1 oz Dark Sleeper

[FryDog62]

I’ve been a fan of Dark Sleepers since they were introduced years back.  Have caught a lot of largemouth, smallmouth, pike and even walleyes with them. 
 

I like to fish a couple times a year in South Dakota in the shallow weeds for walleyes with the 4 inch, 1 oz DS. It rocks, and we have caught some dandies! 
 

At different times I throw the DS here in Minnesota in summer and Florida during the winter. During early post-spawn here in Minn I have had a lot of luck throwing Sleepers down low. The plus-size lure really attracts big fish. But I’m done using the big/heavy 1 oz variety for bass.
 

When I catch walleyes on the 1 oz they hit it surprisingly hard… but walleyes stay down and I can’t remember ever really losing any.  However, the problem with largemouth and the big Dark Sleeper is that they spit them.. I should say throw them. 
 

The 4 inch 1 oz is a huge chunk of plastic and small hook gap… plus it’s very heavy at an ounce and the fish can get a lot of leverage.
 

At least 3-4 times last year and twice yesterday - I had a sizable fish on and half way back to the boat, they go aerial and with all that lure weight not only spit it, but throw it several feet. 
 

The two fish I lost yesterday were large fish, the first maybe 20 inches and the second possibly the largest bass I’ve had on in Minnesota. Same pattern, hit it like a ton of bricks then half way back they come airborne and launch the lure several feet almost like giving you the bird with an exclamation mark! 
 

I’m heading to South Dakota for walleyes next week, so the 1 ouncer is still tied on. But after that it gets cut off til I visit there again next year. 
 

I don’t have this problem with the 3 inch Dark Sleeper, even at 1/2 or 3/4 oz. They are bite size like a Chicken McNugget and bass really choke them and don’t let go. 
 

Funny how fishing is a constant learning opportunity and I got schooled the hard way on this one! 

[Tatulatard]

Keep the rod loaded and keep reeling.  When it's time to net steer the fish with the rod.  If you freeze and wind the fish can jump and throw the bait.  For whatever reason moving the fish in one direction or the other is like an off switch for the jump mechanism.  

[FryDog62]

2 hours ago, Tatulatard said:

Keep the rod loaded and keep reeling.  When it's time to net steer the fish with the rod.  If you freeze and wind the fish can jump and throw the bait.  For whatever reason moving the fish in one direction or the other is like an off switch for the jump mechanism.  

I agree, I was reeling fast and had the rod tip 3 feet under water knowing she was going to jump… but to no avail. That 1 oz is easy for them to get rid of in a hurry, like a Heimlich Maneuver! 

[Darth-Baiter]

are the different weight baits physically the same size?  i really never used them.  i had 3 1/2oz baits, but it didnt work out.

[FryDog62]

No, for instance the 1/2 and 3/4 oz Dark Sleepers come in the 3 inch size... but the 3/4 also comes in a 3.8 inch size just like the 1 oz does.  Anything 3 inch size has never been a hookup issue for me - bite size and doesn't come un-pinned.