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Even though you can’t always feel a major change, the summer to fall transition is coming.  The nights and mornings are getting cooler, and the middle of the day is not quite as hot.  This transition starts the migration of shad from the middle of the lake to the banks.  As the shad begin to move, all of the gamefish become more active, and our fishing gets better and better.  The fall on Lake Okeechobee is when the bass begin to school.  This is when you let the birds clue you into where the fish are.  Seagulls, Turns, and Herons can all give you a sign that shad are present, which means bass are present.  I love throwing topwaters and rattling baits during this fall transition.  There is nothing better than a giant bass or a school of bass, busting my topwater.  My favorite topwater for this is the 5” and 4” YoZuri Pencil.  I use a fast “walk the dog” action on my Pencil and very rarely will I slow it down.  I like this bait because I can work it fast and cover water.  During this transition, bass are very active so a fast retrieve seems to trigger very aggressive strikes.



If the wind has too much chop on the water for a topwater, I go to the YoZuri Rattlin Vibe.  This is the best rattling bait I have ever used.  It can be worked in a lot of different ways, but a “stop and go” retrieve will really trigger bites in the fall.  The depth of water you are fishing will determine the length of your stop in retrieve.  Usually in 4 feet of water or less, this pause will be only a second.  The deeper the water the longer the pause.  The Rattlin Vibe will start to glide and fall during this slight pause.  That is when you get 90% of your strikes.  This may only be a tick or thump, and your line will go slack.  This is why I use the YoZuri T7 Flourocarbon line when throwing the Rattling Vibe.  My favorite is 15-20 pound test, depending on how I want the bait to glide and fall.  The heavier the line, the slower the fall.  The T7 flourocarbon is very low in stretch, so when you set the hook, even on slack line, the hooks drive into the fish.



So even though you may not be able to feel the fall transition, the fish and wildlife can.  So, get your Pencils and Rattlin Vibes and get on the water!  This transition brings some of the biggest bass of the year, but also some of the biggest numbers of fish caught.  Tight lines and have fun!


by Mike Surman
 

Yo-Zuri is proud to introduce new 600yd spools of SuperBraid.  Made in our line factory in Fukuoka Japan, SuperBraid is a PE4 from 10-40lb and a PE 8 from 50-130lb.  This line is produced using our exclusive heat integration process which bonds the individual strands making the line smoother, stronger and more abrasion resistant.  The new 600yd spools are perfect for anglers spooling larger compacity reels or wanting to fill multiple reels, without having to purchase a full-size bulk spool.  Available colors and sizes will be Blue, Dark Green, White and 5 color metered in 20lb through 100lb.  Available now!



 
Also new for this year in the SuperBraid line up is sizes 100lb, 130lb and 150lb in bulk spools in Blue, White and 5 color metered.  This is heavy solid core PE braid, perfect for backing reels or using on top shot for big game casting.  This line is a great choice for beach shark fishing, deep dropping or big game live bait or chunking.  Available now!
 
 
Freshwater lures



Yo-Zuri is releasing three new colors in it’s 3DB series of topwater hard baits for the freshwater market.  All three colors are made using Yo-Zuri’s internal pearl finish, which is built into the baits and never chips or wears off.  All three new colors will be available in the 3DB Popper, 3DB Pencil 100, 3DB Pencil 125, 3DB Pencil Popper 100 and 3DB Pencil Popper 135.  All three new colors are available now!

Ghost Sexy Shad


Ghost Pearl Shad


Gizzard Shad


3DR-X Series

3DR-X Flat Heavy Minnow


The 3DR-X Flat Heavy Minnow is a new and extremely unique count down style freshwater lure.  This is a fast-sinking lure, that features a seductive dying bait fish wobble on the fall.  On a straight retrieve, this thin flat sided lure has a very tight wiggle action, perfect for cold water conditions.  This bait was designed to run true in high current situations for Trout, Bass, Pike, Crappie, Perch and other gamefish.  It is also extremely effective when used with front facing sonar due to its shimmy action on the fall and its darting action when fished with a twitch and pause. 
The Flat Heavy Minnow comes in three sizes:  1-5/8”, 2-3/8” & 3-1/8”
There are eight available color patterns:  Ghost Smelt, Metallic Ghost Ayu, Baby Trout, Baby Rainbow Trout, Pink Baby Trout, Black Silver, Gold Black, Chartreuse Baby Trout


Saltwater Lures
Yo-Zuri is doing a full revamp of the Mag Minnow Series.  The series is being expanded to four sizes:  2-3/4” (70mm), 3-1/2” (90mm), 4-3/8” (105mm) & 5” (125mm).  The new size range covers everything from extreme light tackle inshore to sight casting to big game inshore gamefish and offshore pelagic species.  The Mag Minnow series features Yo-Zuri’s patented magnetic weight transfer system for long, accurate casts. 



