkers.

Dare to be different!

Said the guy in the pink hat

I use quarter oz barrel sinkers.

You always show up at the wrong times Mr. Simmons.

I like to call it, keeping an open mind.

Like I said, I tried them out, and will use them from time to time but why pay more?

Of all the hours and locations I logged last year, there was only one instance in which I chose a flat No Roll over everything else, and that was casting upstream onto a flat cement apron below a dam and trying to keep the bait there without it falling off.

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I use quarter oz barrel sinkers.

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I didn’t think you fished on the bottom Kev? You change up from the floats?

1/4 oz is perfect under a lit up bobber. You could use split shots but then your line will twist more. I use a barrel sinker just above a little swivel. If a cat blows up a rig, I cut the lead at the swivel and loop another on. Back in business in 10 seconds. I do on occaision throw some bait on the bottom too but not real often.

Put me down in the “Bank Sinker” category.

There are more than a few spots on the MN where a No-Roll equals snagged up, they just don’t like rocks. From what I understand, cats don’t like rocks either but ya’ll know I’m hoping for that accidental walleye.

When I saw that you posted here…I asked myself, “what’s a walleye guy posting to a catfish sinker poll for”

I never fish rocks. So walleyes like rocks you say?

I probably use more no rolls than anything, but straight behind the boat I like a plain old egg sinker. Not dealing with as much current in many places, and rocks haven’t been a big problem.

I use, or should I say used after this thread, no rolls since that was my first introduction, when I was taught flathead fishing from people here. Since then most of them have already switched. I guess the novelty has worn off now.

You guys sure flatheads don’t like rocks? The best day I have witnessed by being a part of a group was fishing rocks. There may also have been some other things attracting them, but no doubt there is not a lot of wood there. Plus, why do you think those walleye guys get them in the spring?

Nope, Flatheads hate rocks.

I’m right there with ya on the learning part Pug,

When I was first starting out, I kept getting drilled with the same info. Power Pro, No Rolls, 10/0 Gamakatsu’s, etc etc, Power Pro, No Rolls, 10/0 Gamakatsu’s, etc etc., Power Pro, No Rolls, 10/0 Gamakatsu’s, etc etc. Next thing you know, I’m now repeating the same thing back to everyone else thinking I got it all figured out.

That is great and I caught PUHLENTY big fish using the above. But then you fish a bunch more and go out with guys that have been doing this for decades and you start to question everything that you thought was so great and start rethinking a few things. Especially when you witness first hand that something is indeed working better.

What you learn is that there is a time and place for everything (even those silly black rods)and that there really is no right or wrong. Every night on the water is a learning experience and I have the utmost respect for guys that have been chasing these fish for ions. The next time you see an old timer hanging out on the river, or puttering by with his 6hp, instead of questioning his ancient gear and questionable tactics or chuckle at his tiny little Jon boat, stop and talk to him for a while. You might be surprised what you learn

Am I the only guy here that uses flat banks??

I don’t seem to have too much troubles, although barrels are in my box also

Dtro, please share with us what set up works better and why.

We have many that are interested in knowing.

Some of the fun of being a flathead fisherman, especially around these parts, is that there is a lot to discover. A little experimenting and you might be the next guy to discover a new pattern or a set up that no one has thought of before. Rattling crappie bobbers? Who’d a thunk!

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Dtro, please share with us what set up works better and why.

We have many that are interested in knowing.

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What setup works better where???

I’ve seen Larry kick major league butt with his “clickers” and mono leader. I’ve seen Rushing put the hurtin to some beasts with a bobber and circle hook. I’ve seen WWG work a $18 dollar rod and Kahle hook like nobody else, I’ve seen Dark use a wine cork and pop can to make terminal tackle and I’ve seen Kyle stand at attention all night holding a 5ft shark pole with his bait right next to the boat and telling me each and every move the fish has made after it takes the bait.

and I’m like a sponge taking it all in.

There’s many people that come to this site that would like to learn how to catch a trophy cat…or even a cats.

Since you’ve seen through the “hype”…

I was hoping you could actually share some of the knowledge in detail that you’ve gained over the years of sponging it up.

umm hello??

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They are quite a bit more difficult to mold, they cost a lot more to buy, and they are a PITA when it comes to using them since they get stuck in rocks easier and like to do “the helicopter” in deep water. I know guys that couldn’t even use them up on the Rainy last spring because the current was catching the profile like a kite I will use them as a backup, but save yourself some time and $ and use pyramid or bank sinkers.

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