Wedding Ring Lure: Crafting A Fishy Proposal

Wedding ring lures are a classic and effective fishing lure, especially for trout and kokanee fishermen, but they can also be used for walleye and other larger game fish. They get their name from the sparkly bead in the middle of the lure, resembling a diamond on a wedding ring. These lures are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, colours, hook styles, and blade finishes. They are also easy to make at home, with components available for sale online.

Choosing the right beads

Wedding ring lures are named after the sparkly bead in the middle, which resembles a diamond on a wedding ring. The beads are one of the most important components of a lure, and there are hundreds of different types to choose from.

The type of bead you choose will depend on the species of fish you are trying to catch. For example, if you are fishing for trout or kokanee, opt for a 1 to 1.5" model lure with a silver spinner blade. If you are fishing for walleye or larger fish, size up to a 2" or larger model with a gold or bronze blade.

When selecting the colour of your beads, consider the water conditions and depth. Reds and oranges are best used high in the water column, while greens are more suitable for fishing deeper.

There are many different types of beads available, including:

• Rondelle beads (the "wedding ring" bead)
• Genuine rhinestone wedding ring beads
• Silver-plated metal beads
• Gold-plated metal beads
• Mother of pearl beads
• Glass cracked ice beads
• Pearlescent faceted beads
• Glow-in-the-dark beads

Selecting the right hook

Wedding ring lures are a classic and effective lure for several species of fish, including kokanee, trout, walleye, and larger game fish. The type and size of the hook you select for your wedding ring lure will depend on the species of fish you are targeting.

For trout and kokanee, use a smaller hook that is appropriate for the smaller size of these fish. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 to 1.5-inch models for trout and kokanee. You can use either single hooks or treble hooks, or a combination of both. When tying on the hooks, use an egg loop knot to secure them in place.

For larger fish, such as walleye, you will need to size up to a larger hook. Opt for a 2-inch or larger model. You may also want to consider using a combination of single and treble hooks to effectively hook and hold the larger fish.

In addition to the size of the hook, you should also consider the type of fish you are targeting when selecting the material and finish of the hook. For freshwater fishing, you will typically use different hooks than you would for saltwater fishing. The finish and colour of the hook can also make a difference in the effectiveness of the lure. For colder water, use silver hooks. For warmer water, go with gold or bronze.

When making a wedding ring fishing lure, you can easily find hooks online or at your local fishing store. Buying the components separately and assembling the lure yourself can be much cheaper than purchasing pre-built lures.

Adding a spinner blade

Firstly, select the appropriate spinner blade size and colour. The size and colour of the spinner blade can influence the effectiveness of your lure in different water conditions. For colder water, opt for a silver blade. In warmer water, gold or bronze blades are ideal. If you're fishing in green or turbid water, a larger and flashier blade will be more visible to fish.

The next step is to attach the spinner blade to your lure. You will need a clevis to attach the spinner blade to the line. A clevis is a small piece of hardware that acts as a connector. You can choose between a quick-change clevis or a regular clevis. Quick-change clevises offer convenience, but regular clevises tend to be more secure. Folded regular clevises are recommended as they cut into the leader less.

Before attaching the spinner blade, consider adding a small bead between the clevis and the bead stack. This bead acts as a bearing, minimising friction as the spinner blade turns. Then, attach the clevis to the line and secure the spinner blade to the clevis. Ensure that the spinner blade is secure and can spin freely.

Finally, test your new lure to ensure that the spinner blade is functioning properly. Cast your lure into the water and retrieve it, observing if the spinner blade is spinning as intended. Make adjustments as necessary to ensure optimal performance.

With these steps, you can add a spinner blade to your wedding ring fishing lure, increasing its appeal to your target fish species. Remember to consider water conditions when selecting the size and colour of your spinner blade. Enjoy crafting your customised lure and best of luck on your next fishing adventure!

Selecting the right line

When making a wedding ring fishing lure, selecting the right line is crucial. The line, also known as the leader, is the length of the fishing line that connects the lure to the hook. It is important to choose a line that is strong enough to withstand the pull of the fish and the weight of the lure, as well as one that is invisible or hard to see underwater so as not to spook the fish.

For wedding ring lures, a fluorocarbon line is a good option as it is strong and relatively invisible. The thickness of the line will depend on the size and weight of your lure, as well as the type of fish you are targeting. A good rule of thumb is to use at least a 10-pound line to avoid line twist caused by the friction of the spinner blade spinning. If you are fishing for larger fish or using a heavier lure, you may need to increase the line thickness to 15 or 20 pounds.

When selecting a line for your wedding ring lure, it is also important to consider the water conditions. If you are fishing in clear water, opt for a line that is as invisible as possible. In muddy or murky water, you can get away with a slightly thicker line that may be more visible. It is also a good idea to match the colour of your line to the colour of the water to help camouflage it. For example, use a green line in green water or a brown line in muddy water.

The length of the line is also important. You will want to cut a length of the leader that is about one foot longer than the depth at which you want to fish. This will give you some extra line to play with and make it easier to tie knots. It is also a good idea to tie a swivel into your line, especially if you are using bait, as this will help to prevent the line from twisting.

Finally, when selecting a line for your wedding ring lure, consider the type of fishing you will be doing. If you plan on trolling your lure behind a boat, you will need a longer line than if you are casting from the shore. In general, it is better to have a longer line than you think you need, as you can always add more weight to get your lure deeper, but you don't want your lure skipping across the surface because your line is too long.

Tying the hook

Start by tying the first hook to the end of the line. Then, slide the second hook down the line to the desired position and tie it in place. Repeat this process for the third hook.

If you are using a combination of hooks, such as single and treble hooks, tie the single hook onto the end of the line first. Then, slide the treble hook down the line to the desired position and tie it in place.

It is important to use at least a 10-pound line to avoid line twist caused by the friction of the blade spinning. If you are making the lure for kokanee, use a 15-pound line to transmit better action from the dodger.

Frequently asked questions