The Mag Minnow series also features through wire construction and triple strength saltwater grade treble hooks.  The running depth is 3.5ft to 5ft on a cast and retrieve and the swimming action is a tight wiggle that represents a wide range of baitfish.  The Mag Minnow now comes in 12 color patterns, including key new color options like Bone, Double White and Black Back. 



Yo-Zuri is adding key colors to many of its best-selling saltwater hard baits. 

Hydro Minnow LC – A top selling casting lure for the surf, bay, jetty, pier and boat.  The Hydro Minnow LC has a weight transfer system, small lip for extreme shallow running and triple strength treble hooks.  Yo-Zuri is adding four highly requested new colors, which recently hit the US market.



Yellow – A tremendous color for Striped Bass especially when they are feeding on Bunker.  Effective for any gamefish that react to highly visible lures.
Bronze Shiner – An extremely natural pattern that is effective in a wide range of fisheries including NE Striped Bass and SE Snook, Tarpon and Bull Redfish. 
Double White – A great all-around pattern for any saltwater market, Double White features a prism scaled pattern between an all-white top and bottom.  This variation off Bone is going to be a killer for a wide range of species including Striped Bass, Tarpon and King Mackerel. 
Black Back – A traditional black and silver pattern with an added attraction of a prism scaled pattern on the side.  This is a great all-around pattern for day or night fishing for a wide variety of species and fisheries.

3D Inshore Series
This series has been a top seller for Yo-Zuri since its introduction.  Two of the top styles in the series are the Twitchbait and the Popper.  The Twitchbait is a very slow sink lipless glide bait, with a quick darting and flashing action when twitched.  It comes in four sizes and has been successful for everything from Seatrout and Spanish Mackerel to jumbo Striped Bass, Snook and Tarpon.  The 3D Inshore Popper comes in two sizes (3-1/2”, 4-3/8”) and is a compact popper with an extra wide mouth that pushes a tremendous amount of water. 

3D Inshore Twitch Bait
Pearl – A completely pearl body, with the color built into the plastic before the bait is molded.  The color will never chip or wear off, even with species with teeth.  A great all-around color for a wide range of saltwater species and effective in daylight or night time conditions.  This new color is available in the following sizes: 2-3/4”, 3-1/2”, 4-3/8” & 5-1/4”




Purple Black – This translucent blurple pattern is an extremely effective color in low light and night time conditions.  A favorite of Northeast Striped Bass anglers, this color is also very effective for Tarpon in the Southeast.  Available now in sizes 4-3/8” & 5-1/4”



Yellow – A highly requested color for the Northeast Striped Bass market.  This pattern is extremely effective anytime Striped Bass and Bluefish are feeding on bunker schools.  A highly visible scrambled egg pattern that is available now at your favorite online retailer or local northeast saltwater tackle shop in sizes 4-3/8” & 5-1/4”




3D Inshore Popper

Pearl – A completely pearl body, with the color built into the plastic before the bait is molded.  The color will never chip or wear off, even with species with teeth.  A great all-around color for a wide range of saltwater species.  This new color is available in the following sizes: 3-1/2”, 4-3/8”



Yellow – A highly requested color for the Northeast Striped Bass market but also a very successful color for Jack Crevalle, Blue Trevally and Cubera Snapper.  A highly visible scrambled egg pattern that is available now at your favorite online retailer or local saltwater tackle shop in sizes 3-1/2” & 4-3/8”



Hydro Pencil
Two new colors in the Hydro Pencil: Pearl Chartreuse and Yellow.  Both patterns are exceptional options for Striped Bass and Bluefish in the Northeast market.  Also effective for trevally species and Snook in the Southeast. 



Mag Darter
Two new colors for the Mag Darter series, Double White and Black Back.  Both patterns have a scaled prism finish on the sides and both are available in all three sizes of the Darter:  4-1/8”, 5” & 6-1/2”. 




3D Squirt
Pearl is a new, extremely natural, pattern in the 3D Squirt.  Pearl is mixed with the liquid plastic before the bait is molded and we use an internal 3D sheet.  The combination makes one of the most realistic squid patterns on the market.  Available in the 5-1/2” & 7-1/2”.



