Can someone explain the Hell/Pet rig in detail?

Mainline connected to a Hellbender with no hooks. Another piece of line connected to the end of the Hellbender where the back hook would go. A pet spoon connected to the end of the line. The Hellbender takes the bait down to the desired depth and the pet spoon is the lure used to catch the fish. The amount of line between the Hellbend and Pet Spoon varies, but I put mine about 2.5 feet. Hope this helps.

can you supply a picture of this contraption. I too am miffed even after your explanation but thanks for what you've said so far.

What is a "Hellbender" and what is a "pet spoon" ... are these types of lures or brands?

Neil

Do a search on "Hellpet" I think that there have been some guys that have put up some drawings. Its been a while to set your time peramiters long enough and you'll find them.

Hellbender-Old crankbait you can buy with or without hooks.
Pet Spoon-Academy is where I get mine. It is a small spoon with hook attached and small feather for color. Don't get the knock off brand because the screw that holds the hook on is faulty.

You can see a picture of the HellPet Combo on this address and also purchase it there from Mario.
http://www.dakotatacklecompany.com/services.html

We sell the rig ready to fish.

awesome illustration John. Even though I've been using the thing for awhile, now see some room for improvement on what I do.

Can somebody teach me how to use it? Am confused about the photo it.

The box of rocks keeps getting bigger and bigger.

What is a good time of year to use Hell/pet?

Just buy one from Mario then you will have a model to go by.
As much as I hate trolling I will do it when I have to .... I use one in a tourney if I need fish ..they are very effective and catch lots of fish when the thermo hits.... just not a lot of fight left in the fish when trolling....and gas prices will keep me from doing it.

I have never met Billy Seaman, but I like his sense of humor.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/486902/page/0/fpart/1

What Terry means is it is a sucky way to catch fish but it is effective. It is like catching a wet sock but it is catching fish.
Johnny

I can't believe what I'm reading!

A "jet-pet" is just as affective. 20' jet diver, leader and pet spoon. Academy has the jet divers for $5 I think.

I can assure you a 7 lb+ hybrid on a HellPet is nothing like a wet sock, unless your wet sock is peeling off drag 10 or 15 ft at a time.

Amen!

Yep! They float so's you can run two when yure trollin' by yerself!

Can someone sticky this to the top so that we don't have to relive this post for the rest of the summer?

My sentiments exactly.. Or in a FAQ section.

With the gas prices the way they are the O' HP might be OUT for the year.

I've enjoyed ready these threads....alot! Good humor too!

not alot of Hybrids in EM .... only those who slip out of BP...

I am sure trolling for blue Marlin is alot of fun too ...but a 1 1/2 pound sandy is tired before you start reeling.....I am not bashing those who do it ...I do it ...it is just my least favorite way to catch fish.....the hell pet is effective and a 7 pd hybrid would be fun to catch any way you hook up with him....

bprince, you have a PM

Everyone else - http://redfinfishingguide.blogspot.com will tell you all you need to know about the Hellpet set-up

LOL

A 7 lb. is neat anyway you get him. How many sandbass do you drag up before you get a hybrid. Don't get me wrong it is effective way to catch fish,I just hate trolling but to each his own. There are a lot of people that the only way they can fish so more power to them. I like to release most fish I catch and when you drag a fish in the summer he is a dead fish when you release him.
Johnny

Remedy:

Hold pole in hand while trolling so you can feel when you have a white, stop boat, reel in, unhook and release fish! A very good friend uses this method. Did I mention that he is the King Of Slabbing here and seldom keeps fish.

I do but you will lose most sandbass because you drag them with the boat coasting,but to each his own. I don't have rod holders on my boat.
Johnny

I have rod holders on my boat SandJ., but I use them to drag my older kids behind the boat when they get out of hand.

You better not be treating that darling little girl bad or I will have to have a heart to heart with you. The only problem with cute little kids they grow up and become teenagers.
Johnny

It says the "older" crumudgeons, not the princesses.

Oh please No , Not the woodshed . I thought Bro. Terry burned it when you left.
Older kids, thats perfectly acceptable .

The only problem I've had with the hellpet is when a dink sandbass gets hooked up, cause I rarely notice that bite. End up with a twisted mess for a leader.

However, when the fish are scattered & spread out, it's a very effective way to catch them. Will have to try those 'jet' boards from Academy later this year.

I went to Academy looking for the Hellbender to make some of these lures but was unable to find them. What I did find were some of the "Jet Diver" products from "Luhr Jensen"

They make a device which claims to troll at a fixed depth. There are various models with marked depths at 10', 20', 30' and 40' feet.

I bought some of these and plan to give them a try.



But here is the question. In the Hellpet, what are the attractants for the fish? Is it the trailing lure or is it the combination of hellbender AND trailing lure?

I am presuming 20' is the target depth for a troll?

Here is the web page for the product:

http://www.luhrjensen.com/prod_lure_sele...o=5540-040-0086

Tech specs on the product can be found here:

http://www.luhrjensen.com/techreports/531%20Jet%20Diver.pdf

I think it is a combination of both.

Hello John, just wondering how deep does the Hellpet w 3/4 oz goes, cause I be trolling about 20ft deep and get hang up every time....

I let out 55-60' feet of line to fish a 25-30' zone at 2-3mph.

If you're fishing the Hell-pet properly ( The Billy Seaman way) you should never have to troll more than 100 yards before reeling in, removing fish and turning around. Line twist isn't a problem.

If you're using the hell-pet to find the fish you need to learn to use your electronics better.

thanx for the tips, I though it goes around 17ft so I guess it answer my question....cause I was trolling in 20ft geting hang up...Good Luck guys...

Ya, but not everyone has all the fancy electronics that you have. That side view thing you show is pretty cool.

I am still using a 12 year old Lowrance LMS-350A, and it works fine.

You don't have to have side imageing .
Johnny

Johnny, I can't believe your posting on a trolling topic!! How's the fishing going? Too cold for ya?