Well, since I didn't decide to get serious about springer fishing until mid-March, I've had to improvise a bit when it comes to trolling herring.

Supposedly there is a shortage on herring this year (funny how that happens when we have the largest springer run in memory in history) well, if you can't find anything but yellow label (I just can't get myself to buy this micro stuff) or puple label, here's a tip for you.

First tip, don't buy the yellow, there's a reason their's so many around. If you can't find red, green (good luck) or blue, here is what you can do with the magnum purple label herring.

First take a partialy thawed purple label herring, make the initial plug cut, then, make a cut the length of the herring from head to tail about a 1/4" below the back. Then make another cut from front to back a 1/4" up from the belly. Once these cuts have been made, filet one half off of the herring. You will end up with a 6-7" triangular filet of herring with the skin on one side and flesh on the other. The front (head end) of the filet will have the plug cut shape. This is important for proper roll when trolling. This is what's called a "SPINNER" I read about it in "Oregon saltwater fishing guide".

To rig this up, insert the top hook of a mooching rig into the plug cut end of the spinner from the skin side through to the flesh side. Then, take the back hook and hook it through the back end of the spinner. If you use sliding hooks, you can adjust the distance between hooks to effect the roll. I use fixed hooks, and a spinner wire inserted for a proper roll.

I cut up about a 1/2 dozen before I go out for the day, If you want soak them in your favorite scent for added attraction. This accounted for a limit on Sunday for me.

Try it and see if it works for you if you're hurting for herring.

Aaron

BTW, I found a case of Blue pack herring today (My favorite) so I'm going to compare the two (herring spinners and regular plug cut) and see what out produces the other. Stand by for news