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HARD BAITS & PLUGS

Walk-the-Dog Topwater

A cigar-shaped floating plug that zigzags side to side on the surface with rhythmic rod twitches, imitating a wounded mullet or shad.

DepthSurface

ActionSide-to-side zigzag

WhereFlats, mangroves, lagoons, reservoirs

LevelIntermediate

Walk-the-Dog Topwater

How to fish it

How to fish it

1
Cast and point the rod tip down toward the water.
2
Give short, even twitches with slack in the line so the nose swings left, then right.
3
Reel only enough to pick up the slack between twitches; the slack is what makes it walk.
4
When a fish strikes, keep walking until the rod loads, then sweep to set the hook.

BigJoe Tips

Use a loop knot or small snap; a tight knot kills the walking action.
Mono leaders float better than fluorocarbon and help the nose stay up.
Slow the cadence on calm water and speed it up when it is choppy.

Mistakes to avoid

Twitching with a tight line, which just drags the lure straight.
Swinging hard at the first blow-up and pulling the plug away from the fish.

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Target Species

Common snookCentropomus undecimalis Crevalle jackCaranx hippos Atlantic tarponMegalops atlanticus Great barracudaSphyraena barracuda LadyfishElops saurus Butterfly peacock bassCichla ocellaris Largemouth bassMicropterus nigricans