Riverdancing Tobys, Salmon And Lomond (Page 4).

The suggestions on the last page are a refinement of a modification used by an angler who fished the loch extensively 20 years ago and who was known for his successes at that time, particularly with grilse. He retired from the Loch some years ago but his boat found a good home. His original method has been further refined to be more user friendly but his basic concept remains. The initial object was to create a break away rig with additional hooking power and without the leverage problem associated with standard lures. However, the most important reason for this modification is that it allows "tuning" of the lure so that the action is maintained over a wide range of faster trolling speeds.

The position of the hooks is the key to the balance and action of the lure, and with the above rig the hook position can be altered by adjusting the plastic collar to move the hook either forward or back until the desired action is achieved. The adjustment required to balance the lure is minor, but the result is amazing.

In addition to allowing the action to be influenced, the above arrangement also acts as a "break-away" mount when a fish is hooked. The lure body swings freely above the flexible link and is not a direct part of the attachment to the fish. The leverage present while playing a fish on an unmodified lure is completely overcome, and the number of fish soundly hooked and landed is increased.

Tobys will not catch fish consistantly unless they are working in an erratic manner. They should not be "looping", "wriggling", skipping from wave to wave,or be practically static. There should be plenty of movement and random action present, with no tendency to spin. Every lure should be checked and tuned to the boat speed prior to paying line out. If the rod tip is rhythmically nodding or has little or no movement, reel in and check lure action. The action of the lures following modification should be like comparing a waltz to a performance of Riverdance.

Bending Tobys, as some do in an effort to get them working properly at faster trolling speeds, ruins the action completely and should be avoided at all costs.

I know there will be experienced Lomond anglers who will be reading this thinking "Rubbish, I've fished the loch for 20, or 30 or 40 years, never used anything other than standard tobys and still caught fish!". I am not suggesting that standard tobys never catch fish, just that more would be caught with all tobys modified to work at a selected speed. However, if you are happy with your existing methods, enjoy your fishing, and are getting a fish or two, why would you want to change? You should read no further as it will only sow the seeds of doubt that will surface to torment you during every lean spell!

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