Crystal Minnow Deep Diver
Now available in the most effective color pattern of all time – Bone.  Available in all three sizes: 3-1/2”, 4-3/8” & 5-1/4”


Squid Jigs
A new and very unique product in the squid jig category is the Ultra Metal Squid Jig.  This is a heavy weighted sinking squid jig designed to be fished solo or on the bottom of the Yo-Zuri Squid Rig (in place of a sinker).  This jig allows you to get down to the squid in deeper water or fast moving current.  It increases your odds of catching multiple squid on the same drop.  Available in both UV and glow patterns.
The Ultra Metal comes in two sizes: 3-3/8” 1-3/8oz, 4-1/8” 2oz
Available in five color patterns:  Luminous Redhead, Luminous Red Green, Luminous Red Yellow, Blue Luminous Pink Head, UV Blue



Mini Squid Jig
Two new colors in the Mini Squid Jig, our best-selling squid jig for the North American market.  Luminous Green and Luminous White are both glow patterns and highly requested color additions. 


 

Late fall crappies can be elusive as they move around, hunting and feeding available forage. 
Aggregations of fish make a move to the deeper water basins in local lakes, but before this
migration happens, there's a lot of commotion going on in remaining weed growth as slab
crappie strap on the proverbial feedbag. 

When fish are holed up in a general area, the most common presentation involves floats and
jigs.  This is the perfect presentation for capitalizing on a group of fish.  This scenario can result
in the most epic of fish-catching bonanzas.
There are times though, when you will find crappies cycling through shallow weed flats,
sometimes in 2-4 feet of water. These fish can be spotted visually when winds are calm, while
slowly moving the boat through sparse remaining weed beds.  Once you see fish, it's a real sign
that it's time to strain some water and latch on to these fish up shallow.  Start the fan-casting
program to connect with active fish.
Float fishing can get the job done in this situation, however, can be very inefficient as fish are
constantly on the move chasing down bait. In this instance, consider using a small suspending
jerkbait to cover water faster and convert crappies on patrol into hook up's. 
Case in Point

On a recent late fall trip we had the perfect calm conditions and water temps in the low 40's. 
Protracted warm weather days seemed to keep the shallows active with bait and predators. 
We could spot fish using polarized glasses, and even witnessed some surface activity with
schools of minnows being busted.  I used the Hardcore Minnow Flat SP 70mm to make long
casts and cover water.  The mini-jerkbait fishes perfectly with the rod tip up, diving no deeper
than 11-18" of water. 
There are two key attributes of this bait that brought this presentation together. First the
Hardcore Minnow Flat SP utilizes a magnetic weight transfer system allowing a ridiculously long
cast with a small, light bait using 10lb Yo-Zuri Superbraid. 
The second part of the deal was the perfect suspending nature of this jerkbait.  Strikes tended
to happen as soon as the bait hit the water and rested, or as the bait stalled on the jerk-jerk-
pause presentation. Tightening the line to move the bait forward often resulted in an instant
hook up as the crappies just crushed it.
When employing this approach, remember that cold water demands a lighter touch, with short
movements of the rod tip to impart movement.  At this time of the year, it’s generally
preferable to leave the consistent faster approach for warmer seasons.
Before I forget, a great tip to help prevent bite offs from the inevitable bonus northern pike,
involves tying in a six-to-eight-inch section of 20lb T7 Premium Fluorocarbon as a bite-resistant

leader. Don’t worry, the diameter and weight of the leader doesn't significantly impact the
action of the bait.  
Throwing small jerkbaits like the Hardcore Minnow Flat SP 70mm is an absolute blast and can
lead to some of the most consistent late fall crappie action!

Will Nalley

With so many lures available to anglers today, it can sometimes be a challenge to best determine what lures we should use when pursuing our favorite species through the ice. Lipless crankbaits, a renown fish-catching lure type throughout the open water season, work incredibly well throughout the hardwater months in the Ice Belt. Yo-Zuri offers several sizes and patterns of lipless crankbaits that ice anglers can count on when chasing everything from panfish to predators.
Early Ice
            Early ice starts right after there is enough ice to walk on lakes and lasts until about the third or fourth week of January.  It is the time of the ice season where big, noisy baits work really well for walleyes and northern pike alike. The Yo-Zuri 3DR-X Vibe is a 2 3/8” deep-bodied lipless crankbait that rattles as it is ripped through the water column. The patented scale pattern adds an extra dimension of realism to its presentation so that even less aggressive fish might be tempted to strike. Going with ten pound test Dark Green SuperBraid, ten pound test Hybrid, or ten pound test T7 Fluorocarbon is recommended to avoid bite-offs as fish often take the entire lure in their mouths when they hit.

