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Mepps Guide
to
Spinning
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1 lu
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B.P. 09
06391 Contes Cedex - FRANCE
MEPPS HISTORY
1938 : The Birth of MEPPS
André Meulnart, a passionate fisherman,
starts to make reels and spinners for his
own use. Into these, he puts all his mechanical know-how (he is a Peugeot engineer)
and scientific skill. The excellent
performance of his models is the result of
exhaustive and exacting studies and during
the thirties, several of his inventions are
patented. In 1938, in response to an increasing and constant demand, he creates (at
35, Boulevard de Strasbourg, Paris 10ème)
the "Manufacture d'Engins de
Précision pour la Pêche
Sportive" (literally The
Manufacture of Precision
Tackle for Sportfishing). The
M.E.P.P.S. Company was
born.
1951 : Entry into the US
Market :
One day in Spring 1951, after
the end of the second World
André Meulnart
War, Todd Sheldon, an
American from Wisconsin is
fishing in the Wolf river. It is a
terrible day and Todd has not
taken a single fish. He has
tried every lure in his box
without success. At the end of
his tether, he tries a spinner
which has lain at the bottom
of his haversack for two
years. It had been given to Todd Sheldon
him by a G.I. friend who brought it back
from France. To his astonishment, Todd
catches four trout for a weight of 12 lbs
with it. At this time, Todd owns a small
chain of sports goods stores. He decides to
market this "French Spinner" which has so
impressed him. He asks his G.I. friend,
Frank Vellek to organise supplies for him.
Frank calls a lady friend in Paris who
agrees to exchange spinners for nylon
stockings. However the spinners sell much
quicker than the lady friend can wear out
the nylon stockings ! Frank goes back to
André Meulnart and introduces the MEPPS
creator to Todd so they can work together.
Between the two, both passionately keen
on fishing and on nature, the rapport is
immediate. It is the start of a long
professional co-operation and a lasting
friendship. These are the first
Trans-Atlantic steps for MEPPS and Todd
has as his target to make MEPPS the N° 1
lure in the USA. It will come
to pass.
Today :
To cope with its expansion,
MEPPS left Paris and moved
to a new production unit of
3,000 sq metres close to
Nice, at Contes in the Paillon
valley, on the French Riviera.
There, 70 employees produce
the spinners which are now
sold in more than 80
countries throughout the
world. In the USA, 70 more
employees work specifically
for the American market,
using parts made in France.
MEPPS is, throughout
the world, the only factory
completely dedicated to the
manufacture of spinners ; the
only owner of a manufacturing tool specialized in the mechanics of
fishing ; the only one to make spinners in a
special copper alloy peculiar to MEPPS
and made for them by two of the world's
leading foundries; the only one to work
with the American, Canadian and French
Scientific Research Centres on fish behaviour. Over the years, MEPPS stays faithful
to the scientific precision and the passion
for sportfishing of its founder.
▼▼
Spinners are the most widely used lures in the world. Why ?
Without doubt, it is because of their efficiency of attraction. A spinner achieves much
more than a mere "visual imitation" of a preyfish. It is in fact an intricate mechanical
device designed to achieve the signals sequence most likely to trigger naturally the
attacking instincts of predatory fish. It is a micro-device tuned to sequentially generate
vibratory, optical and electro-magnetic effects capable of triggering the reflex
reactions of the predators exposed to these effects.
What sets Mepps spinners apart ?
Mepps technical teams work from research programmes constantly updated in order to
better understand the behaviour of fish and, for each species, the relation between stimuli
and physiological reactions. It is through this research that Mepps designs lures which
are perfectly in tune with fish biology. Furthermore, the Mepps factory is the only one
in the world which specialises in precision mechanics in the art of fishing : this allows
precise reproduction of the effective signals and guarantees that all spinners are manufactured to tune in with the fishes own particular sensitivities.
2
VIBRATORY AND KINETIC
INTESITIES OF MEPPS SPINNERS
Which blade shape ?
Listen to choose.
How to achieve the effects for which
the spinner has been designed ? In
other words, how to fish in tune ?
