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Product Review |
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Week of August 27, 2007 |
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Roberts Muskie Lures |
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The Roberts DepthRaider is a Joe Bucher deep running Muskie bait. The DepthRaider comes in Jointed or Straight, in 6" or 8" length. This Bucher Bait comes in 14 colors and the 8" Countdown version comes in six colors.
How to fish the DepthRaider The DepthRaider can be cast or trolled successfully for nearly every big game fish in both fresh and saltwater. The actual maximum running depth of a DepthRaider will vary depending upon several factors: length of cast (from rod tip to lure), diameter of line (the thinner the line, the deeper it will run), and to a lesser extent, speed of retrieve or troll (faster retrieve/troll results in a deeper running bait).
Basically speaking, longer casts with thinner line will make the lure run deeper. Shorter casts with heavier line will result in a shallower track. In most casting situations with a conventional musky outfit loaded with 40 to 75 lb line, expect your DepthRaider to travel anywhere from 6 to 12 ft depending upon the length of your cast and your retrieve speed. However, it is quite easy to attain depths much greater than this while trolling by simply varying the amount of line you let out (from rod tip to lure). If you want to troll the DepthRaider shallower, let out less line. To attain greater depth, simply let out more line until you begin to hit bottom at your targeted depth. Depths of 20 ft or more are easily attainable using this system. Additional weight can be added in front of a DepthRaider (3-5 ft in front of the lure) to attain depths of 30 feet or more.
The DepthRaider has been specifically designed for fishing around heavy cover such as weeds, sunken timber and bottom bouncing. The built-in, tail-up buoyancy of this lure combined with its large triangular diving lip allows it to bump into almost any cover with minimal hangups. To maximize its effectiveness, always work the DepthRaider with a high rod angle, whether casting or trolling. Whenever the lure collides with cover, immediately drop the rod tip (creating a momentary slack line). This allows the DepthRaider to float up backwards from the snag. Most of the time, the diving lip is the first to contact the cover source. The sudden reverse rising motion backs the lure out of most snags. Resume your retrieve or troll with a sudden rip forward of the rod tip to free any remaining cover clinging to the lip or hooks. This cover freeing tactic also triggers a lot of strikes.
Specifics Include: Colors Available: 14
Length: 8"
Weight 2.75 oz Running depth: 6-12' Casting Runs 20' or more trolling Lure sinks at a rate of 1 ft per second
About $17.99
www.robertsoutdoors.com 866-452-4002
Fish same as above.
Specifics Include:
Colors Available: 16 Length: 6" or 8" Weight 2.75 oz Running depth: 6-12' Casting Runs 20' or more trolling Lure sinks at a rate of 1 ft per second
About $13.99 - 15.99
www.robertsoutdoors.com 866-452-4002
The DepthRaider can be cast or trolled successfully for nearly every big game fish in both fresh and saltwater. The actual maximum running depth of a DepthRaider will vary depending upon several factors: length of cast (from rod tip to lure), diameter of line (the thinner the line, the deeper it will run), and to a lesser extent, speed of retrieve or troll (faster retrieve/troll results in a deeper running bait). Basically speaking, longer casts with thinner line will make the lure run deeper.
Shorter casts with heavier line will result in a shallower track. In most casting situations with a conventional musky outfit loaded with 40 to 75 pound line, expect your DepthRaider to travel anywhere from 6 to 12 ft depending upon the length of your cast and your retrieve speed. However, it is quite easy to attain depths much greater than this while trolling by simply varying the amount of line you let out (from rod tip to lure).
If you want to troll the DepthRaider shallower, let out less line. To attain greater depth, simply let out more line until you begin to hit bottom at your targeted depth. Depths of 20 ft or more are easily attainable using this system. Additional weight can be added in front of a DepthRaider (3-5 ft in front of the lure) to attain depths of 30 ft or more.
Specifics Include: Colors Available: 6
Length: 8"
Weight 3.75 ox Running depth: 10-20' Casting Runs 30' or more trolling Lure sinks at a rate of 1 ft per second
About $10.99
www.robertsoutdoors.com 866-452-4002
The Roberts ShallowRaider is a Joe Bucher shallow running Muskie bait. The ShallowRaider comes in Jointed at 7", or Straight in 6" or 7" length. This Bucher Bait comes in 12 colors The ShallowRaider Prism comes in 6 and 7" comes in six colors.
The ShallowRaider was designed by hall of fame angler Joe Bucher specifically for casting and trolling for big gamefish in a variety of shallow water situations. Any time big muskies, pike or any other big gamefish are cruising over top weed flats, the ShallowRaider is a prime bait to fish. Stained water lakes with shallow weed lines of 6 feet or less are also great places to fish the ShallowRaider. Rock reefs that top off in the 6 ft range or less are another prime spot for this lure. Rock walls and gravel/rock mix shorelines are yet another prime candidate for both casting and trolling ShallowRaiders.
