McCormack Houston (domainrotate8)

Explore the Savage Gear 4Play V2 swimbait. This guide covers its unique four-part design, realistic swimming action, and rigging options for pike and zander. Savage Gear 4Play Swimbait A Detailed Angler's Guide to This Lure For targeting trophy pike and zander, selecting the 19cm, 52-gram slow-sinking version of this multi-segmented hard bait is the optimal choice. This specific model, with its four distinct sections, generates a highly realistic S-curve swimming action at slow to medium retrieve speeds. The lure's design is based on a 3D scan of a herring, a primary food source for many large predatory fish. This anatomical accuracy, combined with the detailed photo-print finish, provides a visual stimulus that is exceptionally effective in clear water conditions. The lure's effectiveness hinges on its lifelike movement. The unique V-joint construction allows each segment to move independently, creating a fluid, snake-like motion that mimics a distressed or fleeing baitfish. For best results, employ a steady retrieve interspersed with occasional pauses. During these pauses, the lure will subtly flutter and dip, often triggering an aggressive strike from following fish. This stop-and-go technique is particularly potent in colder water when a predator's metabolism slows, making them less willing to chase fast-moving targets. Equipped with high-quality carbon steel treble hooks, this articulated lure ensures a solid hook-up ratio. The placement of the hooks, one on the belly and one on the tail section, maximizes the chances of catching fish that strike from below or behind. For anglers fishing in heavy cover, replacing the standard treble hooks with single hooks can reduce snags while maintaining a high hook-up percentage. The durability of the ABS body construction ensures the lure can withstand repeated attacks from toothy predators, making it a reliable tool in your tackle box for numerous fishing trips. Savage Gear 4Play Swimbait: A Practical Guide for Anglers To maximize your hookup ratio with this jointed lure, switch the factory treble hooks to a slightly larger size, such as a Gamakatsu #4 or #2, depending on the lure's dimensions. provides better penetration on short strikes, especially when targeting pike and zander. The lure's slow-sinking (SS) version performs optimally on a steady, deliberate retrieve just below the surface. A retrieval speed of approximately one turn of the handle per two seconds creates the most natural S-curve swimming action, mimicking a distressed baitfish. For deeper presentations, the sinking (S) model combined with fluorocarbon line (12-15 lb test) allows you to reach depths of 2-4 meters effectively, maintaining sensitivity to detect subtle takes. When fishing in stained or murky water, select color patterns with high contrast, like Firetiger or Golden Ambulance. In clear water conditions, more natural patterns such as Roach or Perch yield better results. Introduce pauses of 2-3 seconds during your retrieve. The articulated body produces a slight flutter on the fall, often triggering reaction strikes from following predators like bass or walleye. This stop-and-go technique is particularly productive in water temperatures between 10-15°C (50-60°F). For targeting large predators in weedy areas, modify the lure by removing the belly treble hook. This alteration significantly reduces snags without drastically compromising the hookup rate, as most aggressive fish attack the head or tail section. Connect the lure directly to your line using a small, high-quality loop knot, like the Rapala knot. This knot allows the articulated bait maximum freedom of movement, enhancing its side-to-side action compared to a direct tie or a bulky snap swivel. Experiment with retrieval cadence. A sequence of three quick handle turns followed by a five-sec