The answer is simple : it is like learning to play a musical instrument…
without knowing the first thing about
music ! It is in the ear so to speak. To
do that one must learn to "listen to its
spinner". Except that in this instance, the "listening" is not done with the
ear, but through the hand and arm
which very quick learn to interpret
the "drag" on retrieve and to
recognize the quality and intensity
of the vibrations, to adjust the speed
of recovery to optimise these effects
and to feel when it becomes necessary to change to a spinner which will
be more suitable to the place and
conditions. It is a progressive
apprenticeship which starts with and
evolves around the AGLIA which for
fishermen around the world is the
benchmark. They know that if the
drag becomes too strong, they must
replace it with the "willowleaf"
profile of the AGLIA LONG and
make it "purr" heavily and regularly
throughout the whole retrieve. If, on
the other hand, the drag feels soft and
broken, they must choose the long
oval shaped COMET and make it
dance through a succession of
twitches and jerks.
Failing to recognise these signs, a
beginner might just move to another
fishing spot because of not catching
any fish, or try another spinner at
random, or another colour, or another
style, thus unknowingly abandoning
the logical approach before even
trying it.
AGLIA
COMET
AGLIA LONG
LUSOX
SYCLOPS & “S”
Model
Angle
of rotation
Speed
of rotation
Vibratory
effects
Visual
Signals
Tirage
AGLIA
60°
slow to medium
continuous
steady
optimum
COMET
45°
medium
fluttering
multiple
medium
AGLIA LONG
30°
fast
staccato
split
minimum
LUSOX
25°
slow
marked
SYCLOPS & “S”
pronounced optimum
Wide intensity range of vibratory and visual signals
3
AGLIA®
World’s N°1 Lure
The Mepps "par excellence" for all fish in all
waters. Aglia is a marvellous lure, precisely
engineered to start spinning smoothly the
instant it enters the water.
The cone of rotation constantly adapts to
the force of the current or retrieve so
Aglia continuously emits
appropriate and measured
vibrations.
Slow retrieve ? Aglia rises
without "flapping". No
retrieve ? Aglia will find its
own level in the current
and continue to spin
attractively. Accordingly,
throughout the whole of its
course through the water,
Aglia is "alive" and attracts
the predator.
No other lure has caught
1
so many record fish all
over the world.
N°
00
0
1
00
0
2
3
4
5
2
3
Weight 1,5 g. 2,5 g. 3,5 g. 4,5 g. 6,5 g.
4
5
9 g.
13 g.
▼▼
Learning to feel the action of Mepps spinners
To help beginners, training them to recognise all the different Mepps spinners by feeling
their resistant action under water is highly recommended. It is best to start practising in
calm waters. Ask the beginner to cast several times with an AGLIA 3 and to concentrate
on feeling the resistance and vibrations whilst retrieving. He could try to describe what
is felt. Repeat the exercise with a COMET 3, then with an AGLIA LONG 3. Then
attach one of the spinners without the beginner knowing which it is and ask him to cast
with eyes closed and identify the spinner before the end of the retrieve. Despite a few
early mistakes, it is surprising how quickly people will learn to differentiate and identify
those basic 3 spinners. The same exercise can be repeated in a moderate and steady current, then in rapids, etc. The experience gained from these training sessions will :
1. allow the fisherman to optimise the action of all these spinners in diverse
fishing conditions,
2. teach him when to change spinner if the correct action can not be achieved,
3. teach him which model is most likely to solve the problem.
4
>>>
AGLIA®
a
N° 00 - 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
b
a Black
c
AGLIA®
décorées
d
N° 1 - 2 - 3
b Silver
c Copper
d Gold
e Silver/Red dots
f
e
f
g
Copper/Red dots
g Gold/Red dots
h Silver/Black dots
i
Copper/Black dots
j
Gold/Black dots
K Green/Gold
l
h
AGLIA® platium
i
j
N° 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
Blue/Silver
m Red/Silver
n White - Red/Silver
l
k
AGLIA®
blanc/ rouge
N° 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
n
>>>
Once the unique vibratory
identity of each model has
been learned, the fisherman will instantly recognise from the quality of the
action that he "hears" whether or not his spinner is
producing the best signals.
It is very rare that one has
to try more than 2 or 3
models to find the one best
suited. Experienced spinfishermen can often select
the right spinner right
away by simply looking at
the spot to fish.
5
m
Mouche
noire
AGLIA® MOUCHE
Mouche
rouge
For summer fish, in low
water and for difficult fish.
a
d
b
c
c
b
d
a
AGLIA®
STREAMEPPS
00
1,5 g.
0
2,5 g.
1
3,6 g.
a
Black
b
Copper
c
Gold
d
Silver
2
4,6 g.
