Thought I remembered a topic on this but am unable to find it.  My Daiwa chain type retriever failed me twice this week to the tune of over $40, so I gave it away.  I would like to hear about favorites from other members.

Basically 3 types of lure retrievers; telescoping pole, heavy weight knocker and knocker with sash chain.

Frabil pole works good to depths about 12’.

Frits knocker works at any depth.

BPS Easy retriever knocker w/ sash chain.

Tom

I have really good luck with the Jewel bait Hound Dog retriever. It’s $11.99 at TW.  

I use the old basic 'Hound Dog' retriever tied to about 50 ft. of 100 lb. cord for anything my rod tip can't reach. It's saved me a lot of money over the years, though I imagine no retriever is perfect. Never cared for the chained versions myself.

 

I used them all, But the best one yet is this style, if lure is in that range:

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/T-H_Marine_Timmy_Horton_Money_Pole_Lure_Retreiver/descpage-THMP.html?from=gshop&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgJyyBhCGARIsAK8LVLOE2bz0kemxZSKDM3dap6uRXSGEHCzzxd7VHsBHB6UL2FXx5Ejx7NIaAk0cEALw_wcB

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/DotLine_Telescopic_Lure_Retriever_178/descpage-DLLR18.html?from=gshop&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgJyyBhCGARIsAK8LVLOBK8id_r8TLqP00GSKdJTDj9OExNhO36kq87uU2-spmly275PpXowaAvroEALw_wcB

I have a BPS plug knocker with chain but have only used it a couple times over the years.  I started making homemade plug knockers using a large snap swivel and an old spark plug.  Place the line tie ring over the electrode on the spark plug, hammer the electrode down tight.  When I get a lure snagged I just clip the swivel to my line, let the plug fall to my lure, jiggle it a few times and presto... saved lure. I've been using one for over ten years and it's only failed me once.

 

I have a Frabil telescoping retriever and a "hound dog" type on a retractable dog leash, but my home-made knocker is what I turn to first and it usually does the job.

 

Like VTFan, I started out with spark plugs but ran out of old plugs left over from my motorcycling days.

Ive had all three types, but the telescoping pole is my favorite by far. Mine telescopes out to around 15'. I'm aware that this won't reach all hang-ups, but it reaches the vast majority for me. As a plus, it can be used to free a hang-up that is not in the water, but slightly above it (as in a bait that wrapped on a snag just above the water). It has also yielded bonus baits that folks broke off in overhanging limbs. I scored a nice topwater bait last year that was hung about 15'-20' up in a tree.

2 hours ago, BayouSlide said:

 

I have a Frabil telescoping retriever and a "hound dog" type on a retractable dog leash, but my home-made knocker is what I turn to first and it usually does the job.

 

Like VTFan, I started out with spark plugs but ran out of old plugs left over from my motorcycling days.

I like this idea. I will be making one of these this afternoon. I have been using the chain style. 

16 minutes ago, nso123 said:

I like this idea. I will be making one of these this afternoon. I have been using the chain style. 

 

BTW, it not only works great on crankbaits but has saved me many shaky heads and even smaller lures. 😎👍

Ezy-glide "Stumpmaster" 

 

Thirty years ago a fellow fisherman introduced me to this lure-retriever. 

 

He was throwing crankbaits in flooded timber...I thought he was crazy...then showed me the stmpmaster. Peanuts. 

 

I have had one in my boat ever since. 

Thankyou everyone, lots of possibilities.  I will check out them all.

I thought to addition of a chalk line was a brilliant idea (not mine). IIRC, thank DVT.

 

 

I use a Bill Dance one and a telescoping lightbulb changer.

 

Allen

I use a fish shaped one with chains.  I spoon fish in brush piles and get them out about 70% of the time.

I have the type with the chains and a telescoping retriever.  I use the telescoping retriever the most since most of the water I fish is no more than 20' deep.

Bayouslide, how is that swivel attached to the weight? I don't recognize whatever you used for a connection.

Looks like a tie wrap......

I use the telescoping style. I have the Dotline and a Money Pole. Both work well. 

On 5/18/2024 at 11:16 AM, DaubsNU1 said:

Ezy-glide "Stumpmaster" 

 

Thirty years ago a fellow fisherman introduced me to this lure-retriever. 

 

He was throwing crankbaits in flooded timber...I thought he was crazy...then showed me the stmpmaster. Peanuts. 

 

I have had one in my boat ever since. 

I have one of these as well, telescopes out to about 15 feet and I can’t remember when I got it cause it’s been quite a long time. It paid for itself the first time I had it in my boat and many times over since, including the last time I went fishing and got a Vision 110+1 hung up in about 10 feet of water. My Stump Master came with a curled wire and when I’ve broken it off I’d just get a heavy duty hanger, jury rig a replacement and once installed it’s back in business.

I looked up every one you guys mentioned and narrowed it down to 4 from which I will choose.  Thankyou, appreciate the input.