Why Flash Matters in Salmon Fishing
Flash is a proven tactic for attracting salmon, especially silvers. The summer fishing season reinforced its effectiveness, reminding anglers that reflective elements are essential in any salmon-catching strategy.
Vortaks DIY Chromie with Green Accent
The Vortaks Chrome Experiment
Customer interest in a chrome-plated version of the Vortaks rotating lure head sparked a deeper look into the power of flash. Chrome plating, which creates a mirror-like finish through electrochemical dipping, seemed promising. However, it posed a technical challenge: dip plating means filling the lure’s center hole. A plugged center hole would interfere with its rotation, risking line twist and reduced performance.
As a result, a commercially plated Vortaks is not currently available.
DIY Chrome: A Creative Solution
Determined to explore the concept, we tested the quality of chrome spray paint from a home improvement store on black Vortaks heads. While the finish wasn’t mirror-like, it produced a sleek pewter tone. A white base might yield a brighter result, and future tests may explore that option.
Mimicking Nature: The Birth of “Chromies”
Inspired by how fish scales reflect light during movement, we developed a new skirt pattern to simulate this effect. Using husky-cut Mylar in colors like:
• Holographic Silver Rainbow
• Holographic Purple Kaleidoscope
• Royal Blue Hi Flash
We created a layered fringe skirt. The design featured a 4″ x 6″ Mylar-banded fringe, built with a ratio of four inches of silver flash to two inches of colored hi-flash, mounted on two-sided tape.
Assembling the Chromie Lure
The final step involved taping the Mylar skirt over the Vortaks’s head and securing it to the skirt shank. This modular design allows anglers to customize tail patterns for different fishing conditions.
Field-Tested Results: Chromies Catch Fish
Vortaks “Chromie” Catching Silver Salmon
The results were clear: chromies caught salmon—and plenty of them. The reflective skirt combined with the Vortaks rotating bullet head proved to be a powerful combination. This success highlights the value of innovation and customization in lure design.
Final Thoughts: Flash Is More Than Just Shine
Whether you’re chasing silvers or experimenting with new lure designs, incorporating flash into your setup can make a significant difference. The Vortaks lure head, paired with custom skirts like the chromies, offers anglers a versatile and effective tool for salmon fishing.
Ready to upgrade your tackle box? Explore more innovative lure designs at scentstriker.com.