Slow death rigs

I’ve really been into SDRs after catching some fish on a nearby lake that is notoriously difficult to catch fish on. I have a variety of different ones from Mack’s, Scheels, JB Lures, etc. The floaters are definitely more productive than non-floaters. I’m pulling them from .8-1.1 MPH. I’m disappointed in the percentage of fish that actually make it into the boat. I’ll see my rods get hit, pump 2-3 times, and the fish is gone. I’ve also lost a handful on the way back to the boat (yes, I’m taking it real slow and not skiing them in).
Maybe this is just the nature of a single hook spiraling through the water? Anyone have any tips to increase catch rate?
Thanks!

Are you pinching the tail of the crawler off so there is an inch or less hanging from the hook? Are you sure it is walleyes hitting them? I have had trouble with perch pecking at them as well as smallies and about everything else that swims. Over the weekend we were missing alot of fish… I wound up pulling them at 1.5-1.8 MPH and it was like they were hitting crank baits. Rod would just bend over and the fish was there. My boy and I caught our 8 fish limit in just under an hour once we found the fish. On the water at 7 and limit at 9:05 AM

Some of the bites could be smaller fish Panfish, Perch when I have run Slow Death hooks ups have been very good. I have normally run around 1.5 maybe the extra speed is the reason for more hooks getting home.

I like the #2s for most metro stuff. Small enough to catch the bigger panfish.

Fish will hang onto the bait for some time, also could be why you’re losing them, they never get hooked.

We were pulling sd yesterday for a bit w spinners. My favorite part of SD is it catches everything. Used leeches and crawlers. Raised a monster muskie while bringing in a northern. Fun to see.

I’m a big proponent of long spongy rod with braid or we typically use spinning gear with mono and bullet sinkers for shallower weedlines 10 to 15. Very lightly letting the fish chew on it for just a bit while the rod gets pulled back to the rear of boat and then the sweep set.

jbg1219 wrote:

Are you pinching the tail of the crawler off so there is an inch or less hanging from the hook? Are you sure it is walleyes hitting them? I have had trouble with perch pecking at them as well as smallies and about everything else that swims.

I switched over to gulp crawlers when I had problems with panfish pecking the tails of real night crawlers on my spinners. They worked just as well and were much more durable. The idea is a reaction strike anyways so the fish has to make a split decision.

I’m in Wisconsin BTW, so I have three rods out in holders… which limits any “hands-on” finesse options. My inside rods are very spongy. Medium lights I believe.
I like the idea of moving a little faster, I’ll give that a try. I may also give the Gulp crawler a try!
thanks

I’ve had good luck with moderate action rods in rod holders pulling slow death hooks. I have had better luck with the death roll hooks than the VMC hooks.

The gulp pinched crawlers work very well on the slow death hooks. I have several packages and should use them more. I also like a jig worm. The paddle tail it has gives off lots of action and vibration, but still spins. I also tie my own rigs, and have taken a liking to using 3 rattle beads and a smile blade or a prop type blade.

I troll very fast with a 30 hp motor at idle. The attacks are deeper in the mouth. The fish self hook themselves, But no deep gills or gullet hooks. I have had double hits seconds apart. Both are boated. Fast speeds require a more intense attack from the fish.