I loaded a redfin last year with shot by drilling behind the lip. I can see now that if I turn the lure upside down, the shot can roll past the internal central barrier into the rear of the lure.

Is the barrier in the center of the lure designed be partial, or did it break inside?

Eric try bunker oil or olive oil. Then just melt it closed. worked great way back when. still have a bunch. Learned trick down to Rhody while fishing the Tri State Tourn in the late 60's

Eric i used shot as well, i sealed the hole with lamination paper and a thin coat of epoxy worked very well.
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There is no center barrier it's just one big open area inside the plug
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Thanks, Chris. The block must just be the "thwart" in the center supporting the belly wire -- thanks for telling me so I didn't have to bandsaw one open to see the structure.
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I like the noise of the shot, and I've seen how uniquely effective it can be, but I might try the oil load to have a more subtle Redfin choice.

How many cc's do you use, Ron?
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I think its 10cc eric, if memory serves.
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Eric, mineral oil works well too. It really depends on the weight your trying to achieve. For Redfins, I usually put in about 6- 8cc's, and larger bottle plugs like Northbars, usually get around 10.

I used to do some over 10 cc for nasty times casing into the wind. i did learn that the monday friday thing can be a big deal when weighting a swimmer as sometimes there seemed to be extra plastic inside. My swimmers were weighted to match the rods I used. So it might be something to keep in mind. Also how deep like that little dock we run into each othr on.I also use a larger hook on the front hanger to change the dive angle. Tight lines Ron

You want the Oil/Water/Shot to flow to the tail end on the cast so it casts farther and then it will level out on the retrieve so the lure sits more level in the water

I use to use 10cc of water through the head of the plug then melt it shut. Was a go to in the surf for me like that.

We used to load them with mercury. :eek5: :rotf2:

Nowadays, with better casting minnow plugs on the market, I don't load Redfins any more. I love them plain, making a nice wake on top, in calmer water.

We used to load them with mercury. :eek5: :rotf2:

Nowadays, with better casting minnow plugs on the market, I don't load Redfins any more. I love them plain, making a nice wake on top, in calmer water.

same here

...nowadays, with better casting minnow plugs on the market, I don't load Redfins any more...

...same here...

Just curious if others think the loaded Redfin is now sort of obsolete due to Daiwa SP Minnows, Yo-Zuri Mag Darters, etc.

You drill a hole , load with bunker oil , put a leaky wooden stopper into the hole so the bunker oil weeps out as you retrieve it. You want the slightest little weeping of the oil to release a scent trail.

I don't think that because there's new that the old stops working. New just means more options.Some as good,some better and some not so good.

I don't think that because there's new that the old stops working. New just means more options.Some as good,some better and some not so good.

I agree Ron. The loaded plug has enough subtle differences to sometimes make it "the" plug on some nights.

Just curious if others think the loaded Redfin is now sort of obsolete due to Daiwa SP Minnows, Yo-Zuri Mag Darters, etc.

Totally different beasts for me. That's like comparing a bucktail jig to a pencil popper.

I don't think it's an old versus new plug debate either as I use unweighted redfins when most are throwing magic swimmers. Actually have never even owned a Magic Swimmer. Still think the redfin imitates a herring just fine.

I like a loaded redfin OK, but have caught mostly small fish on them. I know from others they produce so it's probably just a confidence thing with me.

But when big bait and big fish are our present, I think the SP is the best swimmer out there. Something about the action, the darting, the pause and suspension seems to attract better size fish...

Redfins may be cheaper but i feel they are a stronger built plug than the mag darter or the sp all catch and all have there own special place
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