How to work your stickbaits?
Just wondering what sort of action you guys use for stickbaits. Do you use a different action for a different species of fish and in different areas/conditions? (I would assume so) I have always used poppers and only just started getting into the stickbaits and have been using a flat out retrieve with some interest, but no hookups. I did have a solid coral trout follow it to the boat today, but couldn't get him interested again after then initial chase. :( I've only really used them 3 times and always in ordinary conditions. I've tried to adapt my technique on working them based upon general fishing principles and what I've seen from a few good fishing vids but it hasn't been overly successful to date. (It could always be the spot or fish not biting) Anyway, I thought I'd try and get some tips from those in the know. By the looks of the latest images I should just PM Scuttlebutt, but if anyone else has any handy info it would be appreciated.
Cheers,
Adam
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bear
Posts: 184
Date Joined: 30/03/06
If you're talking about
If you're talking about topwater lures then a steady retrieve with a twitching action on the rod will get them 'walking the dog' really well. They are a great, visual way of getting fish.
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Salmo
Posts: 913
Date Joined: 15/08/05
Rod tip up
Agree with bear....
plus keep your rod tip up....and heaps of pause. No hurry in retrieving....
seansurfy
Posts: 475
Date Joined: 09/08/06
Try trolling with them
Try trolling with them Adam.....4-6 knots
It worked really well for me on the Coral Sea reefs. Everything from coral trout to wahoo ate them
SPESS
Posts: 3356
Date Joined: 29/12/06
The bear and salmo are right
The bear and salmo are right on the money! Nothing more to be said other than walking the dog and after a couple of metres pause then retrieve again....You must keep the rod tip up (onya salmo) this method i have used and been very successful on bream, barra and even GT's. Once you get it right its awsome. I think there might be a write up about this in the latest Hotbite as well by madphil. He's either chancing bream or something simular.........sorry havent read it.
Keep it tight, reeeeeeel tight!
Adam Gallash
Posts: 15652
Date Joined: 29/11/05
Groovy
Will give those tips a go. Can't say I've read it either Spess, why waste money when theres better info online. ;D
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scuttlebutt
Posts: 453
Date Joined: 24/03/06
I just work them similar to
I just work them similar to working poppers, twitch the rod about half a metre at a time to walk the dog as has been said above. Different stickbaits can work diferently though. For example, the blackjacks are fairly neutral and can be worked at any speed, while I've got some Carpenters that are tail heavy and need a more subtle twitch and slower retrieve.
Don't feel like you need a fast retrieve - just get that dog walking.
As far as trolling them, the blackjacks and Runboh's troll well but some others don't like constant speed.
Spend some time experimenting where the fish are and you'll figure out what works. It's great fun when you nail it!
steve
From Cairns GBR
SPESS
Posts: 3356
Date Joined: 29/12/06
Now they are well used
Now they are well used stickbaits......funny thing is they'll keep working for sometime yet :)
Keep it tight, reeeeeeel tight!
rickets
Posts: 995
Date Joined: 03/06/07
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=-FTd_S-DI40
a tute on "walking the dog"
Adam Gallash
Posts: 15652
Date Joined: 29/11/05
Nice
Nice link there Rickets, good stuff.
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Dean
Posts: 1943
Date Joined: 23/02/07
Walking the dog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8n4rkkZTdg
Says similar stuff, just shows you more of his actions.
SPESS
Posts: 3356
Date Joined: 29/12/06
They are some thumping bass!
They are some thumping bass! That is a great vid to show what the go is with walking the dog! He looks to be using zara puppies which are great stick baits and have caught me plenty of jacks. He really doe sthe action really good, the slow pase is what ive been taught that works best. Im not to sure on the short rod as i find rods in the 6'6 range to be better but i deffently do agree on a fast retrieve ratio. This makes it easier to work the lure with out having to flatout wind to get it moving.
Keep it tight, reeeeeeel tight!
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