SBF Tips: Small Lures Catch Big Fish

By Pete Rosko

As many of you know, Terry Rudnick’s name holds a very special meaning in the Pacific Northwest. Through is prolific articles and publications, Terry taught the masses how to effectively fish North Pacific waters.

Many years ago, Terry contacted me by phone, stating that he just did a jigging presentation at the Seattle Aquarium. He titled it, “Small Lures Catch Big Fish!” That lure was a Crippled Herring 1/6 oz. That small metal jig caught Terry, and his audience, by surprise in the large number of salmon and trout it hooked that day. It was the smallest size that I ever created for the Luhr Jensen Company during its earlier years on the bank of the Columbia River in Hood River, Oregon.

When to downsize the Sonic BaitFish

Ever since that call from Terry, I have validated his “small lure” claim almost every time I am on the water. When the bite dies, the first thing I do is downsize! Neutral, or negative, predator fish will respond positively if the intimidation, or fear factor, of the presentation is eliminated. Once I select the smallest-possible lure to reach my target species, I then form a plan on how I will present that lure.

How to fish a downsized Sonic BaitFish

When vertical jigging, I only use my hand to twitch the lure that is connected to my rod. If surface casting, my retrieve will be slow and smooth. If casting to fish, deep in structure, I cast directly down-current or down-wind, whichever is stronger. I do this for two primary reasons.

1. To methodically work my lure in a deliberate bottom-bounce manner where the fish are located.
2. To retrieve any snagged lure as the boat passes over and beyond the snag.

1. The SBF has three line-to-lure attachment points. The CH has only one on its nose.
2. In addition to its 1/6 oz. size, the SBF has two additional, smaller sizes in 1/10 and 1/16 oz.

Over North America’s vast freshwater landscape of farm and golf course ponds, lakes, reservoirs, marinas, streams and rivers, micro-sized SBF offer unlimited fish-catching potential. This is in addition to its effectiveness as a premier ice-jigging lure.

Merry Christmas, everyone.