Topwater Lures VS. Paddletails (When To Make The Switch)
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on September 2, 2023
Topwater Lures VS. Paddletails.
When should you make the switch from one to the other?
Let’s find out!!
Topwater Lures VS. Paddletails [VIDEO]
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Gear Used:
- Rod: 7’6 Slot Machine Custom Rod
- Reel: 2500 Shimano Stradic FL
- Line: 10lb PowerPro
- Leader: 20lb Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon
- Lures: Moonwalker Topwater Lure AND 5″ Alabama Leprechaun BOMBER
- Hooks: Hoss Helix Hook
- Scent: Dr. Juice Exclusive Saltwater Slam Scent
I was out fishing super early in the morning recently.
There were large schools of bait all over.
But topwater lures just weren’t getting the job done.
Typically, topwater is my go-to first thing in the morning.
But if you’re fishing around large schools of bait causing a commotion on the surface, it can be tough for those fish to dial into your topwater lure.
I switched over to a larger paddletail to fish below the schools of bait.
Fishing below or just outside the schools of baitfish draws more attention to your lure.
Predatory fish are looking to pick off the weaker fish off to the sides or below the masses of bait.
This is when you should make the switch from a topwater lure to subsurface paddletail lures.
The very first cast with the BOMBER, I hooked into a solid trout.
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Good points Tony.
Thanks Jan!
thanks will try this
You’re welcome Ronald!
Really enjoy your videos and style. How many rods do you take on your little boat. Looked like you just swapped out the lures on same rod. Also what is the measuring tool I have seen that on a few photos in the community lately
Thanks Ricky! I bring 3 to 4 rods on a trip, each rigged up for a different purpose. The measuring device in the video is a CCA measuring device for their S.T.A.R tournament.
Thank you, Tony – I will give that a try. Btw – what model Gheenoe is that?
Thanks Fletcher! Its a Classic.
Here is a video walkthrough I made of it:
https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/walkthrough-of-coach-tonys-gheenoe/
Great info, thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome Matt!
Tony, thanks again. I always enjoy your videos. Also, did you happen to be going to the Gheenoe rally in Saint Marks Florida? I believe it’s the weekend of 23 September Friday Saturday Sunday I will be attending with my Gheenoe.
You’re welcome Jon! Unfortunately I won’t be able to make it up there.
I use both…I tie a 24-30” leader to the tail hook on the moonwalker and a paddletail or shrimp bait to the leader….you won’t need to ever use popping cork again 🎣❗️
I have done that before as well! Works great!
That is exactly what worked for me this morning I was hesitant to use a paddle tail because it was so calm out I started off using the jerk bait but the paddle tails what did the trick for me
Good stuff!
Nice tip and video Tony!!! Nice trout
Thanks Pablo!
Thanks Tony!
You’re welcome Al!