Gliders for BIG FISH

Glider’s have been around for years, but only gained popularity amongst saltwater striper fisherman over the last decade or so.   From what I’ve researched, it appears that Rapala came out with a very effective glider for Musky known as the Glidin’ Rap.   I stumbled upon this lure several years ago after noticing a picture of it hanging out of a very LARGE striped bass mouth.   I decided to give them a try here on the west coast and quickly discovered them to be one of my most effective lures.

In calm or moderate conditions, the S action of these lures will mesmerize even the most finicky striped bass.   They aren’t the best casting lures, but when the fish are in and lurking in the troughs, nothing can be more deadly than a glider.

On one evening I decided to fish this saltwater terrain where I knew the high tide would fill in the trough--- and provide the striped bass with a smorgasbord of bait.    As night fall came upon me I began to cast the traditional lures which provided success on a regular basis such as the Bomber, SP Minnow and Yo Zuri Mag Darter.   However, I was bummed that the action was very slow.    I then decided to change things up and try a glider produced by Lucky Craft called the Pointer 180.   It’s a jointed glider that exaggerates the S motion like no other lure can do.   The next thing I realize---I'm pummelled by thunderous strike that almost ripped the rod out of my hands.    From this point, on that evening, I landed at least 25 stripers on the Glider.

Tips for using the Glider

1.  Loft the cast not whip

2.  Develop feel and visualization for what the lure is doing

3.  Calm to moderate conditions are best

4.  Keep a variety of styles and weights in your bag

5.  Practice, Practice and Practice!

Fishing gliders effectively requires a very intimate feel of the lure both in cast and retrieve.   You don’t want to whip these lures on the cast.   Instead, I find that a loaded loft of the lure will get it to its farthest point.   On the retrieve you need to get these lures to glide dance underwater.   The key to is reeling at the right speed so you can feel the plug waving and gliding in the water with rhythm.   This takes lots of practice!  Many guys will just crank these in, but quickly give up because they see none, or hardly notice any action.    This is a skill that the angler must develop.   The retrieve will always change depending on the conditions so you must be able to adapt accordingly.   Lures are like any tool in a toolbox.  ATA Fishermen must understand when, and how to use it in any given situation.    It’s all about feel and visualization---being truly in tuned with the lure.   Many lures can simply be casted and cranked, but not the Glider.   For you to experience this lure properly you need to throw it consistently and be able to adapt in  any condition you may encounter as an AllTerrainAngler(ATA).