
Fishing Depth: 100- to 200-foot depths aren’t a problem. Why It Made the Cut: The split-tail design simulates an erratic baitfish action that even makes me want to eat it. The slightly nose-down orientation of the lure will periodically cause it to bump or momentarily “dig in” to the bottom, which in turn causes the lure to work more erratically. When trolled across shallow humps, Yakima Flatfish can produce fantastic results. These baits are ideal for flatline trolling (no added weight) in shallow water or for trolling behind an inline sinker or downrigger for a deeper presentation. Within this series, the T-60 Metallic Silver Clown, Frog, and Metallic Silver Blue (Pirate) are all excellent producers. These lures measure 6 inches long, weigh 1.82 ounces, and are equipped with #4/0 trebles. I can still picture my first Yakima Flatfish-orange with black spots (Orange Flo in the Yakima Bait index)-and wow, did it catch fish! Designed by Charlie Helin in the early 1900s, the Yakima Flatfish has proven itself for over a hundred years.įor lake trout, Yakima Bait has its Flatfish Lake Trout series. Requires added weight to fish in depths greater than 20 feet. Incredible wobbling action at slow to medium trolling speeds. Available in dozens of length and color/pattern options. Fishing Depth: 20 feet maximum depth (without weighted assistance). It’s hard to argue with a track record like that. Why It Made the Cut: When trolled at slow to moderate speeds, the distinctive wide wiggle action has been drawing strikes longer than I’ve been alive. Also, on more subtle grabs when the fish continues swimming toward you after eating the bait, you notice the absence of that wobble-set the hook! Best Trolling: Yakima Bait Flatfish The aggressive tight wobble of the Shad Dancer can readily be felt, letting you know the lure is tracking and fishing properly throughout the retrieve. Try both and let the fish tell you which they prefer. If I had to narrow that down, I’d go with the silver and silver fluorescent chartreuse, which give you a basic natural tone and a brighter attractive look. My favorite colors include blue flash, firetiger, silver (Rapala’s classic black back and silver sides), purpledescent, Yellow Perch and silver fluorescent chartreuse. More importantly, that enticing wobble has a way of getting fish to eat. I can walk a shoreline, fancast a given area, and feel confident that any hungry lakers prowling that water will see this bait. Merging the action of the Tail Dancer with the shape characteristic of the Shad Rap has proven to be a winning combination.įor shore fishing, I like a lure that allows me to cover water effectively and a crankbait is hands down one of the best baits for doing this. The Shad Dancer design is actually a synthesis of attributes from two of Rapala’s other successful lures: the Shad Rap and the Tail Dancer. Rapala is well known in the fishing market for its fish-catching baits. I bought my first Rapalas with lawn mowing money when I was ten years old-and they’ve had a place in my tackle boxes ever since. Not good for deeper casting presentations.
Available in 24 colors to imitate various baits and meet different water conditions.Primary Fishing Method(s): Casting, trolling.Length: 2 ¾ inches (also available in 1 ½- and 2-inch sizes).Why It Made the Cut: A versatile bait with big action in a small package. The Best Lures for Lake Trout: Reviews & Recommendations Best for the Shore: Rapala Shad Dancer Crankbait
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To round out my selection process, I’ve also sought out the input of experienced anglers and professional guides.
When I moved to the Finger Lakes Region of New York, I was pleasantly surprised to find these hard-fighting piscivores thriving in the deep natural lakes of the region. My introduction to Salvelinus namaycush (lake trout) came years ago on a trip to Gangler’s North Seal Lodge in Manitoba. How We Chose The Best Lures for Lake Trout Best for the Shore: Rapala Shad Dancer Crankbait.Here are some suggestions to help you figure out the best lures for lake trout. Perhaps the greatest challenge is trying to narrow down the overwhelming array of choices available to anglers today. Though trolling is often the first angling tactic associated with these fish, casting and jigging lures are both methods that can be surprisingly effective. Time of year and water temperature are critical factors in finding them-fish may be near shore and shallow early in the season and then up to 200 feet deep in the summer months. Lakers or mackinaw are found across northern North America and are native to Alaska, Canada, and the northeastern United States.
The largest of the chars, they can reach sizes measured in pounds rather than inches, with 15 to 40 pound fish not uncommon. It’s essential to match lures for lake trout to the size of the predominant baitfish in the waters where you wet a line as the voracious predators love to eat other fish.