Early Ice Scenario
            One of the best situations in which a larger lipless crankbait like the 3DR-X Vibe works well on early ice is in 8-10’ water with a sand/rock bottom adjacent to deep water. Finding areas with sparse weed patches can be even better as they may attract and even hold fish in some cases. Dropping the 3DR-X to the bottom and pounding it several times followed by quick 1-2’ rips upward can be a great way to draw fish in from afar. Once fish approach, it may be necessary to dial back the rips to a more subtle jigging movement interspersed with a quick, short twitch. The twitch with the 3DR-X Vibe is intended to simulate a wounded minnow and will often provoke a strike.

Mid-Winter
            Once the ice thickens to 20” or more the bite windows can become much narrower each day, oftentimes requiring that fishing efforts be refined to dawn and dusk to maximize fish-catching potential. With the increased snow and ice that comes with mid-winter, it is often necessary to refine lure sizes and the cadence at which they are worked to get more finicky fish to bite. A 2 1/8” lipless crankbait like the Yo-Zuri Rattl’N Vibe can be a great solution to mid-winter blues as it is a shorter and thinner profile lure that mimics minnows upon which the fish are feeding. Six pound test T7 Fluorocarbon or six pound test Hybrid lines offer the strength needed to land bigger fish while still allowing a more finesse-based presentation that is important to get finicky predators to bite.

Mid-Winter Scenario
            A classic mid-winter scenario occurs on underwater humps. An area that comes up to 10’ of water but is surrounded by 20’+ of water is an area in which walleyes and northern pike cruise for unsuspecting prey during lowlight periods in mid-winter. Dropping the Rattl’N Vibe to bottom, letting it sit on the bottom of the structure for a few seconds, and then gently lifting it up to about 1’ off the bottom can be a great way to entice fish to bite. The subtler lift and fall presentation coupled with light jigging strokes when fish approach the Vibe uses the built-in rattle system to initiate clicks the fish can hear and then react with strikes. Luminescent patterns are especially productive this time of year because of their glow characteristic, making lures more easily seen when visibility is low.

Late Ice
            Late ice is the time during the ice season when snow has begun to melt or has melted off the ice and back into the lake. This is a prime time to pursue large panfish using miniature lipless crankbaits. The Rattl’N Vibe Mini is a 1 5/8” miniature crank that big crappies cannot resist during late ice. If the lake being fished is commonly known for bass, northerns, or walleyes, then going with four pound Hybrid Ice is recommended. If the system being fished has predators, but they are not as pronounced, then the Mini works great with three pound Hybrid Ice line.

Late Ice Scenario
            A classic late ice scenario for big crappies includes a combination of using the basin of the lake and shoreline structure. During midday using metallic, UV, or luminescent Rattl’N Vibe Minis over basin areas are solid considerations for initiating uphits. For example, if fish are located 15’ down in 25’ of water, then jigging a Black Silver Rattl’N Vibe Mini around 13-14’ just above the school is recommended. As the day progresses into the last hour of daylight, changing positions to old weedlines can be a fruitful approach. Even if the weeds are dead, they may be the only cover available, and big crappies will often congregate in and around them as the sun gets closer to setting. The same lure and patterns can be used in this area, but jigging rapidly in, around, and just outside of the weeds within 2-3’ of the bottom can be highly productive to lure big slabs out of hiding.

            Whether you are in pursuit of predators or panfish, lipless crankbaits can be a highly effective lure style to use throughout the entirety of the ice season. Adding lipless cranks like the Yo-Zuri 3DR-X Vibe, Rattl’N Vibe, and Rattl’N Vibe Mini to your arsenal will increase your chance of catching some great fish on hardwater. Visit yo-zuri.com today to learn more about the different Vibes mentioned in this article.
Tight lines and have a safe ice season!
 