Silver
For ultra-light spinning for trout and shad.
Casts perfectly on a fly rod.
Gold
00
Brown
0,9 g.
AGLIA® MINI SAUMON
Orange
The "salmon egg" colour of these
mini lures is a very strong attraction.
For trout, grayling and perch.
0
3 g.
Silver
▼▼
What Blade Colour ?
Once having learned to fish "right" as far as the vibratory signals are concerned, one
can turn to luminous signals. The first step revolves around metallic shades, knowing
that the more light there is, the more the brightness of the blade must be dimmed. The
scales of values is as follows : "Silver" when the light is poor (morning, evening,
overcast weather, shaded spot) and for less clear waters or even murky waters ; "Gold"
when light is stronger (mid day) and for clear waters ; "Copper" and "Black" to
completely suppress any sparkle when light is extremely strong and for crystal clear waters.
As far as research on visual signals is concerned, one could easily stick to the notion of
luminous intensity as described by the above scales of metallic shades. But as soon as
the notion of shades has been mastered one realises that is must be extended to include
the notion of colours as not only are they picked up by the predator, but also often play
a key role as far as their behaviour is concerned by increasing or inhibiting signals of
some functions such as strike mechanism. We know this is not only triggered by hunger
but also by aggression linked to defence of territory or sexual rivalry, each physiological
impulse having its own coloured signals. The colours and motifs of Mepps blades are
not imitative or decorative signals – they convey functional messages aimed at
triggering predatory fish behaviour.
>>>
6
AGLIA® FLUO
Brighter, Deeper
The peculiarity of the Fluo
blades is that they become
visible when subjected to
Ultra Violet rays. These are
the rays which penetrate
deepest in the water.
So, the Fluo blades, stimulated by Ultra Violet light,
continue to glow long after
all the other colors have
vanished.
They are particularly
efficient in murky water,
cloudy weather and deep
water.
a Red
a
b
c
d
e
f
PIKE
b Glow.
ZANDER, TROUT
c Pink
SALMON
d Chartreuse
ZANDER, PIKE
e Orange
PIKE, TROUT
f Tiger/Gold
SANDER, PIKE, TROUT
AGLIA® FLUO
MICROPIGMENTS
The cristallite coloured pigments
throw back 100 % of the light they
get. underwater, they recreate the
micro-signals that naturally exist
on most of water and terrestrial
preys.
0
1
2
3
2,5 g. 3,5 g. 4,5 g. 6,5 g.
4
5
9 g.
13 g.
Rainbo/
Silver
Brown/
Gold
>>>
Basic criteria to help you make the right choice of colours :
• Reproduce the luminous sparkle of the instant prey : "Silver" blade when the predators are feeding on bleak or roach ; "Gold" when prey fish are perch, minnow or gudgeon and darker blades when the hunt is for insects, larva or nymphs…
• Allow for the colour of the water : Blue (crystal clear), Green (water clouded from
algae), Brown (peaty, stained, or muddy waters). The colour of the surrounding water is
crucial in determining the spinner colours which will create either a contrasting effect by
opposing shades, or a blending effect through harmonising. Creating or cancelling a
contrasting effect is the way to adapt to the variations of receptivity and inhibition of the
predator.
• Allow for the water temperature : fish are cold blooded creatures. Their level of
activity is highly influenced by the temperature of the water in which they live. For each
species there is an ideal temperature at which their activity is at its peak. Below this temperature (cold water at the beginning of the fishing season) the fish metabolism is low.
To wake them up and provoke a strike, it is recommended to use very bright spinners.
Above the ideal temperature (as water is warming up as season progresses) the eyes of
fish become more sensitive to light. Then is the time to soften the luminous signals to
avoid the predator's inhibition.
7
WINNER
Shallow
Runner
Sylver
Gold
Unweighted spinner, with detachable hook. For fishing in
shallow water or over weeds. Allows ultra-light fishing with
large blades. For pike and bass.
1
2
3
4
5
2 g. 3 g. 4 g. 5,5 g. 7 g.
AGLIA® FLYING C.
Silver / Red
Deep Runner
Gold / Natural
Silver / Black
10 g.
Silver/
Chartreuse
Gold/
Orange
15 g.
25 g.
Very heavy for the size of blade, can be used in the
most powerful currents without losing the action.
