Inova Dongle Kit

At Gerry’s Fishing, we know that when you are targeting “monsters” like specimen Tope, heavy Rays, or triple-figure Sharks, your bait presentation can make or break a session. Big baits—like whole mackerel or large squid—have a nasty habit of “masking” the hook, preventing the point from finding a hold. The Inova Dongle Kit is a professional-grade solution to this problem. It acts like a heavy-duty “hair rig” for sea fishing, allowing your bait to sit away from the hook, ensuring the hook point remains completely clear for a guaranteed strike.

Each dongle is meticulously pre-tied using 300lb blood-red braid. This isn’t just for strength; the red color provides an additional visual trigger in the water. The design allows for quick attachment to your hook, and because the braid is adjustable, you can fine-tune the length to match the size of your bait. Inova has also included a knot system that acts as a stop point, which is a lifesaver when you’re whipping on softer baits with elastic—it prevents the bait from sliding up the braid and bunching against the hook.

Incredible Value & Customization

What sets the Inova Kit apart from standard offerings is the inclusion of Circle Hooks (supplied loose in the pack). This gives you the ultimate flexibility: you can use the supplied hooks or swap them out for your preferred pattern and size depending on the tide and target species. Furthermore, while most manufacturers only give you three dongles per pack, Inova provides four, giving you better value and a spare for when the action gets thick and fast.

Technical Specifications

Examples of Where to Use This Kit

• Tope Fishing from Boat or Shore: The dongle is the “gold standard” for Tope. Using a whole mackerel flapper on a dongle ensures the circle hook can rotate and lock into the corner of the mouth perfectly.

• Heavy Shore Casting for Rays: When casting large “cocktail” baits at distance, the dongle keeps the bait streamlined and away from the hook bend, preventing the bait from spinning in the air.

• Shark Fishing: The 300lb braid is tough enough to handle the abrasive mouths and massive pressure of Blues, Porbeagles, and Threshers.

• Large Bass Baits: Use a smaller 2/0 or 4/0 kit for presenting large squid or cuttlefish baits when hunting for that double-figure shore Bass.

Gerry’s Pro Tip

“The secret to a perfect dongle setup is in the tension. When you whip your bait onto the braid using Inova Bait Elastic, make sure you wrap it tightly against the ‘stop knot’ provided in the kit. This knot prevents the bait from slipping down during the cast. Also, if you find the dongle is a bit too long for a smaller bait, don’t be afraid to double-knot the braid to shorten the distance. You want the bait to be close enough to the hook to look natural, but far enough away that the hook can spin 360 degrees freely.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the circle hooks supplied loose?

This is a huge advantage for the serious angler. It allows you to choose exactly how you want to rig your setup. You can use the included hooks, or if the conditions change, you can easily swap the dongle onto a different hook size or pattern without having to buy a whole new kit.

Is 300lb braid overkill for shore fishing?

Not at all. While you might not be catching 300lb fish, the thickness of the braid provides excellent abrasion resistance against sand, rocks, and the teeth of specimen fish. It also makes the dongle easier to handle with cold or wet fingers.

Does the red braid spook fish?

Quite the opposite. Red is one of the first colors to “disappear” and turn into a dark, natural-looking shadow at depth, but in shallower water, it mimics the look of blood or wounded prey, which can actually increase your strike rate.

How many times can I reuse a dongle?

The Inova dongles are very durable. As long as the braid isn’t frayed or the knot isn’t damaged, you can reuse them multiple times. Just give them a quick rinse in fresh water after a session to keep the salt from stiffening the braid.