Reef Runner Question

[Jeff]

I just started fishing these lures in the summer, and fished exclusively with the Reef Runner. My question since I am looking forward to spring already: Do those of you experienced with these baits have better luch with the Reef Runner or Lil Ripper in the spring?

In other words, does the big lure/big fish rule apply with the Reef Runner. Or does the smaller Lil Ripper work better in the colder spring water? I hope the answer is the Reef Runner works fine, so I don't have to buy a dozen Lil Rippers. I bought 15 or so Reef Runnners this summer/fall and Fruit Loops and Pink Squirrel worked best for me. A great lure! They kept my Bomber 25A's in the tackle box.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Greg Horoky]

You've asked a loaded question. If you are running big lures in the spring normally, like on Erie in April & May continue to do so as I have found the bigger the better but if you're fishing for those bug sucker fish of N. Minnesota I'd move down size to the smaller lure. I know Scott would love to sell you a couple dozen more of each size.

[FROGMAN]

I have to agree with Greg. The fish will let you know what they want. Two years ago fishing Lake Erie out of Monroe, the fish definitely responded better to smaller crankbaits. You WILL catch fish on the Reef Runners, but perhaps you could catch more on Deep Little Rippers. Hey, it's Christmas time, just add them to your wish list, and maybe "Santa" will be nice to you! Tight Lines

FROGMAN

[Sunshine]

Jeff,
From my experience you're doing yourself an injustice by not using the little rippers, especially the deep little rippers. I love Reef Runners but after using deep little rippers I'm convinced that they're outstanding items worthy of your tackle box. Tuned right, they give an action not found on any other lure. As far as size goes, if you're trying to match available prey, you need to remember that there has been no hatch in early spring when the water is still cold so the remaining prey has grown from the last spring spawn.

Size preference may also change throughout the day. My experiences dictate that I always start out with a larger lure while long line trolling at night. I feel better vibrations and larger silhouettes help fish zero in at night.

This discussion is also similar to a thread I started earlier on lures used at slower speeds (during the cool water temps of spring and fall. It was interested to see the choice people make associated with size. If you haven't read it do so. It's titled "Which cranks for slow speeds?" by Sunshine dated December 1st.

[Dan]

Let the fish tell you what they want, a lil ripper used with a snap weight at the right depth can be just as effective. They are all great lures when you find the perfect lure let us know.
Good fishin
Dan

[ETT AKA Reef Runner Pro Staffer]

In early spring, like April there are no young of the year and on Erie the eyes are looking for a big bite. The slower speeds and fact that many fish will be high cause the Rip Stick to be a very good choice. A few years back Rip Sticks accounted for 14 of the top 20 spots in an April NAWA tournament out of Toledo. Good luck

[Dutchman]

My personal preference is Ripsticks. Take them to the desired level with leadcore or snap weights. They'll dive about 12-14' on 10lb fireline.

[flagman]

another option you could try if they want the bigger bait, but a bit slower would be the deepdiver husky jerk, thats what i done before.

[atta boy]

go gold