Allows complete coverage of pools, in depth and
very precisely. Recommended for salmon,
steelhead and sea trout.
AGLIA® SPINFLEX
Weight forward
This series offers the advantage of
having a range of several weights, all
the same size :
7 g. 10 g. 14 g. 17 g. 20 g.
It is weight headed and has an articulating hook fitted with a soft curly tail.
So, its blade spins and its tail wriggles
when sinking and reeling up as well.
It can be jigged, drifted, dragged,
cast or trolled. It
can be counted
down to fish any
depth (see p. 1617). For zander, perch, pike
and bass.
8
AGLIA TW MINO®
With removable Mino
Its erratic swimming action
makes it appear to be a
wounded bait fish.
0
1
4 g.
5 g.
2
3
a
Natural
b
Red
c
Gudgeon
4
6,5 g. 9,5 g. 13,5 g.
Gold
Silver
a
Copper
c
Out
b
In
MINO®
0
1
2
3
4
5
4,5 cm. 5,5 cm. 6 cm. 7 cm. 9 cm. 11cm.
Unique colour effects from spangles and
mica in titanium and rich gold are added to
the already lifelike imitative form of the Mino.
AGLIA TW
Easy Hook Change
0
3 g.
1
a g.
2
4,5 g.
3
6 g.
4
8,5 g.
Because the TW features an interchangeable hook, two or more blades can be connected in
tandem for additionnal flash, weight, vibration and casting distance. Also plastic lures,
streamers, natural baits can be rigged on the TW.
Gold
Silver
Copper
▼▼
The role of additives
An "additive" is an external device added to the hook of a classic model to provide extra
effect. It can be made from natural or synthetic fibres (pompom, trailer, fly, streamer) or
plastic (small fish imitation, soft lure). It can prolong and subtly enhance the intrinsic
action of the spinner – and moreover hide the hook and/or limit hooking on an obstacle.
It is only of benefit if its weight, volume and potential action do not alter in any way the
primary action of the spinner or the ease and precision of casting. These rules were strictly
adhered to when designing all Mepps models including an additive : Aglia Mouche,
Streamepps, Aglia Mini Saumon, Winner, Aglia Flying C, Aglia Mino, Comet Rainbo
Twist, Comet Rainbo Mino, Black Fury, Bug, Aglia Mini Saumon, Lusox, Timber
Doodle and more specifically Aglia T.W. Streamer, which personifies the unique
symbiosis of an authentic streamer plus a basic spinner for trout whilst keeping 100 %
of each specific element, providing a 200 % lure so to speak which can be used on a
spinning rod or a fly rod.
9
COMET ®
fluttering action
The precise mechanics ensure
that the blade works equally
well close to or away from the
axis of rotation. This means
that Comet is at home in rough
water and currents broken by
numerous rocks and obstructions. The "Will o' the Whisp"
action is also a trump card in
calm water. It copies the erratic
behaviour of a wounded prey
fish in its last throes.
00
0
1
c
b
a
d
00 0
1
2
3
4
5
1,5 g. 2 g. 3,5 g. 4,5 g. 6,5 g. 8 g. 11 g.
a
Silver/Red dots
b
Gold/Red dots
c
Silver/Blue dots
d
Gold/Blue dots
2
2
2
4*
3
2
5*
* Removable hook
COMET
RAINBO TWIST * N°
0-1-2-3
COMET
RAINBO MINO * N°
COMET RAINBO*
N° 0 - 1 - 2 - 3
0-1-2-3
▼▼
Prospecting strategies
In calm or slow flowing waters.
Keeping a yard or so back from the bank start with short fanned out casts and fish fairly high in the water. Then moving slightly towards the bank, cast progressively further,
letting the spinner sink deeper and deeper after each set of fanned out casts.
>>>
10
MAGIC BLACK
Choosing a black spinner is very effective in
the following situations :
• When waters are warming up, when they are
crystal clear and the sun is shining.
• When waters are murky, or turbid or stained
and the sun is shining.
• When waters are green (full of algae) and the
sun is shining.
• When fish are looking for larvae and nymphs.
• At night.
BLACK FURY®
00
0
1
2
3
4
1,5 g. 2 g. 3,5 g. 4,5 g. 6,5 g. 8 g.
