In shallow waters and around reef edges, I used it both on a 50# braid set up with a long (about 20') 65# floro leader and I tied the lure direct with a loop (Lefty Krehs loop knot for leaders and flies).
The plug swims real well even up to speeds about about 2.5-3 knots. ( I generally troll much slower but it held even at 3 knots.
My most productive use however was with wire (monel) off of squibby. I know a lot of guys don't like wire (neither do I for that matter) but I use it from time to time during the day when the eel bite is off. Anyway again I use a long floro leader (I split a 60' roll of 65# floro between two wire rods) and I tend to tie my single plugs direct to the floro but one of the rods has a bb snap-swivel for other stuff . Why the looong leader? I like to have all the wire and plenty of the leader well on the spool when the fish is along side the boat, IMO the wire rig is much eaiser to handle, is better "behaved" on the spool, provides a nice shock absorber, I can cut a few inches off with each lure change and the plug looks and swims better in the water with a floro leader. Everyone has there own preferences they like, these are mine.
So far this is the only pike that I found that I could actually troll that is reliable. The others I have work ok but need a some lip modification to keep them from "kite-ing" off to one side and not swimming on track or tumbling at boat speeds over 1/2 knot.
When this swims there is a nice steady beat to the rod, by just looking at the tip you know instantly if it is swimming right or has weed. No guesswork.
That particular tail hook was extreme and was an experiment but I did get a few nice fish with it as rigged but to be honest I can't say it was because of the tail hook. I caught pleanty with it when it had a bare treble on the back too. I left it on because it was working and looked good (and different) in the water. Some days I spend more time experiementing and tweeking stuff then i do fishing.
One nice thing about a single plug like this on wire is that it is easy to reel in....not like a 9er shad rig, that is for sure.
I plan to get a lead core set up next season and try that too. I have not used lead core in years but I think it is time to pick up a setup for that.
It also works great on a downrigger!. My fancy schamchi electronic bottom contoring downrigger (which is in the shop (broken)
) but when it worked it was a great way to troll these deep on braid. Like I said I like to experiment...not everything works but it keeps you occupied when the fishing is not hot and heavy.
good luck
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