Megabass Magdraft Help

[McBass19]

I’ve been using the Magdraft a bit here and there trying to learn it and have had some success but haven’t quite dialed it in. I’m wondering what the general rate of fall is for it? Seems to be a pretty slow fall, maybe 1.5 feet per second? I have trouble keeping it down in the water column, I’m throwing it on 16lb mono but I think this will just take time learning the fall rate and finding a best retrieve speed.
 

Another thing I’m realizing is I can’t seem to find it on my Active Target to determine how deep it’s running. I assume this is because it’s all soft plastic and not hard enough to create much of a return? I just figured it would be big enough it should be easy to find. Is this the case for others? Or should I be playing with my setting more? I have no problem seeing other baits woth the same settings. 

[roadwarrior]

Rig them on a 1/4 oz weighted hook.

 

https://gamakatsu.com/product/worm-hooks-weighted-superline-spring-lock/

[NorcalBassin]

13 hours ago, McGinnis_Fishing16 said:

I’m wondering what the general rate of fall is for it? Seems to be a pretty slow fall, maybe 1.5 feet per second? I have trouble keeping it down in the water column, I’m throwing it on 16lb mono but I think this will just take time learning the fall rate and finding a best retrieve speed.

I'm guessing the ROF is quite a bit slower than 1.5ft/sec (Huddleston 12 sinks like a rock and it's 1.2ft/sec, 12ft/10s). The somewhat thick mono or a fast retrieve could be what's not keeping them down where you want them. Inserting a couple nail weights may be all you need to get what you're looking for. I don't have active target but it does seem like you should still be able to pick up a 6-8" bait.

[McBass19]

9 hours ago, NorcalBassin said:

I'm guessing the ROF is quite a bit slower than 1.5ft/sec (Huddleston 12 sinks like a rock and it's 1.2ft/sec, 12ft/10s). The somewhat thick mono or a fast retrieve could be what's not keeping them down where you want them. Inserting a couple nail weights may be all you need to get what you're looking for. I don't have active target but it does seem like you should still be able to pick up a 6-8" bait.

It just seems to fall fairly fast nose down but I'll have to spend some time counting it down to confirm the ROF. I will try the nail weight, I'm hoping I can get it to about 10' as that's a pretty consistent depth around here especially in the fall. As for it barely showing up on the Active Target, I thought the same as you it should show up clear as day but I guess time will tell. Thanks for the input. 

[dgkasper58]

4 minutes ago, McGinnis_Fishing16 said:

It just seems to fall fairly fast nose down but I'll have to spend some time counting it down to confirm the ROF. I will try the nail weight, I'm hoping I can get it to about 10' as that's a pretty consistent depth around here especially in the fall. As for it barely showing up on the Active Target, I thought the same as you it should show up clear as day but I guess time will tell. Thanks for the input. 

I use beast owners 1/4 and 3/8oz and I would say it does ride higher vs similar baits with same retrieve speed.  Slow down the reel and it will stay down but that tail catches some serious water to give it its' shimmy (fast or slow). 

 

Personally, I like burning it and then letting it die.

[McBass19]

1 hour ago, dgkasper58 said:

I use beast owners 1/4 and 3/8oz and I would say it does ride higher vs similar baits with same retrieve speed.  Slow down the reel and it will stay down but that tail catches some serious water to give it its' shimmy (fast or slow). 

 

Personally, I like burning it and then letting it die.

I'm trying to stay with the rigged harness version because I have other options for a weighted swimbait hook and I find rigging on the swimbait hook takes away from the head movement and my hook up ratio goes down, especially since I fish it primarily for smallmouths. 

[FishTank]

I think people are getting this bait confused with the Freestyle. The Magdraft has a line through treble hook with a magnet to hold the hook in place.

 

As far as a rate of fall goes for the 6in, it depends on line and water conditions but if I had to guess I would say it's about 1ft every 2-3 seconds. I have had the best luck running this bait in 3-6 feet of water and super slow. I like to use a 5.x:1 or 6.x:1 reel. If I retrieve it too fast it will actually role on its side and it will rise up quickly. 

[JWall14]

6” freestyle means a 8/0 BEAST hook! You will want it later. Also throwing this on mono is not the best idea as the stretch will really impair your hookset ability. Braid to leader would be best and allow for great hooksets. 
 

** sorry didn’t see harness version

Edited August 22, 2022 by JWall14

[Darth-Baiter]

my best hits on the Magdraft..mine is the Freestyle has been on slow retrieves.  really slow.  

 

never timed how fast my version sinks.  maybe it's the mono line?  dunno

[Tatulatard]

It's meant to run shallow.  If you want a deeper running paddle tail then look at the savage gear and huddleston baits.  Each bait has a place and purpose.  I'm in the market for a magdraft after struggling to keep my sg 3d trout shallow.  Thing sinks like a rock.