Fish preys colors
Very rich decoration which recreates the visual stimuli of
the most taken preys : crickets, grasshoppers, frogs,
aquatic and terrestrial larvae and minnows in mating
colours.
a
Black
c
b Copper
silver
d Gold
BLACK FURY JAUNE
a
b
c
d
c
d
BLACK FURY CHARTREUSE
a
b
ORANGE
MOUCHE
BLACK FURY ORANGE
a
b
c
d
Many Mepps models exist in black : Aglia, Aglia Mouche, Streamepps, Black Fury, Bug,
XD, Aglia Long, Timber Doodle, Tandem Truite, Musky Killer.
>>>
• in flowing water, in deep pools below rapids or falls :
Use the same fanned out casting method with progressively longer casts and explore
increasingly greater depths. Start by casting across the current at about 90 degrees but
slow down the retrieve as the current takes the spinner.
It is very important to control both speed of retrieve and rod tip movement to maintain
the action and speed of the spinner at the optimum level despite fluctuations in current
and depth. When casting upstream it is essential to keep the rod tip high in order to prevent the spinner being taken straight to the bottom by the current and to retrieve at a
speed which will keep the line tight enough to maintain the action and vibrations. When
casting more downstream the rod tip must be kept close to the surface and the retrieve
must be slowed down considerably to counteract the effects of the current which, if it is
too strong, will tend to increase the rate of spin and bring the spinner to the surface. In
these conditions, one can choose to change from, for example, an Aglia Long and so,
keep on fishing to the bank and even upstream along the bank.
11
BUG
Match the Hatch
a
b
c
d
f
e
a Stone fly
b Yellow May
c Withe Miller
g
d Iron Blue
e Olive
f Dragon
h
g March Brown
h Cherry
00
0
1
2
1,5 g.
2,5 g.
4 g.
7 g.
Bug feature "fly signals" reinforced by" spinner stimuli". The ribbed wing blade activates
the predatory instinct. The segmented body "head-thorax-abdomen" lures the predator
into authentifying the prey and limits its inhibition. The palpitation of the hackles and the
"microflashing" of the whisks are the ultimate signals attracting the predator like a target
center.
XD®
Xtra Deep Fishing
They drop quickly and stay deep even in
the fastest streams. They allow to fish
"Sink and Draw" and to surprise fish
under unusual angles of attack.
0
1
2
3
2,5 g.
3 g.
5 g.
7 g.
i
k
j
m
l
o
n
p
i
Silver/Silver
k
Brown/Gold
m
Gold/Gold
o
Silver/Red
j
Tiger/Gold
l
Gold/Green
n
Rainbo/Silver
p
Black/Black
12
AGLIA® LONG
Original willow leaf blade
Thanks to its "willow leaf"
blade and its heavier
weight the Aglia Long
maintains a slow and
regular rotation in
the strongest
currents.
Recommended for
strong streams, fast and
deep water and for
upstream fishing.
Also for use in lakes
for bottom feeding
predators which will not
chase there a fast lure.
00
0
1+
1
1,5 g. 2,5 g. 4,5 g. 6 g.
2
3
4
7 g. 11,5 g. 17 g.
5
29 g.
®
AGLIA LONG RAINBO
N° 00 - 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
®
AGLIA LONG
N° 00 - 0 - 1 - 1+ - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
a
a
b
c
Gold
b
Silver
c
Copper
d
Black
d
a
b
c
d
®
AGLIA LONG REDBO
N° 00 - 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
®
AGLIA LONG MINI SAUMON
0
Silver
3 g.
a
13
b
c
d
LUSOX®
Designed for Pike
Silver
This leadheaded spinner can be
retrieved extremely slowly and
will keep its strong vibrations.
The blade goes on revolving
even in free sinking.
Interchangeable leadhead
("Avançon").
0
1
2
3
7 g.
9,5 g.
16 g.
20,5 g.
Gold
®
LUSOX FLUO
DETACHABLE AVANÇON
silver
Fluo red
Gold
Fluo chartreuse
4 g. - 7 g. - 10 g. - 13 g.
TIMBER DOODLE®
Heavy cover
Timber Doodle are virtually weedless. They produce an erratic swimming action. And because
they flutter when sinking, they can be vertically jigged, cast and trolled.
For bass, zander and pike.
0
8 g.
8 cm.
1
12 g.
11 cm.
