The Hunt For Big Fish with Larry Dahlberg

Dear Larry,

I love your show. This past summer I bought your Mr. Wiggley from River2Sea and it doesn't seem to work right. When I reel it in, no matter the retrieve speed, all it does it do a barrel roll and doesn't swim at all. I've tried just about everything including adding weight ahead of it, removing or moving the internal weights, different hooks and leader, swivel and no swivel, tied directly and loop knotted. When I twitch it I can get some swim out of it but any more then a small twich and it barrel rolls again. I thought maybe I just got a couple of bad ones so I bought another pack and the same thing happens. I was going to try one more pack but, I figured I would ask if I am doing something wrong or if you have had issues with this before. It's hard to justify spending 20 more dollars, when I have already spent 40 on lures that don't seem to work properly. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Jason

Hi J
so sorry to hear you're having issues. the first batch was bad, the second batch worked quite well (though not as well as my home made versions) and guys are catching lots of fish on them. The best cure for a tumbler is to use a hook that's a couple of grams heavier than the one it comes with.
The next iteration should have all the issues solved.(every sample I've sent since day one worked perfectly, then minor changes get made and..)
I'd guess you got some from the first batch and would suggest giving river2sea and call and ask for an exchange.
Again, I apologize. But, believe me, when you have a properly working whiggley it is MAGIC!
best
L

Thanks for the help, I will give Wiggley another try this summer. Keep up the good work!

Any suggestions on a heavier hook, or would wrapping wire on the original hook be a better option?

yes, a couple grams of lead or solder would work too, but doesn't stay on allthat well.

Well I just bought another pack of Whigs, is there any way to distinguish the newer version for the older ones that didn't quite work right?

If you look carefully, the first batch appears slightly tilted upward in the head area. It's very hard to tell, but it's enough to mess up the action when burning it.
best
L

Hey Larry

When do you think the newest "generation" of whiggleys will come out? Been looking to get a few packs but now I suppose I'll wait if there's a new batch on its way

I'm hoping this coming spring. Have not heard for sure from the factory.
best
L

So I went out to a river today to try the new Whigs I bought but I am having the issues. I even tried a heavier hook and a 5 g egg sinker between the hook and the lure and tried heating up the old ones I had and putting alumadust on them. I'm all out of options ....

So sorry the problem remains. I suggest giving Angelo at river2sea a call and have them exchanged. you can tell him I told you to do it in our exchange on the forum.
best
L