50 MINUTE TEST: Wake Bait vs Diving Plug for Quick Redfish Strikes
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
Joe and I hit the flats at sunrise with just one rod each… one lure each… and less than an hour to fish.
No bait bucket. No tackle trays.
Just two guys walking into skinny water with a simple challenge:
Who can catch the biggest and most fish with their lure of choice?
Here’s what went down:
I tied on the brand-new Wake Mullet hardbait I’ve been testing.
Joe grabbed the Skinny Lipper.
We had a low tide, calm conditions, and a shallow flat full of potential.
The first signs of life came quick—birds working, bait showing, and before long, we each had fish on. But once I slowed my retrieve and kept the lure just under the surface, the Wake Mullet started to shine.
Gear We Used:
- Wake Mullet – See it here
- Skinny Lipper – See it here
- Slot Machine Rod – Learn more
- Otis 2500 Reel – Shop Now
- We found this spot using Smart Fishing Spots and the Public Lands Layer!
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This wasn’t a spot we scouted the hard way. I actually used Smart Fishing Spots to find a small public park I’d never even noticed—despite living just five miles from it for years.
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Conclusion
This was one of those quick morning sessions that just clicks.
One rod. One lure. Big results.
I walked away more impressed than ever with the Wake Mullet—especially in shallow water where a subtle, steady retrieve gets it done.
Tight lines,
Luke Simonds
Chief Fishing Addict
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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).
What kind of water conditions is the wake mullet best used in? My lure just arrived.
I like it best when there is some wind chop on the water surface… especially good during low light periods since its vibrations can call in predator fish looking for an easy meal.
Luke, you mentioned a proto type rod Joe was using?????
Yes. That was a prototype rod from a few years back when we were designing the original slot machine.
Nice report. I’m going to be in Corolla later this week.
Thanks William! I hope your trip this week is a blast.
I like the side by side comparisons – Thx!9
Thanks for making time to post the nice comment Joe! We’ll be sure to make more comparison videos.
Some of the luers were back ordered wondering when they would be back in thanks
Which lure(s) are you referring to?
Very cool video fellas. Just bought the hard bait bundle. Haven’t had a chance to use it yet. Can’t wait..
Thanks Stan!
I think I got this Mr. Luke; I’m going with your set up on your blog on Why you out fish 30 anglers. your toughs.
Yes, that setup I was using on the recent offshore trip is tough to beat in my opinion for targeting big fish both inshore and offshore. The MH Slot Machine has the best feel by far of any rod I’ve used that’s rated up to 20 lbs. I use the 4000 size reel which is all that’s needed, but the 5000 would surely fit on the rod nicely too. I put 30 lb on that one in particular simply for fishing docks so I have better ability to not get broken off around dock pilings, but I set the drag as if I was using 20 lb line to make sure that rod doesn’t get over-powered.
Here’s a link to that post in case anyone else is curious to see the details and/or needs links to these items: https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/future-gear-grouper-snapper-fishing/
Luke, did you use mono backing or straight braid due to the depths you were fishing?
Thank you, Sir.
Nice catch Mr. Luke, quick questions what rod you would pair with the Daiwa Saltist MQ Spinning reel 5000, will the Slot Machine Medium Heavy do. Planning on Going for the heavy hitters on the bridges ETC. or I am going a little overboard. How this set up will do with the PRAWNS, PLUGS ETC. Your toughs. currently own the OTIS 2500 which is pair with the Slam Stick Spinning Rod. That set up is the best I ever had. That set up I love it. So, light that’s incredible.
What an eat by that first red Luke. Looked like a submarine breaching the water !
Yes, it sure is thrilling to see a red submarine sneaking up on a lure up in shallow water.