Here Is One Trick To Get More Bites On Big Paddletails This Summer
- By: Justin Ritchey
- on
How do you match the hatch when your lures are not the exact size profile of the baitfish available?
There are little ways to modify your lures so that you can effectively mimic baitfish in the water at any given time.
So in this video, you’ll learn the simple trick for making your larger soft plastic lures match the hatch to get more bites.
Check it out below!
Simple Hack for Bigger Paddletails [VIDEO]
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Click here to get Slam Shady Bomber lures
Click here to get Power Prawn Jig Heads
In the springtime when bait hatches it’s really small and the Slam Shady 2.0 represents that bait profile perfectly.
Then as we go into the summer months there are 4″ lure variants available that better match baitfish as they are growing.
And summer also brings lots of rain and dirty water to go with it.
So in these scenarios, the Slam Shady Bomber really excels!
When fishing in dirty or stained water, sometimes you need the extra vibration of a bigger paddletail to get the attention of predator fish.
But that bigger paddletail may be too big to effectively match the hatch.
How To Modify Your Large Paddletails For More Strikes
Here’s the best way to modify the Slam Shady Bomber:
Step 1: Take a knife and chop down the head of the bait to reduce the size of the paddletail (try matching the size of the Slam Shady 2.0).
Step 2: Find a jighead that matches well with the blunt head of the paddletail so you have the least resistance.
I’ve found the custom ball jig heads designed for the Power Prawn work tremendously.
It has a longer shank and allows the lure to move naturally through the water.
But the downside is that there’s no barb to grab the plastic.
So, you can use a small drop of super glue to keep the Bomber secured on the jighead.
Conclusion
If you want to get more bites in dirty water scenarios when baitfish are at different and transforming sizes, then you may need to modify your lures.
Reducing the size profile of your larger paddletails can help you catch more fish when you need that extra vibration but a smaller silhouette.
You can get these lures and jig heads from our shop here:
Click here to get Slam Shady Bomber lures
Click here to get Power Prawn Jig Heads
And if you want 20% off of your paddletails and jig heads, as well as all of the other gear in our shop, click here to join us in the Insider Club.
Have any questions about when to use this set-up?
Let me know down in the comments!
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I used your hack last weekend and it worked. 3 flounders! Thank you.
That’s Awesome!!!!!
Good tip for customizing a lure. I would just like to add : Maybe taper the head to reduce drag & to more closely resemble the bait before it was cut.
I thought about that too, Bill. I’ve tried cutting all types of styles out of the front head of the Bomber, but it has not made that much of a difference in terms of drag/resistance through the water. I’m sure I could use a set of Cigar cutters to get more of a “rounded” cut, but I’m not sure that level of detail is needed. I could be wrong though! I say give it a try and let us know what you think! Thanks Bill.
Will the super glue affect the hook any meaning can I use it more than once after?
Not really. With a big of added pressure, you can still remove a paddle tail from a hook or jig head that has had Super Glue on it. There might be a little plastic residue on the hook, but I’ve recycled/re-used jig heads with Super Glue on them before and have had Zero issues.
Good idea. I’m going to have to try that. Thanks
Good Idea!
Thanks Jerry!
Good Idea Justin! Now that the head has been removed, won’t it give more vibration or will it effect the swimming action?
When that head gets cut and you’re left with a flat, blunt nose, the answer is YES there will be more resistance when pulling that lure through the water. In terms of “more” vibration, the tail action will remain the same with the lure, and the swimming action (when using a jig head) will also remain the same. The only difference is that the resistance that flat nose creates may cause the acoustics of the lure to sound different than the original Bomber with the smooth nose. To me, I actually prefer that, especially when fishing dirty/murky/muddy water! Fish are fascinating and pick up on acoustics and physical silhouettes extremely well, so I like the idea of that added physical presence while still maintaining that 4″ or sub-4″ body profile!
this is also a good way to continue to use lures that have been used alot. you can cut them down and get a lot more life out of them.
For sure! Good point Kevin.
Why not use the Zman Redfish Eye jig head? It has the longer shank hook and has the barbs to hold the paddle tail in place
The Zman Redfish EyeZ Jig Head is also a great option to use with the Bomber (as-is, or after a little bit of the tip is cut off). I have used these in the past as well with great success on 4″ and longer paddle tails.
The general rule of thumb… 3.5” and under use the trout eye. 4” and over, use the red eye. I personally like to twist the barbs off, and just use a dab of super glue. It makes installing elaztech lures a lot easier, and it doesn’t come off unless you force it.
Great tip Justin! What a great idea! I was in a scenario the other day in Titusville that I think this may have been the key to unlocking the bite! I hope to give it a try soon!
I bet this would work REALLY well for some of the Juvi Tarpon that have been popping up!
Nice suggestion – will try it
Thanks
Thanks Pablo! Good luck!