Working a diving plug on the surface

[Brother Belcher]

I'm just returning to fishing after a few years away, and wanted to share a tactic I tried just before I hung up the rods last time.
Using a Shakespeare big S diving plug, I lifted all the line off the water and held the rod high. The plug produces a lovely bow wave and imitates a small creature swimming on the surface, which you can steer around weeds and lillys etc.

I only tried it a few times, and actually had a couple of good size Chubb that launched themselves at it, so will try it again for Pike.

Has anyone else used a diving plug in this manner?

[Chico 48 PAC]

I really do not wish to be dismissive but I think everybody would have tried it at some point.

[Steve Dennington]

Most buoyant cranks can be pushed into service as passable topwaters, but a lure designed for that purpose works much better

[Edward.P.A.C]

I really do not wish to be dismissive but I think everybody would have tried it at some point.

I haven’t……

You do come across as a bit of an arrogant dick sometimes Chico.

[Chico 48 PAC]

I really do not wish to be dismissive but I think everybody would have tried it at some point.

I haven’t……

You do come across as a bit of an arrogant dick sometimes Chico.

I said that with a caveat. You did say that as if it were a bad thing. Thank you for your time.

[Mark Phillips]

I'm just returning to fishing after a few years away, and wanted to share a tactic I tried just before I hung up the rods last time.
Using a Shakespeare big S diving plug, I lifted all the line off the water and held the rod high. The plug produces a lovely bow wave and imitates a small creature swimming on the surface, which you can steer around weeds and lillys etc.

I only tried it a few times, and actually had a couple of good size Chubb that launched themselves at it, so will try it again for Pike.

Has anyone else used a diving plug in this manner?

Yes they catch, but only use them when I have no surface lures on me. Else, something noisier like a Hawg Wobbler or a Boss Hawg will catch you more fish than a crank bait fished on the surface. Most will need quite a slow retrieve as well, which for pike isn't always what you want to trigger them. Chub? Try small jitterbugs, they are deadly.

[Brother Belcher]

I really do not wish to be dismissive but I think everybody would have tried it at some point.

Yes quite possibly, but it was more to see if anyone supported the approach as a good regular option.

[Brother Belcher]

Most buoyant cranks can be pushed into service as passable topwaters, but a lure designed for that purpose works much better

Yeah I guess that makes sense

[Brother Belcher]

I'm just returning to fishing after a few years away, and wanted to share a tactic I tried just before I hung up the rods last time.
Using a Shakespeare big S diving plug, I lifted all the line off the water and held the rod high. The plug produces a lovely bow wave and imitates a small creature swimming on the surface, which you can steer around weeds and lillys etc.

I only tried it a few times, and actually had a couple of good size Chubb that launched themselves at it, so will try it again for Pike.

Has anyone else used a diving plug in this manner?

Yes they catch, but only use them when I have no surface lures on me. Else, something noisier like a Hawg Wobbler or a Boss Hawg will catch you more fish than a crank bait fished on the surface. Most will need quite a slow retrieve as well, which for pike isn't always what you want to trigger them. Chub? Try small jitterbugs, they are deadly.

Never tried those, but have a Heddon Crazy Crawler and I do love the way it plops across the surface.

[Oldskoolfool]

BB I'd recommend Arbogast Jitterbug or similar lures and prop baits of which there are many. If you want to expand your skill try a walking the dog type lure such as a Henndon Spook

[Brother Belcher]

BB I'd recommend Arbogast Jitterbug or similar lures and prop baits of which there are many. If you want to expand your skill try a walking the dog type lure such as a Henndon Spook

Thanks for that.

[piker al]

I'm just returning to fishing after a few years away, and wanted to share a tactic I tried just before I hung up the rods last time.
Using a Shakespeare big S diving plug, I lifted all the line off the water and held the rod high. The plug produces a lovely bow wave and imitates a small creature swimming on the surface, which you can steer around weeds and lillys etc.

I only tried it a few times, and actually had a couple of good size Chubb that launched themselves at it, so will try it again for Pike.

Has anyone else used a diving plug in this manner?

Used to do well with a jointed rapala just gently wobbling back in along the surface

[Brother Belcher]

I'm just returning to fishing after a few years away, and wanted to share a tactic I tried just before I hung up the rods last time.
Using a Shakespeare big S diving plug, I lifted all the line off the water and held the rod high. The plug produces a lovely bow wave and imitates a small creature swimming on the surface, which you can steer around weeds and lillys etc.

I only tried it a few times, and actually had a couple of good size Chubb that launched themselves at it, so will try it again for Pike.

Has anyone else used a diving plug in this manner?

Used to do well with a jointed rapala just gently wobbling back in along the surface

Never tried a jointed on the surface will have to give that a go.