Slippity Slide(r)

By Stealthmode777

TOPWATER DILEMMA

       Up to about 2009 I had absolutely no confidence in topwater lures.   I viewed topwater as a technique to employ only when fish were busting in massive numbers.  Never would it be my first choice out the bag until I stumbled upon a topwater plug known as a slider. 

DESCRIPTION

       The slider will float vertically with nose protruding about an inch or so out the water.   (Kinda like a surfer waiting to get ambushed by a marauding great white shark…)  There are several ways to retrieve this lure, but the most common is the walk the dog technique where it zig zags across the surface.  If retrieved slowly with rod tip high, the plug will remain on top.  If the rod is held to the side, the plug will go slightly subsurface like a torpedo.  I often mix up the retrieves until I find what the fish are looking for.  Unlike other topwater plugs such as pencils poppers which are designed to create an obvious disturbance ---the action of a slider is more stealthy like a snake slithering over a grassy knoll.

TECHNIQUE

       It takes lots of practice(and patience) to achieve the desired cadence when retrieving this plug.   There are many methods out there, and all can be very effective. But what works for me has been to let the rod foregrip rest in the crease of my fingers and then secure the butt section of the rod between my knees.   You want to be able to control the the rod, while still allowing for the range of motion needed to impart action on the plug.  Think in terms of not too loose and not too tight.

       Upon retrieve I will twitch my fingers up(just slightly) in rhythmic fashion until I get the desired action .   It may sound easy, but it does take some practice especially since your rhythm will need to be altered to the dynamic conditions of surfcasting.   It’s best to practice when it's calm to see the true effect of your movements on the plug.  Remaining focused is a must, once you find that rhythm in order to maintain the action throughout the retrieve. 

FINAL THOUGHTS 

         Of all the plugs out there, sliders are probably one of the most difficult to find.  The three models that I use are the Bernzy Howdy, Lordship Agitator and Al Gags Jumpin' Mullet.   They all have very similar action but slightly different profile.   Most of the time I’ll  zig zag these things across the surface at a moderate pace.  Other times I’ll reel very slow while applying sudden quick jerks.  When the the fish hit this lure they always seem really pissed off.  I’ve had both blues and stripers leaping out the water to annihilate a slider both day and night.  Have you ever sat somewhere like movie theater and the person behind you keeps kicking your chair until it drives you nuts???   …This is the same reaction a striper has when it attacks a slider.  They just SNAP and go bonkers!!!