Hey Norman,

Thanks for the idea of scent. Nobody had mentioned that to me before, but it makes perfect scents. ( ) I don't smoke, and I was way too busy Sunday morning just trying to master keeping one rod baited at all times to touch myself, but I'll remember that one, too.

I was fishing a 3.5" coyote spoon, and an Apex plug that was about 4". My herring was right in that range as well.
All of the fish we clean the two prior days had a few 3-4 inch herring, a few candlefish to 5", and LOTS of Krill. I haven't seen a plug that small.

As to the subject of getting a line in the water after a fish, or losing the bait to a strike, I can turn around a bait in about 3 seconds once I get my hands on the hooks. I think your suggestions for that are great for folks who can't get it right right away, but I have mastered that part.

I was actually thinking more about the advantages of being able to reel the lure within sight of the boat to check for weeds without having to take it all the way in, or not having to check the bait after a short strike or tap. I also STINK of fish after dipping my hand in herring brine 60 times a day for two or three days, so much so that I wouldn't even think of touching anyone, let alone myself.

Thanks for the tips. Next time I will head out with some smelly jelly and try the comparison again.Andy