The Devils Horse away from Florida?

[desmobob]

Tackle Warehouse seems to have plenty of them....

[Smells like fish]

I checked there as well as lure net earlier today and there wasn’t a single product under prop lures lol

[gunsinger]

1 hour ago, Smells like fish said:

I checked there as well as lure net earlier today and there wasn’t a single product under prop lures lol

@Smells like fish

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/search-tackle.html?start=0&count=30&prevsearch=devo&searchtext=devil's+horse

[Smells like fish]

Thank you @desmobob and @gunsinger. Is there a fav color of these lures that’s suggested? TW has one color in 1/2oz and 6 in 3/8oz 

[Deephaven]

They work super well in MN if you consider that North

[Captain Phil]

16 hours ago, Smells like fish said:

I am not seeing a good source online for these either. Still seems like a lot of lures are unavailable and sold out. Does anybody know if Walmart carries these? I know in the past I have seen the Devils Horse there

 

These are crazy times.  It seems we are out of everything.  This is what happens when you move manufacturing offshore.  When you have to go to China to get aspirin, something's wrong.  I doubt you will find a Devil's Horse in Walmart.  Try to find a locally owned tackle shop.  Back in the day these were everywhere.  We are lucky because we have one in our town.   Ask around and you will find one.

[gunsinger]

14 hours ago, Smells like fish said:

Thank you @desmobob and @gunsinger. Is there a fav color of these lures that’s suggested? TW has one color in 1/2oz and 6 in 3/8oz 

TBH @Smells like fish I don’t own a prop bait but if I were buying, I’d lean towards the chrome bulk back as the lake I fish has a lot of shad in it. My second choice would be the green bulk back. YMMV. 

[Captain Phil]

This is the one you want.  I have my own theory as to why it works so well.  I think the chrome sides reflect the surrounding water which disguises the lure.  It's the disturbance that bass are attracted to, not the lure itself.  Change the hooks before you use it.

 

 

[Smells like fish]

I found these 3 so far, I’ll have to change out the hooks. I plan on checking a few shops this weekend to see if any is available. The monkey said he’d help me…

[Captain Phil]

There are a number of "tweaks" and tricks you can do with these lures.  Changing the pitch of the blades will change the action and the movement of the lure.  I don't care for the larger size Devil's Horse.  The one I prefer is 4" long.  I use #6 Gamakatsu round bend treble hooks on this bait.  I have experimented with using a #4 on the rear.  This tilts the angle of the bait nose up which changes the action as well.  The #4 hook is better if you hang a big fish.  Don't use all #4 hooks or the bait will sit too low in the water.  Pay close attention to the water behind the lure as a fish will often follow this bait.  If a bass misses it, drop a weightless worm on it as a comeback.  There was a time when I would have had to kill you if I told you that.   ?

[Smells like fish]

Split rings on yours?

[Captain Phil]

Just now, Smells like fish said:

Split rings on yours?

 

I don't.  Some people do.  I don't believe it's necessary.  Adds another factor that can go wrong.  These lures are made of wood and they will water log in time.  This could cause the screws to pull out.  Watch for that.

[Mike L]

I always add spit rings to the hook hangers. 
I read somewhere a long time ago that it’s a leverage thing when fighting the fish and helps in hook ups especially when they only grab the rear treble. 
 

I tried it and believe it. I’ve been doing it ever since. 
 

As far as modifying the spinner, I leave the front alone and just rotate the rear. 
 

 

I’ve had a problem lately getting a Boy Howdy to run straight right out of package. 
At a B.A.S.S. Federation Pro/Am last month my pro gave me a Devils Horse with the same mod’s but with red hooks and the difference was immediate. 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[Captain Phil]

Red hooks have been around for a long time.  Sometimes a touch of red can do wonders.  Years ago I fished with an angler who carried a red permanent marker in his tackle box.  He marked up his lures to look like they were wounded.  Hard to say if it made a difference.  He thought it did which was what was important.  Anything that gives you confidence is a good thing.

[Smells like fish]

I ran into lots of Devils Horses today, first a yard sale guy had maybe 2 dozen assorted ones which were the old stock ones and asked $15 each… I didn’t buy any but might go offer him $10 tomorrow as there was spotted ape and several old colors I had never seen before. Made a run to cabelas and bought new ones and some red gammies.

 

I threadlocked the screws 1 of them wasn’t nearly seated and needed 7-8 more turns to just go flush. I put hyper wire 3 split rings on front hooks and a 4 on the rear with all ewg trebles. Size 6 on front and middle and a 4 on the rear. I felt it better to clip off the stock back hook than open the eye and close it back. I plan to make up quite a few variations along with round bend models and play around as we fishermen do… 

 

I think they look so good I’d bite, what do you think?

[Smells like fish]

Here is some things I’ve read about these lures… of the hundreds I’ve saw over the years most had cracked or missing paint. One guy suspected it was from water entering the balsa at the screw in points and expanding the wood making the paint to crack and eventually flake off. So I’m gonna add extra clear coat to the screw in points. 
 

A YouTube vid suggested taking the rear screw from the front hook hardware and rotating the hook hardware more toward the head to balance the lure (maybe for the added size 4 hook on rear) The hook hardware will then screw the front screw into where the eyes are on the lure.

