The Dodger Flasher Revolution

It was in the summer issue of 2001 when we first introduced our readers to dodgers, flashers and flies. While the top Lake Michigan captains had been slaughtering fish for several years with this setup, many Lake O captains were hesitant to deviate from the ole spoon and cutbait programs. Well, a lot has happened since then.
Not only is every captain well stocked with the original Luhr Jensen Dodger and Pro-Troll Flasher, but literally dozens of new and old tackle companies have added dodgers, flashers and flies to their inventory. I could write an entire article just by listing the companies that are now offering various colors, sizes and shapes of flashers, slashers and dodgers. One could also go broke trying to purchase all of what is now available. Now, don't panic when you are standing in the tackle shop and your mind is boggled due to all the colors and sizes out this season. Ask questions and remember to keep your program simple and stick to basic colors. Here are some key factors that will help you out this season.

DODGERS vs. FLASHERS
The big difference between dodgers and flashers is the way they run through the water when being trolled. A dodger has a side-to-side swaying action when being trolled slow and an erratic spin at speeds over 2.4. Don't get nervous if the dodgers spin, spinning dodgers will catch fish. This is a system where erratic trolling speed and direction catches more fish. The key to proper trolling speed with this system is your wire line rig, which telegraphs every move the dodger makes to the rod tip. It won't take you long to be able to tell when the dodger is working right. My top producing dodgers have been Luhr Jensen's Silver Glow and Kelly green, along with locally owned and developed A-TOM-MIK Dodgers in Grey ghost and Trash Can with green tape down the side.
As color combinations for dodgers are important. Here are a few that will get you started;

Conditions Dodger Fly
Sunny Silver Glow Green / Seaweed
Silver Glow Glitter Silver/black/green

Stained Water Kelly Green Green Cheese
Chrome/silver Prism Glitter Green

Overcast White/pearl Blue Pearl
Chrome/silver prism Aqua or Blue Ice
Silver Glo White or White Glow

Deep White/pearl Powder Blue(chartreuse beads)

Flashers impart an erratic, darting action to trailing lures and produce fish-attracting flash and sound. Optimum rotating flasher speed, is obtained when the attractor is working in regular full 360° rotations. With your boat in motion, place a rigged flasher-and-lure setup in the water and increase your speed until the flasher develops these regular, full revolutions. My favorite list is very long and will vary from day to day.
Pro-Troll flashers with the new EChip has been nothing short of incredible. That chip really does work and it comes in two sizes. Challenger Lures have their own Big Eye Flasher with some great fish catching colors. Bechhold and Sons Flashers always produce and I like running the small flasher off of a dipsey or lead core.
New to the market is Dream Weavers Spin Doctor with numerous Tournament wins in 2003 and Church Tackle's New Revelator with dual rear fins which provides some wicked action in the water.

DODGER RIGGING

Shown in the following diagrams are various ways to rig a dodger for trolling. Note the recommended leader-to-lure lengths and leader from weight-to-dodger lengths carefully, as too long a leader will negatively affect lure action. Also, too short a leader from lead, diver or downrigger release to the dodger will restrict the action of the dodger and inhibit its fish-attracting capabilities. These leader rules also apply to flashers.

FLASHER RIGGING

The other illustrations above present two proven ways to rig a flasher for trolling. Remember that the correct fish-attracting speed for a rotating flasher occurs when it is being pulled through the water just fast enough to make complete 360° regular rotations. This will result in a steady throb-throb-pause, throb-throb-pause action at your rod tip.

REMEMBER:
Successful trolling requires a knowledge of fish and their habits, proper equipment, the ability to troll various depths and a willingness to experiment with different attractors, lures and color patterns. Good Luck, Troy

References: Luhr Jensen Tech Reports
For information on many of the top producing dodgers and flashers contact the following:
Luhr Jensen, www.luhrjensen.com
Pro-Troll, www.protroll.com
Spin Doctors, www.dreamweaverlures.com
A-TOM-MIK, www.atomiktrollingflies.com
Bechhold & Son, www.fishcatcher.com
Challenger Big Eye Flasher, www.challengerlures.com
Revelator, www.churchtackle.com