Entry 273-2
Randy Dearman Tells How to Fish Strike King’s Lures
Editor’s Note: Randy Dearman of Onalaska, Texas, a Strike King Pro since 1978, fishes the Professional Anglers Association (PAA) and several BASS tour events. When asked about his performance in the 2008 tournament circuit, Dearman replies, “It hasn’t been my best year or my worst, but as long as I’m fishing, I’m having fun.”
Part 2: Fish the Rage Craw Any Way You Want
Question: Randy, what’s another type of bait you’ve fished successfully with this year?
Dearman: I really like the Rage Craw. The pincers on the Rage Craw have lots of action and move a lot of water when they’re falling and when you’re pulling.
Question: How do you fish the Rage Craw?
Dearman: I fish the Rage Craw several-different ways. I like the Rage Craw because it’s a versatile lure I can Texas-rig, fish like a worm or flip like a flipping bait or a tube. I’ll even fish it on a Carolina-rig like most people fish a worm or a lizard.
Question: How do you fish the Rage Craw on the Carolina rig?
Dearman: Before the spring spawn, I’ll use a short leader of 12 to 18 inches. After the spawn, I’ll use a longer leader 2 to 4 feet. The watermelon red has been the most-productive color for me. I’ll not only fish the Carolina-rigged Rage Craw in shallow water during and after the spawn, but later in the summer, I’ll fish it out on deep ledges.
Question: Randy, when you’re flipping the Rage Craw, do you peg the sinker?
Dearman: I always peg my sinker to stay in contact with my bait from the time it hits the water until I bring it back to the boat. I’ve found I don’t get hung-up as often when I peg the sinker to the head of the lure.
Question: What size lead do you use to flip the Rage Craw?
Dearman: The cover I’m fishing dictates the lead size. I’ll flip a 3/16-ounce sinker in light or sparse cover, but when I’m in heavy vegetation, I may fish a 1-ounce slip sinker. Most of the time when I’m flipping the Rage Craw, I’ll be using 65-pound-test braided line.