Early fall can be a very challenging time to find fish.  Each year I learn a little more about finding fish through a little trial and error. This year has been no exception.
The local lake I was fishing can produce decent numbers of bass and pike.  I had fished it a number of times before in summer so I wasn't going in totally blind. 
With water temps in the mid to upper 50's I figured fish would be found relating to a weed edge with an adjacent so drop as the gusty winds were pushing up against the edge.  My searches were not fruitful, yielding only a couple of small fish. 
When I'm not putting together any repeatable pattern, I turn to covering as much water as I can. Since the deeper edges didn't yield the results I was hoping for, I pushed up on the shallow flats ranging from 3-8 feet of water. My primary choice  for covering water on the this trip is the     Yo-Zuri Rattl'n One Knock.  This lure is slick, rattles, and flashes perfectly for the job I was doing – lots of great colours to choose from too.   It's the perfect lure for burning on a straight retrieve, ticking the tops of weeds to trigger strikes. 
A key part of this presentation is that these baits falls straight when I stop reeling, without turning over on itself.  On the pause, if the bait gets hung up on some weeds, a quick snap breaks the weeds off, clearing the hooks – the act of snapping the weeds off the hook is often what generates the strike.   Other times the fish were instantly alerted and smashed the bait right away when it hit the water.  This was the case for both bass and pike.
My choice of combo for this presentation is a medium heavy casting rod, high speed retrieve baitcaster spooled up with 40lb Yo-Zuri Super Braid.  In order to avoid losing baits to the inevitable toothy gator, I make my own heavy Yo-Zuri 50lb HD Flourocarbon leaders.  I tie braid direct to the leader.  These homemade leaders can save the day on our local waters where northern pike abound.
In short, fall fishing can be some of the most challenging, and the most rewarding times of the year.  Success is only One Knock away. 
 
Will Nalley

Many fish species can be found throughout the water column during the late summer period. Panfish and predator species alike can be caught at or near the surface of the water column, hunkered down in thick vegetation or cruising weedlines adjacent to steep drops, or suspended over deep basins during this time of year. Having a variety of hardbaits that cover each level of the water column during late summer can improve the odds of catching several fish species in one fishing trip.


Surface
With so much bug life and baitfish congregating at or near the surface of the water column, late summer can be a great time of year to chase largemouth and smallmouth bass and northern pike using poppers. The Yo-Zuri 3DR-X Popper is a smaller profile lure at 2 5/8” and 1/4 oz. that works well during lowlight periods of the day, when the wind is under 5 miles per hour, and when fish are extremely finicky. The Bone or Ghost Prism Frog are solid patterns when fished within open pockets formed by lily pads and when chasing fish hunkered down in weeds during the heat of the day. Yo-Zuri 20 lb test SuperBraid is a top line choice when using the 3DR-X Poppers in and around weeds as it is strong enough to hold large bass or pike when they dive for thick cover as is often the case after a strike.


Mid-Depth
While many walleyes will shift their focus to deep humps, rock piles, and deep flats during late summer, there are inevitably going to be fish that frequent structure in less than 12’ of water as well. Larger walleyes will hunt in and around large cabbage patches where small perch, bluegills, and other minnows seek cover. At 4 3/8” and 1/2 oz., the 3DB Jerkbait 110 Deep is a hardbait that stands out among smaller forage that gets the attention of large walleyes waiting for an easy meal to pass in front of them. The Bold Table Rock Shad is arguably one of the most versatile patterns when fishing for walleyes in weeds as it can be effectively fished in clear or tannic-stained water. Changing up the cadence used from fast twitches to simply pulling the Jerkbait forward a few inches at a time allows the Yo-Zuri “Wave Motion Technology” to maximize vibrations that walleyes cannot resist.


Deepwater
Although bluegills and crappies can be found in weeds and wood in late summer, this can also be a great time of year to pursue large schools of fish that suspend over deep water chasing smaller minnows and invertebrates. It is common to find marauding packs of panfish suspended 15-20’ down in 35’+ of water during this time of year. The Rattl’N Vibe, at 2 1/8” and 3/8 oz., is a large enough profile lure that sinks to suspended panfish quickly to maximize water covered effectively, but it is still small enough that big panfish will regularly eat it. Tying Yo-Zuri 6 lb test Hybrid line to the Vibe and then jigging, drifting, and trolling are all great options when pursuing suspended panfish. The Luminescent is a glow-based pattern that works regardless of water clarity and is an excellent choice early and late in the day when light is diminished.



The late summer period can be a great time to chase multiple species of fish in the same trip. Coupling Yo-Zuri lines with the 3DR-X Popper, 3DB Jerkbait 110 Deep, and Rattl’N Vibe can give you the opportunity to maximize results during your next multi-species trip on the water. 
Tight lines and be safe!


- Mark Maule

Midwinter regularly means a lot of snow, thick ice, frigid windchills, and fish that can be more challenging to catch. Although they can be lethargic due to the harsh conditions at this time of year, walleyes, northern pike, and bass can still be consistently caught with hardbaits. The Yo-Zuri 3DR-X Vibe, 2 1/8” Vibe, and Rattl’N Vibe Mini are all great options to chase predators throughout the midwinter period.