Black
Silver
14
Gold
SYCLOPS®
Quick coverage of large pools
Their elaborate profile gives 10 planes
of light reflection. And it swims with
alternate undulations, flutterings and
sideways deviations exactly like a
live prey fish. Because of this
double curve the quality of
movement is maintained
whatever the speed of
retrieve : slow, normal or
fast. This characteristic
makes for easy and quick
coverage of large calm
waters (pike, zander,
bass) and also for
fishing in currents
(trout, grayling,
salmon).
00
0
1
2
a
b
3
d
5 g. 8 g. 12 g. 17 g. 26 g.
4 cm. 5 cm. 6 cm. 7,5 cm. 9 cm.
a Silver/black
f
c
b Gold/red
h
c silver/Red
d Fluo Chartreuse
e Green Platium
f
Fluo Orange
e
g Blue Platium
h Tiger/Gold
i
Red Platium
j
Luminescent
j
g
i
"S" ® LIGHT
1
2
3
7 g.
9 g.
15 g.
▼▼
The SYCLOPS spoon techniques
This "S" shape works in a successions of waves, causing deviations in balance which
induces irregular beats constantly renewed. In a current, as Syclops drifts with the
current, it allows a perfectly balanced control of all the variations of its fishing action
during the whole retrieve from the opposite bank to the feet of the angler. It is also
possible to stop the recovery to thoroughly fish a particular spot. By slowly letting line
out, it can be fished "sliding" on the current whilst maintaining the same depth.
In calm water, it is exceptionally good for fishing as a dead or dying fish by using the
"sink and draw", raising and lowering the rod tip, sudden darts and stops of retrieve
making it drop like a dead leaf. Making the rod tremble by shaking the arm enhances the
action while holding against the current or fishing all the way to the bottom. It is also possible, after SYCLOPS has touched bottom, to hold the rod tip high, doing a high "sink and
draw" and letting the spoon touch the bottom every time to very good effect. Note : the
angler must strike immediately if the line stops on the drop, or moves fiercely sideways.
Should the angler plan to only take one type of lure on his next far flung or local fishing
trip, whilst maximising his chances many a travelling fisherman would recommend the
Syclops spoon.
15
TANDEMS
TANDEM TRUITE
with flexible axle
0
3,5 g.
1
6,5 g.
2
10 g.
Silver / Red / black
Black / Yellow
F l e x
i
b
Gold / Green / Orange
l
e
The flexible axle of the Mepps
Tandems gives the lure an
upmost fluidity of movement,
in better conformity with the
natural swimming pattern of
the prey fish. This very suppleness increases significantly
the trigging effect of the
tandem as it allows the
angler to subtly vary and adapt
its fishing action. Moreover,
during the fight, it makes it
almost impossible for the predator to get unhooked
through a twisting action
onto a stiff point as it
often does with stiff
lure. The 2
blades work
in harmony.
They amplify the vibrations without
disturbing the
conformity of
the frequencies emitted.
They increase
the optical
signals
without making
them excessive.
They optimise
the "target"
signal and
give an
excellent
pulsating action without
exaggerating resistance on
retrieve. The "Flexible Tandems"
action demonstrate new and
significant advantages.
a
x l e
TANDEM BROCHET
Red
White
Silver
3
27 g.
Orange
Chartreuse
Silver
Black
Geen
Gold
Detachable avançon
13 g.
▼▼
How to fish the complete depth of the water :
the "Count Down” method
Due to its density, a spinner left on its own on the surface of the water is subject to the
law of gravity and inescapably sinks towards the bottom. Hence, no depth of water is
unfishable for one who knows how to use what he has got.
1. Choice of the spinner weight : in theory, only the hydrodynamic shape of the metal
blade of the spinner and/or the strength of the current can lead to a difference in the time
it takes for a spinner to get to the bottom. But because the spinner is tied to a line whose
diameter is chosen according to the size of the quarry, secondary factors come into play,
namely the relation between the size/weight of the lure and the resistance factor due to
the diameter of the line. Thus, a number 1 spinner on a 30/100 diameter line will take
more time to reach the desired depth. On the contrary, a number 4 spinner on a 14/100
diameter line will sink much faster but will be easily broken by a larger fish.
2. Estimate how far to cast : it is not always necessary to cast very far to fish well.
Having said that, one must bear in mind that to reach deep waters, one must cast a long >>>
16
AGLIA®
TW STREAMER
With flexible axle
These lures combine the
very subtle swimming
action of a streamer fly,
specially tied for the art of
spinning and the vibrating
action, the flash of an Aglia.
