Thank you all who were on the waiting list for the Snack Size Trout swimbait. I have all of the baits shipped except for a few awaiting payment.
The next run of baits will be available at
Jig Monster Bass Tackle
As well as
Outdoor ProShop
I have had several people email me asking my favorite ways to fish the bait, so I figured I would do a post about it.
A little about the bait:
The Snack Size Trout comes in at 7″ exactly and weighs in at a little over 2 oz My idea behind this bait was to design a really versatile, light, midsized bait that could be fished in many different ways, not wear you out, and finally (and probably the most important for me) was that I really had tournament fishing in mind. Clear Lake, Delta, and Shasta specifically for myself – but really could be fished in place of a lot of baits that are already in your arsenal to help produce better fish just about anywhere.
Quality
I spared no money or effort on this bait – it has the best of everything I could find: glass eyes, Owner nickel plated hooks, carbon fiber hinge pin, all stainless slit rings and eyelets, replacement tails, and an automotive finish all pearl paint scheme. It also comes in a real numbered box, not just a throw away clam shell package.
After countless days behind this bait I have a number of ways I have learned to use it
The simple waking of the bait
This can be done by moderately to very fast reeling, straight in.
I recommend keeping the rod tip pretty low to the water and straight out in front of you for pretty much all applications. This specific application will create a very consistent V pattern behind the bait.
Rippin’ the bait
Yes this is only a 2oz bait and can be ripped all day long with the right set up. The biggest numbers of fish have come off this method for me. Rippin’ the bait will cause it to dive down to six inches to a foot or so and the erratic motion it produces gives the bass something they have not seen yet.
Dead sticking on points
Boring, yes, but if you have the patience, well worth it. I have only got a couple doing this so far, but the biggest fish cannot stand something just sitting there above them for so long. . and by “long”, I mean long up to a half hour or so.
Walking the bait
I have found that this bait can be used much like spook would be walked. Deadly! I cannot wait until summer on the Delta for this.
180 degree turns
This bait will turn to either side on a dime. Just a quick pop downward, give it some immediate slack and you can turn it left or right with some practice. Twitch your rod pretty hard to do this.
Jumping the bait
Sort of like a spook: Get the bait going pretty crazy with your wrist and with some practice can get this thing airborne like a scared baitfish or trout running from it predator.
Mix it up
By combining all or just a couple of these methods I can guarantee this is going to become one of your favorite top water baits
The set up
My favorite rod to fish this bait on is the Dobyns, Mike Long 795 ML 7′ 9″ paired with a Daiwa TDA for a small profile to help work the bait, this reel has a big spool for 20 pound line
I really hope those of you who purchase the Snack Size Trout enjoy this bait as much as I do.
