verticaltubejig.com
Double Swivels are a secret weapon!
Learn why one of the key features of the VTJ helps you land more fish.
⋅2 min read
The VTJ is made with double swivel barrel swivel weights. While others that don't have swivels will work, you may find you lose fish if they are able to get leverage on the lure.
Why does a double swivel matter?
The double swivels in the trolling weights we use offer not one but two points of swivel so the fish is never able to put torque leverage on the hook and spit it. This also allows the drag of the hook dressing to impart some nice flutter and random rotation as well.
You can and will lose fish from time to time, so it's important to use appropriate tackle to help tilt the odds in your favor. Even if you aren't fishing a VTJ we reccomend putting a snap swivel on the end of your leader, we like how this makes it easier to switch out lures and also adds some extra swivel protection for those extra thrahsy fish!
Eagle Claw Barrel Weights
The VTJ was born when Mat Gilbert discovered that the Ace in Colchester VT sold Eagle Claw Barrel weights. Previously when fishing for lakers, the lures of choice were either bucktails or big 1/2oz or 1oz jigheads with large 3-4in paddle tail plastics on the back. The discovery of the barrel weights led to the epiphany of: "What if we put the hook on the bottom?"
Double swivel means less line twist
If you have ever jigged for Lake Trout you will know how much they love to roll. Whether it's in the net, or getting rolled up in your fishing line before you boat them... they seem to have an innate ability to get twisted up in things. The double swivels allow the fish to spin freely, and it can never really get any torque on the line.
Attachment point options
For the top eye of the VTJ, you can opt to run it with or without a split ring. We ship our VTJs with two split rings for several reasons. One because it provides a little distance / size to the lure, but also because we have had situations where stealing an extra split ring has helped in a pinch! That being said, if you don't want to put a split ring on top, you can tie your line / leader directly to the top of the VTJ.
