Spaddler fishing techniques

Data sheets

Computer aided...

DESIGN: The secret to Spaddler's performance is the reflex-curved bib. Prototypes were handmade and field-tested; then measured and converted to 2D CAD format by our design department. The 2D drawings were processed by 3D modelling software to produce an accurate forecast of the finished product. This was fine tuned and given to our toolmaker who produced the injection mould.

The result is a micro surface lure like no other.

Canada

G. Hackinson
"Hi, Predatek.
I finally get around to sending you a couple of photo's of the fish that I caught on the Vipers.

Lake trout pix &

Was an excellent trip and landed over 400 fish in 6 and a half days. I spent the last day fishing only Predatek lures, my guide gave me a funny look when I tied one on and commented "not sure if them will work up here" .

more...

Well, we didn't troll but about 20 meters and I hooked what was to be "too many to count" Lake Trout that day on "Vipers". The next afternoon before boarding the float planes to take us home many of the guests that were at the same lodge as myself were asking all kinds of questions concerning the "Vipers" as my guide had told everyone how well I did with the Lake Trout on them."

Gene Hackinson - American in Canada

Spaddlers are versatile lures that can be fished different ways to suit conditions or species being targeted.

Finesse and patience

(A good technique for saltwater bream)

Cast the lure close to streamside cover and let it sit. Keep your rod pointed toward the lure and carefully take up any slack line that prevents you keeping in touch. Be patient! Wait for all the ripples to disappear and wait some more. Then give your rod a delicate twitch to send a shiver through the lure. If you can stand the suspense, let it sit for 20-30 seconds between twitches.

If no response from a fish, give a slight tug to make the lure jump forward with a small splash. Repeat thewhole routine as many times as you can while the lure is still close to cover - the strike zone.

If it looks like there's no interest, retrieve Spaddler at a slow, steady pace to get it up and walking on the surface. Pause every metre or so. The strike could come at any time, even just as you lift the lure from the water to cast again.

Get up and boogie!

If finesse and patience doesn't work, try the other extreme. Make as much noise as you can by jerking Spaddler near cover, and winding steadily to generate gurgles, splashes and bubbles. But don't forget to pause occasionally. As with diving lures, a pause will often trigger the strike from an inquisitve fish that's been shadowing the lure.

Trolling!

Yes...trolling! This works well when you can navigate the edge of a weedbed or steep bank that has few obstructions, especially at night.

Trolling is even better if you have a foot-controlled electric trolling motor. Set it to a slow speed that justs gets Spaddler into paddling mode. Set that rod in a holder and use another rod to cast to snags as you move along. Now you're increasing your chances of a hookup. This technique has one serious drawback - double hookups!

Sounds of nature?

BENEFIT: On a steady retrieve, Spaddler makes gurgling and slapping sounds as it swims towards you. It sounds like a small creature in trouble. You won't hear the sound of the in-built rattle as the body rolls from side to side, but it's a subtle addition to the menu of sounds served up for lurking fish. Whether the sounds of a Spaddler are familiar to a predatory fish or not, they are bound to attract its attention.

Floating leader

TIP: When fishing Spaddlers with a slow, stop-start or let-sit-for-a-while technique, they will be more responsive to your rod work if you use a floating leader material (e.g. nylon). Fluorocarbon leader material sinks and the resulting drag impairs your ability to finesse the lure.

Loop knot

TIP: Attach small lures to your line with a loop knot in the leader. This will give maximum performance. If you use a wire snap, the action could be degraded. A large wire snap may even sink the lure!

BassSpaddled!

TIP: The Australian bass is a very surface oriented predator. During the warmer months when insects are prevalent, bass are suckers for a small, imitative surface lure. In the brackish reaches, Spaddlers can draw strikes at those times of the month when prawns are running and being harrassed from below.

No surfing!

BENEFIT: Some fish, particularly larger ones, can generate an explosive bow wave as they crash a surface lure. This can be a problem for very buoyant lures that sit high in the water. The bow wave can push them away from the fishes jaws. Spaddler sits low in the water with its tail down, resisting the 's-urge' to surf the bow wave.