How to fish the DepthRaider Both the straight model and the jointed version can be simply cast or trolled and worked with nothing more than a simple steady retrieve and be very deadly. Yet, they become even more effective at times when combined with a jerking/pausing motion. The jointed ShallowRaider works exceptionally well by combining a simple straight retrieve with an abrupt pause any time it collides with cover. Follow this up with a subsequent quick, forward ripping motion of the bait immediately after the pause. This forward ripping motion (performed by a pulling upwards or sideways on the rod tip) frees any clinging debris on the lure, and often triggers a violent strike from a nearby fish hiding in that cover. This same procedure works equally well when trolling the jointed ShallowRaider along rock walls, points and weed lines.
All of the straight model ShallowRaiders produce action with a straight retrieve or troll, but can also be worked in a jerkbait style fashion with great results when fish are hanging tight to cover. To keep the lure shallower over high weeds, work the straight model ShallowRaider with short jerks and longer pauses. For more lateral, side-to-side action perform the jerk motion with some slack in your line, and allow slack during the pause. If you want the lure to travel deeper, lengthen the jerk distance and reduce the pause time.
The maximum running depth of the ShallowRaider will vary depending upon the diameter of line you use and the length of your cast or troll. Heavyweight lines and short casts are better for shallow waters. Thinner gauge lines and longer casts, or more line out on a troll, will make the ShallowRaider run much deeper.
Specifics Include: Length: 7" Weight: 2 oz Colors available: 12
About $15.99
www.robertsoutdoors.com 866-452-4002
The Swim'n Joe is an incredibly realistic 21st century crankbait designed to fool big game fish in clear cold waters. Equipped with lifelike laser eyes, ultra-sharp hooks and a built in diving bill that creates loads of fish attracting action, it’s virtually impossible to fish the Swim’n Joe incorrectly. Effective on suspended fish in cold water, the Swim’n Joe is absolutely deadly when fished with a very slow steady retrieve near the bottom in heavy fishing pressure conditions.
How to Fish the Swim’n Joe The Swim'n Joe is a highly realistic 21st century crankbait designed to fool big game fish in clear waters and heavy fishing pressure conditions. It will catch big fish spring, summer and fall. All you need to do is get in front of a big fish. Because the Swim'n Joe is a bit heavy, it is best fished on heavyweight tackle. A larger baitcasting outfit with a heavy action rod is recommended along with lines of no less than 25 pound test.
It is almost impossible to fish the Swim'n Joe incorrectly since it has a built-in diving bill which creates the action on the lure. If you simply cast it out and reel it back with a steady slow to medium retrieve, you'll have excellent results. However, there is more you can do with this lure. Since it sinks, you can count it down and fish it much deeper. For real deep water applications (casting), simply cast it out, leave your reel in the free spool position, and let the lure sink all the way to the bottom. Then retrieve it at a very slow steady pace to keep it near the bottom at these depths.
The Swim'n Joe is also very effective on suspended big fish in colder waters by employing a stop and go retrieve. The slow sinking nature of the lure allows it to suspend during the pause, which can really trigger strikes from reluctant big fish in colder waters. Another trick to try is to stop the lure for a few seconds anytime it collides with cover such as weeds, timber or rocks. Since this cover is where a big fish is most likely to be hiding, the sudden pause after the collision often triggers that cover-tight fish to skirt out and nail the lure.
Specifics Include: Length: 10" Weight: 4 oz Comes in 10 colors
About $18.99
www.robertsoutdoors.com 866-452-4002 |
The Prism ShallowRaider was designed by hall of fame angler Joe Bucher. This near neutral buoyant crankbait can be twitched, jerked, cranked or trolled. The Prism ShallowRaider will catch fish over any structure, but works especially well over weeds or rock.
Prism is on the inside of the bait so hooks can't wear prism off. Hot twitch bait, but can be trolled also. Hot, unique colors.
Specifics Include: Length: 6 and 7" Weight: 2 oz, smaller: 1.25 oz Colors available: 6
About $11.29 – 13.29
www.robertsoutdoors.com 866-452-4002
Roberts Straight ShallowRaider An Exclusive design by Hall of Fame musky pro Joe Bucher! If you want to catch a 50-incher, better break out the heavy artillery!
ShallowRaiders are ideal for fishing over weed flats or rock reefs in 6 ft of water or less. Use a steady retrieve or a jerk-pause-jerk motion. Keep your rod tip high until the lure nears the boat, then drop down. Always finish with a figure-eight!
How to fish the DepthRaider The Straight ShallowRaider can be cast or trolled, worked with a straight retrieve or like a jerkbait. Deadly whenever muskies are cruising high, over weeds, on shallow reefs, next to steep shorelines, or in stained water. High-action swimming motion draws strikes when nothing else will.