 

I also saw a suggestion of removing the front prop entirely (kind of like a Heddon Torpedo)

 

I also read of painting an all white lure with a light pink to light red stripe on the belly of the lure.

 

Many guys spoke of altering the blades until a desired sound is made. Maybe it is as easily achieved as reversing the rear prop (or maybe not)? I wish you guys could explain in words what you are looking for as far as sound?

 

As already mentioned on page 1 by N Florida Mike it seems it will be best to work this lure by using it as a twitch bait. Small 6” to 1’ movements and getting hit on the pause. Roland Martin has quite a few videos on this lure and that is his technique he uses 

 

Roland says no braid and no fluro and prefers 20 lb mono to keep the line from getting in the front prop. He uses a Bimini twist knot for added security for this. I am gonna try just 17-20 mono leader on my braid and if I have any trouble I am gonna add a bobber stop or 2 on the line in front of the prop. 

[Smells like fish]

Some info on the Devils Horse and Topwater Charlie but the pic blurred and idk how to fix it. Can a mod help fix it?

[NittyGrittyBoy]

Tricks that's not mentioned that I hesitate to share ?

 

Add feathered rear treble, helps increase bites when motionless

 

Remove pointed blades in favor of rounded blades. Eliminates tuning problems and slows the bait down. 

 

Wd40 straw trick with bobberstop to Eliminate line twist in front prop.

 

I have developed "topwater charlie syndrome" and for the past months the only lure I have thrown. 2 weeks ago lost a DD river bass at the boat due to a huge jump ? 

 

 

[detroit1]

Enjoying your pics smells like...

[Woody B]

A Devils Horse is pretty much the only lure my Dad would use.  I've got a bunch of ones that might possibly be older than I am.  (I'm 58).  I caught my PB on a Devils Horse 30+ years ago.  I still throw one fairly often from dusk to dawn.   I've caught bass in water 20 feet or more deep at the end of lighted docks with 1.   

 

To use one let it sit until the ripples are gone.  Give it a twitch or 2, wait a bit, then repeat the twitch(es).   For me there's nothing more exciting than a bass hitting a ' horse.   Many times it sounds like you threw a concrete block in the water.   For me, it's not a bait you can cover a bunch of water with.  You need a visible target, or at least a precise area to cast, and work it.   I can cover more ground with a buzz bait, but a buzz bait strike doesn't usually compare to a devils horse strike.   

 

 

I change the hooks, as did my Dad.  I don't use split rings.  I do put a drop of carpenters glue on the screws when I put them back in.   

 

The 3/8 ounce ones are all I've ever used.   

[Captain Phil]

While we are on the subject, here is a photo of the elusive "Spotted Ape" Devil's horse which has been out of production for some time.  I once found a former tackle shop owner that had a box of them still in the package.  I bought them all.  I sold some and still have a couple left that I use.  If you find one of these keep it.  It's a big fish magnet.

 

 

[Captain Phil]

No discussion of the Devil's Horse would be complete without Top Water Charlie.  I fished against him for years and it was a humbling experience.  Charlie worked for Florida Fish and Game.  A major fishing magazine once took him out to verify his claims.   After fishing with him for a day, they stated his claims were true.  Charlie was a great example of what it takes to win constantly.  Get good at one thing and stick to it.  His techniques were especially suited to the Florida waters he fished.  When you are standing in line at the weigh-in with 24 pounds of bass and Charlie walks up with a bag of 8 pounders, you become a believer.  Rest in Peace Charlie.  ☺️

 

 

[Captain Phil]

So you know,   Charlie did not have a fancy tricked out boat.  As I remember he towed his boat with an old 70s Corvette.  He didn't have 360 degree imaging, a deck full of TV screens or power poles.  His rods and reels were adequate.  The whole time I fished with him, he only threw one lure.  That lure was the Devil's Horse and his deck was littered with them.  He didn't like to use beat up lures and was quick to tie on a new one.  He always changed the hooks before he used them. 

 

He sought out places to fish that others ignored.  He often fished residential canals.   He was a master at sensing the mood of the fish and knowing when a fish was behind his bait.  He also fished faster than most.  He wasn't a big believer in wasting time waiting for ripples to disperse.  He would cast into places that you would think are impossible even if he had to dig a bass out of a truck load of junk. 

 

The funniest thing I remember was the time he went to the scales with two bags because his fish wouldn't fit in one.  One of the bags burst and two giants fell out onto the dock.  I helped him to the scales and didn't even bother to weigh my fish.  

[NittyGrittyBoy]

@Captain Phil I've read and searched for every article about Topwater Charlie. Unfortunately there's not alot. Would've loved to met and fished against him!!

 

I think I have around 50 propbaits now, and it's all I throw.. I've always loved topwater but after really taking time to learn and throw the devils horse, it's absolutely all I throw.

 

I'll start fishing, 6hrs later I'm still throwing it. And yes, it's seriously a big fish bait. I grew up fishing Central Fla, and now have adapted my fishing to suit GA rivers and the propbait has been extremely successful for me. A secret I have been closely guarding against locals.

 

 

[Captain Phil]

1 hour ago, NittyGrittyBoy said:

 

To this day locals still call this bait "Charlie Bait".