Recently I was in Nestucca Valley Sporting Goods and noticed a packaged set of 3 drift rigs made from a corky, yarn, and the smallest Thin Fin in half chrome and half pink color combo atop the corky. They looked good so I paid the premium for some pre-tied gear to try that day. I used it in a few drifts with no luck, but it was a slow day on the river; and I haven't had a chance to try them again. I have used the larger ones atop a bead ahead of sandshrimp or prawns to backtroll with some success; but not for drift fishing. ...

I observed in shallow clear water they tumble and turn a bit on the straight drift, and they really come alive on the swing (and I would think during backbouncing too) - almost making a buzzing vibration felt up thru the rod. Seems like it would work well in a variety of water conditions. To save me some time, would any of you guys that have tried this let us know how they worked for you. Thanks much.

RT

I can tell you that I was going to try one. But, I can't seem to find the smallest size. Where can I get one?

Matt

RT,

I have no idea what your talking about so can't help you there. The only "thin fin" I know of are attached to a "hot-n-tot". Are you talking about some type of spinglo? By the way, you were entirely correct about the Tuf-line. I can remember you saying that it worked great for you. You know I now realize that the reason I was not having luck with it was because I was using the "plus" version which did not hold up at all in the line test. Take care.

RM

RT, didn't see the pre-tied ones, but Hook Line and Sinker in Smokey Point has a really good selection of very small blades, have tied up some with beads and yarn flies, just haven't had a chance to try them out yet. Light enough that they should work for drift fishing.

I've tried them but stopped when I had people ducking because they thought they were being dive bombed by radio control helicopters.
They might work great in the water but that motion translates to a helicopter type noise when cast. I figured it was better to maintain the peace bankside so I stopped experimenting with them.

Rip and others, Thin Fins are difficult to describe. They are labeled as such and come in small clear plastic bag packs. The Thin Fin is made out of a myler like material that is in a somewhat figure 8 shape with a line hole in the middle for your leader (put on a small bead first), and the 'wings' that protrude out each side are also bent downward - put on so they bend downstream (toward the hook). Often one side (left and right - not top and bottom) is all chrome and the other side a color such as hot pink or chartreuse. I don't see the real small ones for the drifted corky application in stock often, so I simply use a scissors to cut down a bigger one to the size I want. Works fine that way. ...

Wiser, I think they sound more like a dragon fly buzzing through the air when cast. I do think these have a lot of potential for drift fishing applications, even though originally designed for achorup or trolling use above baits. When bit they are softer and give, unlike metal blades, so won't be spit out as quickly. Stay tuned.