I've seen a few different tools available to get a snagged lure back and was wondering which one, if any, you've had the most success with?

The ones I like the most and I use are the telescopic poles with rings on the end, you slide one ring or the guiding system onto your line and work it down to the lure then wiggle it until the trebles are wrapped all in the rings then pull it out! Sometimes it will bend your hooks out but hey better than losing the lure.

While maybe not the best, an effective and cheap method is to take a 2 oz sinker, attach a snap to it, and run it down your line.  Most times the weight will knock the lure free (you might have to shake the line a few times).  It's quick and easy.  But if it doesn't work, you only spent less than $1 on it.  I've used hound dog retrievers, pole types, and ones with chains...they all work but the sinker seems to work just as well.  I always have a few rigged up and ready to go just in case.  And did I say, super cheap!

Go to the BPS site and do a search for Lure Retrevier. It really works well and is not expensive. Todd

While maybe not the best, an effective and cheap method is to take a 2 oz sinker, attach a snap to it, and run it down your line.  Most times the weight will knock the lure free (you might have to shake the line a few times).  It's quick and easy.  But if it doesn't work, you only spent less than $1 on it.  I've used hound dog retrievers, pole types, and ones with chains...they all work but the sinker seems to work just as well.  I always have a few rigged up and ready to go just in case.  And did I say, super cheap!

If i dont have my E-Z Lure then i use the method Bassin Bob suggests.

 

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-E-Z-Lure-Retriever/product/44428/?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&om_mmc=shopping_googleproductextensions&kpid=44428%26adc=pg_315_11128_5282c10de4b006f67e95756e_41411364991

The telescopic poles have the highest success rate for me. Plus the pole can reach get an overhead snag out which is important when I take my 93 year old grandfather fishing. I always have a pole and a hound dog in the boat. Both have paid for themselves dozens of times.

The telescoping lure retriever in the 18' model from BPS works wonders. I carry a hound dog type too for lures deeper than 18', and it doesn't work as well but still gives you a shot to get the lure back. If you can get the telescoping lure retriever to the lure, it will get it back.

Another vote for the telescoping lure retrievers. Ever try to slide a plug knocker up your line into a tree?   Not only do I almost never lose a bait (except jigs and T rigs because I don't bother getting it out for them), but I also get lots of other people's baits out of the trees with it 

Bill Dance Lure Retriever

. "Ever try to slide a plug knocker up your line into a tree?   :eyebrows:"

 

That's a hysterical and very valid point! While I've not hooked any trees, I've caught a few shrubs trying to get close to the shore. Telescopic retriever it is.

I've used a lure knocked from shore when the land is above the water level. The lure knocker worked pretty good.

I should of tried it when a snapping turtle took my timber doodle. He was laying on the bottom like a rock. So blended in I didn't see it.

. "Ever try to slide a plug knocker up your line into a tree? :eyebrows:"

That's a hysterical and very valid point! While I've not hooked any trees, I've caught a few shrubs trying to get close to the shore. Telescopic retriever it is.

I never thought of launching it up.

I carry both types in my boat all the time.  Many trips they both get used.IT is a valid point that the extendable pole works better at getting lures out of trees & bushes.  They are both cheap enough tools that you might as well carry them both if yo've got the room.

I corkscrewed a paint roller and adapted it to pin on my 12' Avery push pole. The hardest part is bending the paint roller. You wouldn't think they were as strong as they are.

Bend the electrode down on a used sparkplug and then hook a paperclip through it.  Almost free plug knocker.

I found the poles to be unwieldy and only moderately successful.  The big BPS knocker works, but storing it is a pain - due to the size, the line and the chain. 

 

I only carry Big Ugly nowadays.  Got a handful of them over a year ago and only lost one (lure AND BU.)

 

When I do lose another, I won't care since they're only $8 for four of them shipped.  Easy to use, practically disposable, and a couple easily fit in the pocket of tackle bag.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BIG-UGLY-Plug-Knocker-Lure-Retriever-Quick-Easy-To-Use-NEW-IMPROVED-/331155075605?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d1a617215

Been using a telescopic retriever and it is a little hard to handle but I always get my lure back.

I got this 44 Mag Lure Retriever and its paid for itself with the 1st expensive swimbait it saved me and just keeps getting them back. Great for jig hooks and the chains for treble hooks! Paid extra for the longer chains for the bigger swimbaits and with shipping was $32.00! It's nice and compact and the biggest part is a marker buoy I tied on one end just in case I ever dropped the line. The marker buoy is actually nice because I just wrap line on it for storage!

 

A credit card