3DR-X Vibe

At 2 3/8” and 1/2 oz., the 3DR-X Vibe is a new lipless deep-bodied crank with rattles that can be highly effective in the transition from early ice to the beginning of midwinter. The 3DR-X Vibe is large enough to get the attention of predators from a distance but still small enough that they will strike upon approaching it.
            One of my favorite uses of this Vibe is lowlight conditions at dawn and dusk. When predators push up into the 8-12’ depths of the water column early and late in the day, they are looking to feed. These prime times are a great opportunity to use the 3DR-X Vibe to capitalize on the aggressiveness of these fish. Jigging in 1-2’ intervals, dropping the lure to the bottom and bouncing it several times followed by a 1-2’ lift, and then slowing down to more of a rocking motion once a fish approaches works great for simulating injured or dying baitfish. Going with 6 lb test Hybrid Ice is a solid line choice that offers strength, thin line diameter, abrasion resistance, and maximum action capability.
 
2 1/8” Rattl’N Vibe

            The 2 1/8” Rattl’N Vibe is a 3/8 oz. lipless crankbait that offers anglers an opportunity to effectively downsize from a bigger options that might draw fish in but does get them to commit. Its thin profile, rattle, and balance make this Vibe a solid choice as the midwinter period progresses.
            Jigging the 2 1/8” Vibe on sharp breaks in 14-20’ of water and 12-14’ underwater humps adjacent to 18-20’ of water works great for walleyes, northern pike, and bass in midwinter. I like to work this lure several feet off the bottom with 2-4’ rips of the rod tip to make a lot of noise. Lifting the lure fast, then pause completely as it sinks back to the original depth, and then pause for a few seconds is a good cadence to use as the fish will hit the lure at any time during the movement. This can be highly productive for northern pike specifically as they often cruise higher in the water column in midwinter than other predators. When fishing walleyes and bass in the same locations with the 2 1/8” Vibe, I like to drop it all the way to the bottom and stir up the substrate with bouncing movements to mimic young minnows feeding on invertebrates and worms. The cadence for this approach includes several bounces to the bottom, lifting the lure up to 1’ off of the bottom, and then pausing. When walleyes and bass approach, lift upward slowly with fluid movements to elicit strikes. Because this lure will be used to chase predators of all sizes, I again go with 6 lb test Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ice line.
 
 
Rattl’N Vibe Mini

            At 1 5/8” and 3/16 oz., the Rattl’N Vibe Mini is arguably the most versatile hardbait available as it ices everything from perch to northern pike well over three feet in length. It is a  lipless crankbait that is a smaller version of the other Vibes, which is important when fish show interest in the bigger version but do not bite them. Sometimes downsizing to the Rattl’N Vibe Mini can turn finicky fish that swim by the 3DR-X Vibe or 2 1/8” Vibe into fish that eat.
            The Mini can be fished effectively at any time of the day and at any depth in the water column. With 15 available patterns, these small Vibes can be used to match whatever forage upon which the fish are feeding. Natural patterns like the Hot and Green Perch work well in clear water less than 12’ deep. The Luminescent, UV, and metallic patterns are solid options to go with in stained water, where light penetration is significantly decreased due to heavy snow and ice cover, and in deep water. Generally speaking, the cadence with the Rattl’N Vibe Mini is going to be a lift of 1-2’, pause and drop, and then lift again. As a fish approaches, a slight movement of the lure coupled with a lift is recommended. This is a small lure and the fish still need to see it, so lifting too aggressively might take the offering out of their view or make them disinterested if they are lethargic. When pursuing predators with the Mini, I recommend going with 4 lb test Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ice line as it will offer the line strength needed to land bass, walleyes, and northern pike while still giving you the best action possible with such a small lure.
            Midwinter can pose a host of obstacles to anglers chasing predators below the ice, but this is no time to give up on using hardbaits. Now is the time to turn to a variety of Vibes like the Yo-Zuri 3DR-X Vibe, 2 1/8” Rattl’N Vibe, and Rattl’N Vibe Mini to catch more fish!

 

Crank Your Way To Suspended Late Summer Slabs
Mark Maule


Bobbers, worms, tiny jigs and hooks, and flies are oftentimes associated with chasing
large panfish. However, summer is the time when big panfish, especially nomadic suspended
slab crappies, become hungry predators. The late summer period can be an especially effective
time to capitalize on their voracious appetites by using small crankbaits for fish suspending just
below the surface down to the thermocline.

