The Rinky Dink

[Catt]

The Rinky Dink is a 1 ½" x ¾ oz chunk of solid lead that vaguely resembles a small fish, a small spinner is attached to the tail end. Thrown in is a small treble hook that not even attached to the lure; the line is threaded through a hole in the body and tied directly to a split ring/hook, meaning the weighted body can move up and down on the line.

The lure was developed in the early 1990s by local angler Hugh Rinkle molded off another local bait called a Wing Ding that had been discontinued. Once the bait was put on the market, anglers began learning just how effective it could be but the only problem now with the lure is it's not longer in production. However, there's still an option: the Norman Knock Off; as the name implies, it's a copy of the Rinky Dink.

Rinky Dinks are late fall and winter structure bait fished deep on the main lake or shallow in the creek channels. While many anglers equate cold temperatures with slow moving small lures this can be a big mistake. Rinky Dinks are most productive when casted and fished with a yo-yoing retrieve, the bite all most always comes on the fall and will be extremely subtle. When you feel something that's just not right, set the hook!

To effectively fish the Rinky Dink or Knock Off, I usually use 12# fluorocarbon matched with a medium to medium-light rod; even at ¾ oz the Rinky Dink (5/8 oz Knock Off) is definitely not a power bait. Lighter line makes a difference in the number of bites and the lighter rod will give you a better hook sets without ripping the lure out of the bass's mouth.

[RobE]

Catt, as I'm a fan of the Little George, this is interesting. In your opinion, is there an advantage to the lure 'floating' on the line?

[Catt]

The advantage of your weight sliding up your line is the same with a Texas Rig, it keeps the fish from using the weight to throw the lure.

[RobE]

Thanks. Sometimes my transmission slips. :-[

[Catt]

Thanks. Sometimes my transmission slips. :-[

I like that right there 

[fourbizz]

I use these with some success.

[Crestliner2008]

Tail spinners have been around for a very long time. Bought my first Mann's Little George back in the 70's. I really like the idea of having the line through the lure. However, I'd recommend re-tying A LOT!

Great ice out lure. But nothing a blade bait can't duplicate as effectively in my experience. Vibs sometimes produce better than flash. Depends on the mood of the fish I guess.

You can bet I'll be trying some of those Blade Runner Tail Spinners. Great looking finishes! 

[Catt]

Those Blade Runner Tail Spinners 

[TXBassMaster]

Actually there is still a place where you can get the Rinky Dink lure in multiple color patterns, and as many as you want. My friend owns the rights to the lure now and he has a garage full of them. You can contact him at robert75070@tx.rr.com if your lookin for some of these lures.