There we go.

Innovation knows no bounds.

I think you've got a couple things going for you in this setup. One thing you didn't mention is the presentation itself. Instead of waggin' wildly from side to side, your hook is gonna lay back relatively stationary in a less chaotic attitude to find a solid purchase in the fish's jaw.

As you mentioned, isolating the hook from that rear anchor point definitely reduces the leverage the spoon can exert on the shank compared to the direct spoon-to-hook connection of a more std rigging.

But we should all realize that the leverage is NOT reduced to zero. Unlike the free-sliding jet diver example you cited, that spoon is still attached to the beadchain. And with only one anchor point for the spoon, it's still free to flap around pretty wildly as a fish shakes its head during the battle.

Have you ever considered attaching the beadchain to the butt of the spoon? Yes, I realize it would look really goofy. But consider this....

You still retain the isolation of the hook from the spoon, but now the spoon is anchored under tension at 2 points and less able to chaotically flap around during the fight.

Your thoughts?

Yes, I believe that I did mention that the spoon is not totally out play after the hookup.
While the Jet Diver can slide up the line, the connection to the fish no longer goes through the diver and it doesn't tread water as positively during the fight.
So there are two features that the leashed Jet Diver has in common with the Bead Chain Spoon.

With the BCS, the connection to the fish no longer has to flow through the spoon which seems to make it more difficult for the hook to be thrown. Being tethered on one end, it goes neutral as the fish races around instead of gaining purchase and possibly interfering with the hookup.


Yes, I mentioned a lightwire "hairpin" previously that would connect at the rear hole and release with torque.
At the time I thought that fouling might be a problem with the bead chain during the cast.

To have a "hard" connection to the tail of the spoon would still require that the connection go through the spoon.
The long "tail" would probably have a negative effect on spoon action and the spoon would be able to tread water during the fight (ie. flashers and dodgers).

I'm working on a spoon harness that releases the spoon when you set the hook. Fish hits, set the hook, spoon detaches from rigging freeing you to fight the fish without the encumbrance of that spoon bopping around.

Todd, you should get a hold of me I think you might be interested in this revolution in spoon fishing technology...

The weight that we seek in a spoon to hold bottom betrays us in the delivery of the goods.

Sharp hooks and tight lines!

Fisherman are cheap.
Losing the spoon would be a tough sell.

I'm thinkin he's got a break-away design that leaves the spoon free-sliding after the hookup.

Conceptually something along these lines....

You're giving me too much credit, Doc...
and DD you're not giving me enough ; )

I'm going back to school too, what?

Anyone interested in a spoon that has USB plug n play capability, plug it in and it generates a 98% hook to land ratio photo spread optimized for internet board glory?

Although fascinating, it seemed as if this conversation over losing a few fish was a bit too serious and needed some levity... as you were : )

Sliding spoon, huh. What a concept. It just might be the edge for more spoon fed landings.

Sliding spoon?

Siwash, 4 bead bead chain, split ring, 4 bead bead chain

Plastic bead

Sliding spoon

It just might be worth some field testing.

GG

The problems after the spoon 'hookup' are greatly magnified (illustrated) by the dodger and flasher.
A breakaway slider could be useful for a large trolling/anchor fishing wobbler.
For the weighted /casting category you have to stay compact.

It's good to address the inherent problems of the inline-rigged spoon.
Or maybe there are no problems, Herzog didn't address it.



Edit:
Using my bead chain concept, a large wobbler could be rigged slider style (no breakaway used).
One problem would be mainline wear which could be addressed with a section of wire for the slider to run on.
Not sure if there would be much of a gain over regular bead chain spoon after factoring in the added rigging work.

I sat at the bench last night and built all combinations written about above plus more hazy, crazy ideas. Now all I need is some water, current and a fish to run the experiment...

Direct-Drive's spoon innovations are cool. I bet that thing makes a bit of racket clanking around down there too. . .might not be a bad by-product. The chain off the butt would definitely un-waggle the spoon action. . .I really like the way you have it pictured. While I haven't had many problems with poor landing ratio (maybe 70%) on bent metal in the cricks, I might still have to try it because I bet it wiggles a little more and talks some trash on its way. Very cool,

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