We’ve all been there, halfway up a cliff face, rain cascading down the rock, clinging desperately with fingers numbing and sweaty palms slipping. Safety is a distant memory, as risk and reward blur together. Your only connection, hope and prayer embodied by a few anchor points and threads of webbing – your life held up by spider silk and human engineering.
It is in these moments, suspended between earth and sky with nothing below but open air, that one truly understands our primal need for security, and the ingenuity of our ancestors who first conceived the way to safely venture into the treacherous vertical unknown.
Today, the lifeline they tied all those years ago has evolved into the modern climbing harness – an intricately designed system of buckles, webbing, padding and engineering that allows us to defy gravity with confidence. Join me as I demonstrate how to make crawler harnesses.
Why May You Want to Make Crawler Harnesses?
1 . To Save Money
Compared to buying pre-made crawler harnesses, making your own can help you save a significant amount of money. You only need to purchase the necessary materials once and can use them to create multiple harnesses. This is especially useful for those who enjoy fishing frequently and go through a lot of harnesses.
2 . To Customize Your Harnesses
When making your own crawler harnesses, you have full control over the design and components used. This allows you to tailor your harnesses to specific fishing conditions or fish species. You can experiment with different hook sizes, colors, and blade types to find what works best for you.
3 . To Be Self-sufficient
Being able to make your own crawler harnesses also means that you don’t have to rely on store-bought options. If you run out of harnesses or can’t find the right ones at your local fishing store, you can simply make your own instead of having to wait for them to restock.
4 . To Bond With Others
Making crawler harnesses is a great activity to do with friends and family who also enjoy fishing. You can share tips and tricks, experiment with different designs, and have fun together while preparing for your next fishing trip.
5 . To Learn a New Skill
If you’re new to fishing or haven’t tried making your own crawler harnesses before, it’s a great opportunity to learn a new skill. Not only will you gain the knowledge of how to make effective harnesses, but you’ll also learn about different fishing techniques and strategies along the way. Plus, it’s a satisfying feeling to catch a fish using a lure that you made yourself.
How to Make Crawler Harnesses in 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To create your own crawler harnesses, you will need the following supplies:
- Fishing line (10-12 lb test)
- Beads (size 4 or 5)
- Blades (size 3 or 4)
- Hooks (size 2 or 4)
- Barrel swivels
- Crimping pliers
- Leader sleeves
- Crawler harness blades
- Crawler hooks
Step 2: Choose Your Line and Beads
The first step in making a crawler harness is to choose your fishing line. A 10-12 lb test monofilament line is recommended for this type of rig. Next, you will need to select your beads. Size 4 or 5 beads are commonly used for crawler harnesses. These beads will act as attractants and help to keep your bait in place.
Step 3: Add the Blades
Once you have your chosen line and beads, it’s time to add the blades. Size 3 or 4 blades are typically used for crawler harnesses. The blade not only serves as a visual attractant but also creates a vibration in the water that will entice fish to strike.
Step 4: Attach the Hooks
Next, attach your hooks to your leader. Size 2 or 4 hooks are commonly used for crawler harnesses. Make sure to leave enough space (around 12 inches) between each hook to allow for proper bait presentation.
Step 5: Assemble Your Crawler Harness
To assemble your crawler harness, start by threading a bead onto your fishing line. Then, add a blade and another bead. Next, attach the hook to the end of the leader using a barrel swivel. Finally, use crimping pliers to secure the leader sleeve over the barrel swivel.
And there you have it – a complete crawler harness! With these 5 easy steps, you can create your own effective and customizable crawler harnesses for your next fishing trip. Experiment with different bead and blade colors, as well as hook sizes, to see what works best for the fish in your area. Happy fishing! So why wait? Try making your own crawler harness today!
Some Extra Tips to Make Crawler Harnesses
1 . Do Not Forget About the Leader Line
Making a crawler harness is not just about attaching a few hooks and beads to your main line. The leader line that connects these components is as important as the rest of the elements in creating an effective crawler harness. Using an invisible fluorocarbon leader can help you get more bites, especially when dealing with finicky fish.
2 . Be Mindful of Hook Size
When choosing hooks for your crawler harness, you need to be mindful of their size. Too large and the fish will not be able to take a bite, too small and they might swallow it whole, making it difficult to properly set the hook. Generally, a #3 or #4 hook is recommended for crawlers.
3 . Experiment with Different Bead Colors
Beads are a crucial element in your crawler harness as they add color and attract fish. While red or chartreuse beads are commonly used, do not be afraid to experiment with different colors to see what works best for the type of fish you are targeting.
4 . Keep Your Crawler Alive and Active
The main component of a crawler harness is the live crawler itself. To ensure it stays alive and active, try to keep it in a cool and moist environment. You can also use bedding such as moss or shredded newspaper to keep them fresh.
5 . Use Different Crawler Sizes
As mentioned before, different fish species may prefer different sizes of crawlers. It is recommended to carry a variety of sizes with you when fishing to see which one produces the most bites. Additionally, using smaller crawlers can be more effective in colder water temperatures.
6 . Pay Attention to Water Clarity
Water clarity can greatly affect the success of your crawler harness. In murky or stained waters, brighter colors tend to work better while more natural colors are preferred in clearer waters. Keep this in mind when choosing your bead and crawler colors.
7 . Get Creative with Your Rigging
While the traditional crawler harness rig consists of a snell knot and two hooks, do not be afraid to get creative with your rigging. Adding additional hooks or using different types of knots can sometimes yield better results. Experiment and see what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questionss
What Precautions Should I Follow When Making My Own Crawler Harnesses?
When making your own crawler harnesses, it is important to follow certain precautions to ensure that you have a successful and safe fishing experience. Some of these precautions include:
- Using sharp scissors or cutters to cut the line: Dull scissors or cutters can result in frayed ends that make it difficult for threads to pass through.
- Knotting the line properly: Make sure that the knots are tight and secure to prevent your lure or bait from falling off.
- Ensuring proper spacing between beads: Having the right amount of space between beads is crucial as it affects the movement and presentation of your lure in the water.
What Materials Do I Need to Make Crawler Harnesses?
Making crawler harnesses requires some basic materials that can easily be found in most tackle shops or online. These include:
- Fishing line: The type and strength of the fishing line will depend on the type of fish you are targeting.
- Beads: Choose beads in different colors and sizes to add some variation and attract more fish.
- Spinner blades: These are used to give your lure some movement and flash to attract fish.
- Hooks: Make sure to use high-quality hooks that are sharp and strong enough to handle the size of fish you are targeting.
- Crimping sleeves: These are used to secure the line and prevent it from slipping.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating your own crawler harnesses can be a fun, creative, and cost-effective way to improve your fishing game. By following these simple steps and using high-quality materials, you can make customized harnesses that will attract a wide variety of fish species. Remember to experiment with different beads, blades, and colors to find what works best for you.
Now you know how to make crawler harnesses! And don’t forget to keep safety in mind by properly securing hooks and ensuring all components are working properly before heading out on the water. So why not give it a try? Not only will you save money in the long run, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of catching fish on something you made with your own hands. So grab your supplies and get crafting – happy fishing!