HARD BAITS & PLUGS

Deep-Diving Minnow

A big-lipped minnow plug that dives 10-30 ft when trolled or cranked, putting a strong wobble right over reef and ledges where kings and barracuda feed.

DepthDeep (10-30 ft)

ActionHard wobble

WhereReef edges, drop-offs, wrecks

LevelIntermediate

How to fish it

1
Let the plug out behind the boat (about 100 ft is a common start) at roughly 3-6 knots.
2
Check the rod tip: a steady, fast throb means it is swimming right; adjust speed if it rolls or rises.
3
Run it along the reef edge or drop-off where depth matches the plug's dive depth.
4
When a fish hits, keep the boat moving briefly to set the hooks, then slow down and fight it.

BigJoe Tips

Braid lets the plug dive deeper than the same strength mono.
Tune a plug that runs to one side by bending the line tie gently the other way.
Watch the depth finder; if you keep snagging, shorten the line or go up a size in lip.