The Streamer is tied on a
flexible axle with a front
single hook and a trailer
treble hook. Its body is
composed of long fibers
showing more than 10
colors with the target
signals : eyes, gillrakes,
lateral lines, micro-flashes.
1
2
3
3,6 g.
4,7 g.
6,8 g.
Gold
Easy streamer
change
Out
In
Tied on
flexible axle
Silver
>>>
way and allow the lure to sink well on a loose line before retrieve, otherwise the lure will
be drawn back on a tight line as it sinks, greatly reducing the distance achieved. The
deeper one wishes to fish, the further one must cast in order to maintain the retrieve angle
when the spinner is most effective – closer to the horizontal than to the vertical. Ideally,
it is best to keep the retrieve path parallel to the slope of the bottom whatever the depth
chosen.
3. Deciding when to start retrieve : Normally, with a depth of a few metres, it is
possible to start retrieving a second or so after the spinner has touched the water
surface, even if it might be necessary to speed up a little to begin with. Beyond this point
use the "count down" method to be certain to fish deeper with each cast. The method
consists in counting slowly from the moment of impact (at regular one second intervals
approximately), and to start recovering from 4 on the first cast, 8 on the second,
etc…The closer to the bottom (watch the angle between the line and the surface), the
more care must be taken to keep the spinner up by raising the tip of the rod high. Also
speed the retrieve but take care to feel and control the action of the spinner to maintain
peak
vibrations, whether in calm or flowing water. Where the bottom of the swim is
free from debris, let the spinner touch the bottom lightly, then reel in quickly to take up
the slack loop, before lifting the tip of the rod and tilting back firmly to raise the spinner. This is a good way to cover the entire depth of a swim where it is deeper than 10 to
12 metres – mainly in lakes and reservoirs. The same system can be used when fishing
rivers which are generally not as deep but where the current slows the descent of the
spinner.
17
AGLIA N° 7
a
30 g.
Mega blade
a
Red / White / Silver
b
Tiger / Gold
b
MUSKY
KILLER
a
15 g.
b
c
a
Silver
b
Gold
c
Black
▼▼
Big lures, big fish
Many big fish (pike, catfish, salmon, sea trout, lake trout, sea bass and other giants of the
sea or of exotic rivers) can be caught with medium or relatively small lures. However,
when targeting the larger fish of the species, success is more easily achieved using
suitable methods which will not only trigger attacks from the larger fish but also ensure
that the fish hooked will also be landed !
Larger lures are more likely to trigger an attack from larger fish who will not waste
energy on a small prey which will not make up for the energy expended.
Big lures work as large and slow prey fish :
• The blades turn with heavy and powerful vibrations plus pronounced luminous flashes
which stimulate the approach of a good size prey fish worth intercepting.
• The enormous "pompoms" and bucktails trailers increase the size to a really good
mouthful without adding to the weight or decreasing the suppleness. The Parachute
effect of the trailers slows the lure down, while their inflations and continuous
undulations catch the eye of the larger predator, inducing the final attack.
A spinner is never too big for a real Trophy fish.
18
a
GIANT KILLER
35 g.
b
a Fluo Chartreuse
b Fluo Orange
c Fluo Pink
d White
c
d
Fluo / Gold
GIANT TANDEM
45 g.
Rainbo/
Silver
19
102 SARDINE MARTELÉE
(mm.) 35 - 40 - 50 - 60 - 70 - 80 - 90 - 100 - 120
re
1 lu
’s #
orld
W
230 SARDINE LISSE
220 EMERILLON BARIL
(mm.) 35 - 40 - 50 - 60 - 70 - 80
(mm.) 35 - 40 - 50 - 60
SPÉCIAL
MAQUEREAU
ANGUILLON RAINBO
4,5 g.
"S"
DE MER ®
10 reflectives facets.
Centre of gravity is to
the rear for longer
distance in casting.
Swims with
undulations,
flutterings and
sideways deviations
whatever the speed
of retrieve.
For casting and
trolling.
12 g. 17 g. 26 g. 30 g. 40 g. 70 g.
6 cm. 7,5 cm. 9 cm. 6 cm. 7,5 cm. 9 cm.
1
2
1,5 g.
2 g.
SPÉCIAL ALOSE
1
2
2 g.
3 g.
SPÉCIAL MULET
Removable hook
1
2
3
2 g.
3 g.
3,5 g.