Swim Baits

[nathanhooper]

Just curious what people's opinion of them are for stripers. I know, like I need to add another thing to my list of things to try, but I am curious about them. I remember Fins mentioning them one time as a second choice behind live bait when I talked about going after some stripers.

I've seen some different ones here and there. Is there one way or another that they are best used? Speed dependent?

I just thought that I might could use them as my searching bait then switch over to live when I find them. I know that the guy I fish with the most almost exclusively uses the 6" bomber lures on downriggers and does quite fine with them on most occasions. I am wondering if they would work kind of the same way, I know they would be the same length at least if I used 6" baits. I can see where the action would be different, but they seem like they would look more like the real thing on the opposite end.

I did do a little research and found that there are a lot of good reviews on the tsunami brand ones. In fact, in reading them one guy states that he had great success on beaver lake with them. lol People say they have more of a full body action than just a tail action.

Anyways, just thought I would pick your guy's brains. I have only used swim baits once years ago fishing for white bass. But I do not remember having much luck.

[Ron Burgundy]

I bought a Storm swim bait from Cabelas to try for walleye, the bait is 10" gizzard shad, I assumed anything that hit it would be big but I got a 17" walleye on it..... Also hooked into a big fish which I assume was a striper but it came unbuttoned...I was running the bait on Lead Core, it has nice action.

[nathanhooper]

Is it the one with a plastic lip? Did you notice it being speed dependent?

I watched a YouTube video of an Asian man using swim baits catching stripers. Very entertaining. He holds the rods versus having them in the holders. You can see the excitement each time he gets hit. But what I find interesting is the size of the bait.

I'm just looking for a good bait I can drag behind me while I'm looking around. Figured the closer to lifelike I get the better. But not sure if they can handle the speed. I get down around 3 mph normally, and can get lower with a troll plate but rather not use it because of steering. Of course, I'm sure even if the bait could handle it doesn't mean I should troll fast with it.

Thanks for your input.

[Ron Burgundy]

Yes the one with the plastic lip..... I run it on Lead Core so I can put it at whatever depth I want....I troll with my 9.9 kicker and keep speed 2-2.5mph and the bait has good action, I think.

[Feathers and Fins]

AC Plug

Castaic Trout / baits

Zplug

If you are chasing stripers those are the ones I would be looking at. You think the A-rig will give you a workout try throwing the a 14 inch AC plug all day, But they work.

[nathanhooper]

No throwing going on here. I take the easy way out. Place lure in water, push button to let line out, drive on...

I have heard a lot about the AC Plug. But, I can tell you that aint gonna happen for sure. Good night man, $25 for a lure!!! I'll trap and eat 4" bream before I drop cash like that. lol. Ok, so I am exaggerating a little.

I just want something to drag behind me to make me feel like I am fishing while looking for the arches in the water.

[Feathers and Fins]

LOL. try 69 for that bait... guys cry about loosing an A-rig you do more than cry when you loose one of them. You could troll them also