An outstanding choice for trolling in the prop wash or jerkbaiting near structure
Specifics Include: Length: 6 and 7" Weight: 2 oz, smaller: 1.25 oz Colors available: 8
About $11.29 & 13.29
www.robertsoutdoors.com 866-452-4002
Every Top Raider Muskie Bait features high impact proof ABS design, an internal counterweight that eliminates rolling and produces perfect trackability. The TopRaider has a Counterbore tail piece to eliminate grass build up, with built in rattles and a pre-tuned tail prop. Joe Bucher's Top Raider sets another standard for all game fish surface baits
How to fish the DepthRaider Always use thick diameter, heavyweight line for topwater fishing to reduce line drag, line sinkage, and improve overall buoyancy. A medium/heavy power musky action rod of at least 6½' also promotes better hooksets. After your cast, begin retrieving immediately. Start your retrieve faster initially while simultaneously lifting upwards on your rod tip to lift as much line off the water as possible. Then, level off your rod tip angle as the lure nears the boat finishing up with the rod tip actually touching the water.
If the target is muskies, always finish with a figure 8 maneuver at boatside to trigger any followers. When a fish does strike the TopRaider, try to set the hook with a body rotation sideways while driving your rod tip downwards. This reduces missed strikes and results in a much higher percentage of solid hookups.
Specifics Include: Length: 7" Weight: 2.5 oz Comes in 13 Colors
About $18.99
www.robertsoutdoors.com 866-452-4002
The big brother of the now famous Top Raider! This hot lure is another Joe Bucher success. The Roberts Super TopRaider features a counter rotating twin tail, internally weighted to prevent rollover. Unique shrink-tubed treble in rear for better hook-ups.
Replacing the Tail Hook Shrink Tubing: Over time and a number of successful encounters with big toothy fish, eventually the tail hook shrink tubing will tear. To replace, simply cut the remaining tubing off, detach the treble hook and split ring. Then slide on (the treble hook shank) a new piece of #250 shrink tubing (available at most hardware stores) cut to size. Re-split ring the set up to the lure and slide the tubing over the hook eye, split ring and the lure's hook hanger. Finish by heating up the shrink tubing with a heat source…
Specifics Include: Length: 9" Weight: 3.25 oz Comes in 10 colors
About $23.99
www.robertsoutdoors.com 866-452-4002
Every Top Raider Muskie Bait features high impact proof ABS design, an internal counterweight that eliminates rolling and produces perfect trackability. The TopRaider has a Counterbore tail piece to eliminate grass build up, with built in rattles and a pre-tuned tail prop. Joe Bucher's Top Raider sets another standard for all game fish surface baits.
The Dancin' Raider side to side action along with the cupped design throat produces a plop and bubble trail unique to surface baits.
How to fish the DepthRaider Always use thick diameter, heavyweight line for topwater fishing to reduce line drag, line sinkage, and improve overall buoyancy. A medium/heavy power musky action rod of at least 6½' also promotes better hooksets. After your cast, begin retrieving immediately. Start your retrieve faster initially while simultaneously lifting upwards on your rod tip to lift as much line off the water as possible. Then, level off your rod tip angle as the lure nears the boat finishing up with the rod tip actually touching the water.
If the target is
muskies, always finish with a figure 8 maneuver at boatside to trigger
any followers. When a fish does strike the TopRaider, try to set
the hook with a body rotation sideways while driving your rod tip
downwards. This reduces missed strikes and results in a much higher
percentage of solid hookups.
Specifics Include: Length: 6" Weight: 2¼ oz Comes in 5 colors
About $14.99
www.robertsoutdoors.com 866-452-4002
The Swim'n Joe is an incredibly realistic 21st century crankbait designed to fool big game fish in clear cold waters. Equipped with lifelike laser eyes, ultra-sharp hooks and a built in diving bill that creates loads of fish attracting action, it’s virtually impossible to fish the Swim’n Joe incorrectly. Effective on suspended fish in cold water, the Swim’n Joe is absolutely deadly when fished with a very slow steady retrieve near the bottom in heavy fishing pressure conditions.
How to Fish the Swim’n Joe The Swim'n Joe is a highly realistic 21st century crankbait designed to fool big game fish in clear waters and heavy fishing pressure conditions. It will catch big fish spring, summer and fall. All you need to do is get in front of a big fish. Because the Swim'n Joe is a bit heavy, it is best fished on heavyweight tackle. A larger baitcasting outfit with a heavy action rod is recommended along with lines of no less than 25 lb test.
It is almost impossible to fish the Swim'n Joe incorrectly since it has a built-in diving bill which creates the action on the lure. If you simply cast it out and reel it back with a steady slow to medium retrieve, you'll have excellent results. However, there is more you can do with this lure. Since it sinks, you can count it down and fish it much deeper. For real deep water applications (casting), simply cast it out, leave your reel in the free spool position, and let the lure sink all the way to the bottom. Then retrieve it at a very slow steady pace to keep it near the bottom at these depths.
The Swim'n Joe is also very effective on suspended big fish in colder waters by employing a stop and go retrieve. The slow sinking nature of the lure allows it to suspend during the pause, which can really trigger strikes from reluctant big fish in colder waters. Another trick to try is to stop the lure for a few seconds anytime it collides with cover such as weeds, timber or rocks. Since this cover is where a big fish is most likely to be hiding, the sudden pause after the collision often triggers that cover-tight fish to skirt out and nail the lure.
Specifics Include: Length: 8" Weight: 4 oz Comes in 10 colors
About $13.99
www.robertsoutdoors.com 866-452-4002
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