3DR-X Shad

When big crappies are suspended within the first 5’ of the water column, the 3DR-X
Shad is a must. The 3DR-X Shad is a new 2 3/8”, 1/4 oz. suspending crankbait that can be
worked just under the surface of the water down to about 5’. It is an exceptionally versatile
small crankbait with an internal scale finish that perfectly mimics the minnows that crappies
feed on near the surface. It can be casted, trolled, or drifted effectively for shallow suspended
fish. Casting when conditions are calm, especially at dawn or dusk, can be a dynamite way to
fish the 3DR-X Shad when a more finesse-based approach is needed. When windier conditions
exist, trolling and drifting the 3DR-X Shad can be great ways to cover as much water as possible
to chase bigger crappies feeding near the surface.

3DB Shad

Depending on the conditions and where the forage is located, crappies will sometimes
be found a bit deeper as summer progresses. In these instances, it may be necessary to dig
down a little further in the water column to catch them when they are suspended. The 3DB
Shad is a 2 3/4” and 3/8 oz. lure that works well when chasing crappies that suspend 8-12’

down in the water column. This lure will dive to around 6’, which works great for mid-range
crappies as these fish are notorious for uphitting a lure. Fish over 12” will readily come up 4-6’
in the water column to chase down a larger meal during the late summer period. Trolling is
arguably one of the most effective ways to fish the 3DB Shad for big crappies in late summer. It
is a search bait that allows for covering a lot of water, and it elicits strikes from the most
aggressive bigger fish in a school when trolled quickly above them.

2 1/8” Rattl’N Vibe

The 2 1/8” Rattl’N Vibe is a 3/8 oz. lipless crank that works great for situations where
crappies are suspended from 12’ down to the thermocline. This lure is large enough to sink to
the depths where the fish are located, yet, it is small enough so that larger crappies will still
readily feed on it without hesitation. Experimenting with the movement of the 2 1/8” Rattl’N
Vibe is key feature when fish are stationed more than 12’ down as it is possible to catch big
crappies by casting, trolling, drifting, and jigging. The key is to make sure that the lure is
constantly moving to resemble a struggling baitfish so fish instinctively attack it.
As the heat of summer progresses, choosing crankbaits that cover all areas of the water
column where fish are located can put some solid crappies in your livewell. Gear up with the
3DR-X Shad, 3DB Shad, or 2 1/8” Rattl’N Vibe, and get ready for some late summer slab action!
Stay safe and tight lines!


Watch as Mark Maule shows the guys from Midwest Outdoors how he uses the Rattlin' Vibe Mini on his Kayak for crappie and panfish:

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The changing of the seasons oftentimes makes it is necessary to modify fishing approaches in order improve fish catching opportunities. Like with any other lure type, changing up topwater presentations from spring through fall can lead to catching more bass as they shift their focus toward different types of prey and forage eaten with each of these seasons. Yo-Zuri hardbaits are a great option to consider for these necessary seasonal changes as they offer a host of different topwater lures and patterns to fit whatever situation with which the fish present us.
Spring


            The Yo-Zuri 3DB Pencil is one of my favorite springtime lures as the fish are getting aggressive and ready to feed heavily after being hunkered down by several months of winter. These Pencils are big enough to get a fish’s attention as they prepare for the upcoming spawn, and they can be worked slow enough in the case that some fish might be more lethargic during cold front conditions. If the water and/or air temperature is lower than 50 degrees, I like going with a straight twitch and pause retrieve while using a 4” Pencil. Moving the lure 1-2’ at a time slowly forward and then pausing for up to 10 seconds can be highly effective. The pause is the key because that is when many fish will either strike or position themselves right under the lure to strike it when it starts moving again. After air and water temperatures supersede 50 degrees, then it is time to go with the classic “walk-the-dog” style retrieve where the lure moves from side to side while using a 5” Pencil. Warmer surface temperatures in spring can mean more and bigger minnows swimming in schools near the surface or in shallower bays, and when that happens, the aggressive nature of the side-to-side movement can elicit strikes because of predators already looking up and feeding on bigger active minnows.
Summer


            Once surface temperatures exceed the low 60s, we often see a significant increase in the amount of active bug life on the water. One specific insect that I look for during the summer months is dragonflies. When I see dragonflies, I switch from the Pencil to the Yo-Zuri 3DB Prop. The key to the Prop is that it has a plastic propeller which simulates the sound that a dragonfly makes when it is flapping its wings on top of the water. This lure can be used effectively from sunup to sundown, even when it is extremely sunny and calm, because of the presence of dragonflies. A general retrieve that I like to use is to cast the 3DB Prop parallel to emergent weeds that are adjacent to submergent vegetation and use a start-and-stop retrieve. I like to cast the lure, let it sit for 5-10 seconds so that fish can begin keying in on its silhouette right from the start of the cast, and then I go with anywhere from 1-4 cranks of the reel handle. The goal is to get the plastic prop to sound like a dragonfly’s wings flapping on the water, so sometimes reeling slower is necessary to make sure they can target the lure and eat it. Waiting to feel the fish’s weight during the strike will be paramount to improve the number of fish being hooked because simply going by sight might lead to pulling the lure away from the fish.
Fall


