Thomas Creek Outfitters

In-Line Spinners
(Casting Spinners just added - 11/07/08)

By Terry Wiest

Thomas Creek Outfitters - InLine Spinners

 

It's not often I get a chance to pull a spinner, but when I do I found a new company that makes some killer in-line spinners! Thomas Creek Outfitters based in the meat of Chinook territory has come up with a new spinner that utilizes a time proven method with new high tech design and a UV based paint.

They haven't even completed their line of spinners yet but the in-lines should be hitting the shelves as this is written. They're also available on-line. Soon to be released is a casting spinner which is gonna give the big boyz some competition.

Now back to what they do have available, and that's the in-line spinners. For this test I matched up a G.Loomis SASR1002CGLX with a Calcutta TE 200GT and loaded it with 30lb Power Pro line. Man, you can't beat this combination.

As the spinner entered the water I watched the action of the blade and how it effortlessly moved around the body. The body made of special glo beads that are special ordered by Thomas Creek Outfitters really lit up. The body stayed in placed and was well balanced while the blade continued to turn. What was extra special was that I could feel every rotation of the blade in this ultra sensitive combo I chose to use.

I was confident that I could feel the slightest variation in the blade, so if it stopped I knew a Chinook had mouthed it and I could set the hook. As it turns out I didn't need to be this alert as they absolutely hammered it... no doubt about it!

You can add a piece of shrimp or prawn to the hook, but we didn't find a need to during this trip.

Oh, the pictures are for reference as I did change out the treble to a single siwash hook to comply with Washington State Law. After talking to Phil from Thomas Creek, they may start packaging their spinners with both hooks so you have the option since most our Rivers in Washington call for the single point. It's also much easier to release a fish with a single barbless siwash.

As mentioned in the beginning, Thomas Creek has developed a new UV Based paint that the fish seem to jump all over. Although not visible to the human eye, put these babies under a black light and watch them light up! Since fish do see UV, you can only imagine what they're thinking when one of these hot spinners come to invade their territory.

For you in-line spinner guys, you gotta give these a shot! For me, I'm looking forward to the casting spinners as well.

JUST ADDED.... November 07, 2008 - Casting Spinners and Custom Spinner Colors Now Available

I just received the first Casting Spinners from Thomas Creek Outfitters and man do they look sweet! I wanted to get them on here before testing so everyone could have a shot at ordering these before the Salmon season ends. But don't stop using them then, the beaded casting spinners are going to be hot for Steelhead too!

Check these out and note the color of the two center spinners - those are the Steelhead University Special! For Chinook you cannot beat this color combination... trust me!

Thomas Creek Outfitters will take custom orders with minimal quantities! Don't forget the Steelhead University Special! And remember, these are all painted with a special UV process.

Email them at customerservice@tcotackle.com, or give them a call (503) 897-2537, make sure and tell them Steelhead U sent you.