How to Work with a Shallow and Deep Running Lure

Rather than change to a shallow or deep running lure, consider changing your technique and use a lure that will run both shallow and deep. This is both economical and convenient. If a game fish is hungry and your lure is nearby and presented correctly, the fish will probably hit it regardless of what lure you use.

Things You'll Need

  • Shallow and deep running lure
  • Rod and reel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a lure that will run both shallow and deep. There are several types that will do this but there are very few places where you would want a lure to run more than 6 feet deep. Spoons, spinners, certain crank baits with small lips, plugs with slightly negative buoyancy and almost all the plastic lures will do the trick. The choice is yours.

    • 2

      Think positive. If you aren't catching anything, assume the fish are around and hungry but you aren't getting the bait close enough to them or presenting it right. Your choices are to change location, the depth at which you run the lure, the speed of the lure or the movements of the lure. With no visible signs of fish activity, the best approach is to go lower, slower and use less twitching or jerking. If that doesn't work, move to a new location.

    • 3

      Consider saving a few bucks by modifying a deep running crank bait to run shallow. Simply take a hack saw and remove the front part of the diving lip. Start by removing about half and then cut off more if necessary. Round the edges with a file. You can also make your plastic lures run more shallow by taking a pair of pliers and squeezing the lead head on the hook on both sides. Shape the head into little diving planes aimed slightly upward.

    • 4

      Concentrate on jigging your lure off the bottom if all else fails. The longer your rod, the more area you can cover. You can jig almost all plastics and spoons. Make the jigs forceful so the lure will go from the bottom to a foot or two below the surface. When the lure hits the bottom, let it sit for at least 30 seconds and repeat the process. You may catch a flounder that you might have missed running the lure through the water.