Rage Shad trouble

[harlinsdad]

I can't get this bait to run straight it want to twist. I have the rigging instructions and think that i follow them to the letter. I am fishing it with a steady retrieve like a buzz bait. Should i slow it down? Should i use a swivel? I would like any help i may get this bait seems to make fish want it but with the twisting they just look and not take the bait. Thanks for your help.

[roadwarrior]

Well, have you tried slowing down?

Big O will respond if he sees this post.

Otherwise, send him a PM.

99.99% of the time, any problem with Rage Tail

baits involves rigging. Some of the baits require

very specific attention to detail, the Eeliminator

comes to mind.  However, the Rage Shad isn't as

particular.

http://www.strikeking.com/tips/rigging-the-rage-tail-shad.php

8-)

[rondef]

I would have to agree with RW, most of the problems with the Rage Tail baits are due to rigging it incorrectly.  Watch the video of Big O showing how to rig the bait that RW posted, it should help you out.  There is also rigging instructions (pictures) on the Rage Tail web site.

[harlinsdad]

Thanks for the link but i think that i am rigging it correctly. I have slowed it some but not like using it as a wake bait to where it is under the surface of the water. I use mono so my line floats and my reel is a fast 7:2 with a rod i used for all my top water baits.

[Clark Stewart]

Man if you could post a pic of your rig we'd could probably help you out. My favorite hook for this thing is the owner twistlock - you don't need a keel weight in my opinion - but it doesn't hurt either. The bait naturally lays on it's side and it's dense enough to be able to cast a long way.

I put the hook through the nose (5/0) and then back through the little trough on the back all the way back at the tail - then texposed. You have to make sure that the hook lays flat on it's back and that the shad is straight. I don't want to come across like you don't know how to rig your plastics but my rule of thumb is the be able to hold the bait and it look just as it did before I introduced a hook - my late grandfather taught me that and it's always proved helpful. Hope this helps.

[harlinsdad]

Thanks for all the info i will just have to keep working with it. I think it will for sure catch fish i just need to tweak it some. I wish i could show you a picture but i only have access to the Internet at work. I live back in the woods you see just the woman and kids and dog and me. Thanks Hank JR you said it better than i could. I don't have Internet at home and they want to much to get it to me. So i just get online from 7:30 - 5:00. But thanks for all your help guys.

[VAfishin4me]

Yep, rigging all the way with the Rage Tail. You have to be using the correct side, and T-rig in the same places as the instructions tell you or else it won't work like its supposed to. It doesn't take a fast retrieve to get those things going either.

[D4u2s0t]

I use a 1/8oz keel hook with the shad.  Allows for further casting, and keeps the bait straight.  It's a light weight, so it doesn't make it hard to get the bait to the surface.  

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Did you buy the Rage Shads that were loose in the bag or the ones that came in the hard plastic case?

If you purchased the loose ones, it could be that the tail is kinked somewhere.

[MojoGarcia]

brotha man, did you separate that little plastic piece that keeps the tail connected to the shad? I did that at first. after that, it was almost impossible to not get it right.

[D4u2s0t]

brotha man, did you separate that little plastic piece that keeps the tail connected to the shad? I did that at first. after that, it was almost impossible to not get it right.

good call.  i've never had it twist, ever.

[harlinsdad]

I did separate the tail but the ones i bought were from Wal-Mart and not in the hard pack just loose in the bag. You think this could be my downfall?

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I did separate the tail but the ones i bought were from Wal-Mart and not in the hard pack just loose in the bag. You think this could be my downfall?

I think so, but can't be sure.

All the Rage stuff comes in the plastic pack now.  Shouldnt be any issues with those.

[Simp]

I wouldn't want to blame it on the bait yet. Maybe one lure but most of the others should be good. No doubt I always try to buy the ones in the clam shell though. The Rage shad is a great but frustrating bait IMHO. I now usually use the owner twist lock hook with the shad but I still often have issues. It's often caused by the small stretch that is caused by skin hooking it. I fish allot grass and I just have to bury the hook or else I'm hauling in crap 90% of the time. Personally I like the Rage frog more. It puts out TONS of noise and splash but it runs better IMHO. Plus is seems to come threw grass better. The Rage Shad seems to often hook it tail around a reed or Lilly pad stem.

[RippinLips86]

try a standard weedless weightless worm rig use like a 4/0 or a 5/0 hook it through the nose then back through right by the tail to make it weedless havent had a problem yet. Also how old is your line maybe its a memory problem

[CWB]

All good replies.

I've never had a problem with the old or the new ones.

I use a 4/0 Gammie Superline EWG hook. Bait must be rigged dead center. Pretty easy to do as there is a line along the top and bottom to keep the hook centered. The only problem I have is keeping fish from tearing them up. Fast or slow retrieve, they should run true. You're not using Youvella hooks are you? They have a twist to them.

[kikstand454]

i have found after repeated tests with the shad that the 4/0 gammy skip gap ewg is the best thing for it. the keeper bend keeps it from sliding down the hook like other hooks and it also acts as a bit of a keel.

if i hadnt put them on this hook i woulda gotten rid of them and never purchased another pack. they were a massive p.i.t.a.... now i love love love them.

[moby bass]

I had trouble with the rage tail shad doing the exact same thing you are describing, not running straight and putting a terrible twist in the line.  I

discovered that, when holding the bait level, tail up, that the tail always laid to one side. If I moved it to the opposite side, it would flop back.  I solved the problem by heating the bait in some very, very hot water

for about 30 seconds. That seemed to remove the memory from the tail.

[roadwarrior]

Mattlures has recommended that trick for his baits, too.

8-)