Walking the dog?

[John F]

I have been given a X-rap walk 13 lure for my b-day and being new to surface fishing would like to get a few pointers from the experts (Fedu, FA, etc.)...

Read about the "walk the dog" technique... will this work as effectively in the deep sea (casting at tuna shoals, etc.?)...

What other techniques are there? Which knots to use to tie the lure?

Thanks!   

[fedu]

My experience with Tuna casting is very limited, actually only got one up until now but Tunas are not regular visitors here in Luanda.

I have tryed the X-walk mainly on inshore species and smaller cubera snappers where the rigging is not crucial and I can use a uni to snap or a non slip knot.

Allthough not my favourite I have use it sucefully with dorado also.

For Tuna I would probably crimp or try to see if a split ring would not affect the lure action too much, but probably crimp it. 

Rapala X-Rap Walk Lure


P.S. - I love the rapala range but usually the smaller ones on topwater inshore fishing action,ie the skitter pop is a great little lure.

[John F]

Thanks fedu...

Do you keep the trebles? I'm thinking of changing the end hook to a "J"...

Do you find the "walk the dog" technique suitable to offshore conditions? Or it's a matter of reeling in relatively fast?

[fedu]

Again stating I am no expert on Tuna I would try both things but if Tuna were feeding on surface I would shurely start with fast retrieve.

Has to the hooks Tuna 99% of the time it the back of the lure so I would not even worry with having a hook on the belly of the lure.

[Tommo]

Hi John F.
The Rapala X-Rap walk 13 is a medium sized stickbait. The walking action is absolutely deadly, but the problem is that it is a bit subtle and cannot draw fish from a long way away, or up from the bottom in deep water.
For this reason it is a good action to use in water of up to 12 or 15m in calmer conditions. Kingfish species and Queenfish in particular are crazy for this lure.

When fishing in deeper water offshore for Yellowfin Tuna, the right way to fish it would be to crank it back reasonably fast with the rod tip held almost upright, give the tip a bit of a nodding action while retrieving. This will cause the lure to splash quite a lot and still get a side to side darting, almost snaking action. This makes it easier for the tuna to find it and will definitely result in them smashing it, they love that action.
I like to rig this lure with a single hook on the back, with two split rings so that it rides hook point up. I use two singles back to back on the belly, held with insulation tape or a cable tie. It is good to use short shank, wide gape hooks for this purpose.

Good luck with your birthday lure, I am sure that you will have a lot of fun with it!

[John F]

Thanks Tommo,

Appreciate your advise!