This Science-Based Lure Change Resulted In Epic Trout Bite
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
Spring is a fantastic season for catching big seatrout in shallow water, but these fish can be very tough to trick with a lure.
Fortunately, we’ve had some insightful findings lately with some lure color contests, which show some evidence of certain color shades working best based on sun positioning.
This particular trip started out badly, with many fish seen but hardly any strikes.
But then I decided to change lures based on what a recent experiment showed should work, and that resulted in one of the best big trout bites I’ve ever had.
This video shows the details along with some awesome trout catching action:
Featured Gear:
- Rod: Slot Machine – 7’6″ Medium
- Reel: Otis 2500
- Lure 1: Polk County Tweaker – Black Silver
- Lure 2: Polk County Tweaker – Terd Ferguson
- Rigging: 3/0 Hoss Helix 1/16th oz
- Mainline: 8 lb J-Braid 8 Grand
- Leader: 12 lb Ande mono with 20 lb Ande mono bite tippet
Spot Finding Software:
- Smart Fishing Spots (by far the best mapping system for finding great fishing spots)
Final Thoughts
Structured lure experiments like the Light vs. Dark lure contest mentioned in this video can be extremely beneficial when the fish are being picky.
So we’re going to be hosting many more in order to make sure we are always maximizing our valuable time out on the water.
This trip was an excellent example of how a great trip can be just 1 quick lure change away.
And this was another helpful example on how the lure retrieve can make a big difference… no telling how many fish I missed over the years by using a jerk style retrieve when in calm conditions that was turning the fish off without me even knowing.
I used to cringe when I saw light wind forecasts. But now I just get my light tackle low vibration gear ready knowing that there will be high odds of success in spite of the very calm conditions.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
The 2 core benefits we promise to Insider Club members is to be able to find and catch fish easier than ever before while saving money on fishing equipment.
So I am including links to the quickest ways to achieve each:
1) Finding Fish System
2) Insider Club’s Group Discounts
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Thanks Luke for another great video. Have you measured your drag setting and if so how did you go about it?
My apologies for taking so long to respond… I just got back from a week-long vacation.
Here’s a video showing an easy way to measure the actual setting of a reel’s drag: https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/proper-drag-tension-for-a-fishing-reel/
What a great video, I never thought that a very slow retrieve on a tweaker would be so effective! Thanks Luke!
Hey Luke. I went to FishStrong to pick up these lures but there are Variants. I assume that has to do with the sizes? The lower the variant the smaller the lure? Which variant would you recommend for Spring fishing? The smaller? For Summer fishing? A mid-variant? For Fall? The larger variants?
The variants on the Polk County Tweaker are only for customizing color. The top performer lately has been the new black-silver color linked above.
As for the best rigging hook for them, the Hoss Helix 3/0 sized hooks is the best size. The weight should be based on the depths that you’ll be fishing… I was using 1/16th oz on this particular trip because I was fishing water no more than 2 ft deep. The 1/8th oz is most popular because it can cover 1 ft to 3 ft depths. This setup works in all seasons for seatrout, redfish, snook, and flounder.
Great Info ! Thanks Luke, I noticed your spooled up with the gray J8 braid and not the blue any reason why the change ? Thanks again!
Great question! I went with the different colors for organization purposes: blue = 10 lb, gray = 8 lb, and green = 6 lb. This way, I immediately know which setup it is even if someone else is using it on the other side of the boat.
great
Thanks Ronald!
Great info. Keep them coming
Thanks for making time to post the nice comment Richard!
Great video Luke. Interesting about the dark lures and steady retrieve. What about windy/choppy water and not clear (Texas)???
When it’s windy, I’m using plugs like the wake mullet or skinny lipper that attract more attention with rattles/vibration.
Nice catching Luke! The trout were stout!
Thanks Ozzie!
This is one of my favorite videos and after watching it I will start throwing dark colors on clear days more often. Thanks for another great video, Luke!
Thanks for making time to post the nice comment Ruben!
Well done.. well done.. well done! Thanks Luke.
Thanks Matt! I sure wish that every trip was like this one.