            Fall is one of my favorite times of year to use topwaters as bass are hungry and feeding heavily in preparation for the upcoming long winter months ahead. The key to fall strategies for topwater lures is that I go by the first hard frost of the year versus when the calendar indicates the beginning of this season. Sometimes this happens in late August and sometimes it occurs in the at the end of September. My favorite way to pursue bass in the fall is with a Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper. I have found that using heavier line, like a 50 or even 65 lb braid, can be useful when tied directly to Poppers this time of year because I like to cast them right into any remaining emergent weed cover (even if it is dead due to frost) and retrieve it out over submergent weeds. Poppers work great in late fall as they offer a larger profile meal with little energy expenditure needed to chase them down. The Popper retrieve in fall is all about slowing things down and being patient. A cast usually entails letting the lure sit for up to 20 seconds or more after hitting the water, twitching the lure slowly 1-4 times so that it gurgles instead of splashes, and then pausing up to 20 seconds again. Using Poppers in late fall is often a case of the adage, “less is more,” when it comes to movement and noise on top of the water.
            Being versatile with topwater hardbaits and adjusting the lure used based on the season can reap significant improvements in the numbers of fish that are landed. If you are looking for some exciting explosive bass action during the transitions from spring through fall, then casting an assortment of Yo-Zuri Pencils, Props, and Poppers is well worth your effort!
 
Mark Maule

When leaves are changing colors and temperatures start to drop in the Northwoods of the Ice Belt, we transition into that special time of the year when big crappies and bluegills start feeding heavily on minnows in preparation for the looming winter ahead. In fall when water temps drop below the 55-degree mark specifically, the Yo-Zuri Rattl’N Vibe Mini becomes a staple hardbait that any panfish angler should consider as part of their arsenal.

Lure: At 1 5/8” and 3/16 oz, the Rattl’N Vibe Mini is a micro lipless hardbait which is a little bit bigger than a crappie minnow, but a little bit smaller than a fathead minnow. The Mini is arguably the most versatile hardbait available in today’s fishing market as it can be fished in any type of water; it can be jigged, drifted, trolled, or casted; and it brings in some incredible northern pike, walleyes, and even bass while chasing large panfish.
Line: Yo-Zuri 4 lb test Hybrid on an ultra-light rod and reel set up is a great choice for chasing big crappies and bluegills in fall. Another option to consider is to break out the ice rod and reel combos spooled up with Yo-Zuri 4 lb test Ice Hybrid or 4 lb test Ice Super Fluorocarbon as much of the fall is a precursor and foreshadowing to where large schools of the biggest panfish will be lurking once the ice forms. Using the ice rod and reel combos during the fall period is a great way to get practiced up in advance of the upcoming ice season.

Location: Suspended crappies and bluegills are prime targets for using the Rattl’N Vibe Minis as some of the largest fish of these species can be found roaming basins or basin edges. It is relatively common to find schools of panfish chasing minnows 15’ down in 25’ or more of water before and after the fall turnover. Hot Perch and Green Perch are great patterns for chasing suspended fish in clear water as they have are more natural patterns and can be preferred when large panfish are keying in on specific prey like baby perch in the middle of the water column in the middle of the day. If fishing in tannic-stained water or waters impacted by the mixing of oxygen throughout the water column during turnover, then the glow patterns (Luminescent or Luminescent Perch); UV patterns (UV Purple Tiger, UV Blue Tiger, and UV Pink Tiger); or metallic patterns (Black Silver or Gold Black) come into play. These glowing- and flashing-based patterns are meant for eliciting reaction strikes when water clarity is obscured.

Fishing the Mini: Two solid ways to fish the Rattl’N Vibe Mini include working the lures above and in front of schools of marauding panfish. Slow trolling or drifting and lifting 1-2’ above located schools of crappies and bluegills works great for suspended fish as the largest of each species will often come up several feet to up hit the lure. Jigging and even casting the Rattl’N Vibe Mini 8-10’ in front of moving fish can be another solid option to consider when working the lures because the voracious feeding instincts of the largest panfish will propel them ahead of smaller fish to pick off easy meals.
When panfish turn predators in fall, it is time to stock your gear boxes with the Yo-Zuri Rattl’N Vibe Mini as you might just catch the biggest panfish of your open water season!
Tight lines and safe fishing!
– Mark Maule