Insider tips on fishing with tandem spinners

Tips for fishing with tandem spinners:

• With two blades rotating the body, the tandem should be spinning upon retrieve or trolling. You may experience line twist because of this. To eliminate line twist, use TWO swivels (ball bearing swivels are strongly recommended). Use a snap swivel on the lure, then 10" of leader, then a barrel swivel, then tie to your main line.

• The Tandem can be speed trolled. Try it, you'll be happy you did. Use the method above with dual swivels when trolling!

• The tandem is not a light lure... it weighs 1/2 ounce. When casting, use 8 lb test line.

• The Tandem is an "aggravator" type lure. It puts off a great deal of noise and flash. Try the repetitive casting method to trigger strikes. Cast the lure 10 to 15 times in the same area. Let the lure sink to the desired depth, then give it two hard cranks to get the blades churning. At this point, either give it a steady retrieve, or, after a distance, let it sink a foot or two and then give it two hard cranks. Repeat this method and vary your speed. Mix it up!

• The Tandem can be vertically jigged with excellent results. Let the lure sink to your desired depth, then rip it upwards and then let it sink again. Repeat.

• Walleye fishermen often cut off the treble hook and replace it with a single hook. You can attach the single hook with either a split ring or a barrel swivel. When fishing slows down, the addition of a piece of nightcrawler will work when nothing else does.