Here’s a guide to help you decide when to fish with an OG swimmer and when to opt for a slider, especially fishing around strong currents or heavy structure.
OG Swimmer
Best Used In:
Calm to Moderate Waters: OG swimmers perform exceptionally well in calm to moderate currents. Their lip design creates a pronounced wobble that effectively mimics the swimming action of baitfish, which is highly attractive to predatory fish.
Shallow Waters: Ideal for skimming just below the surface, making them perfect for estuaries, near structures, and in areas with submerged vegetation where deeper diving lures might snag.
Structure Fishing: When targeting fish around jetties, rock piles, or underwater humps, the wobble of an OG swimmer can entice strikes from lurking predators.
Surface Activity: When fish are feeding on the surface, the visual appeal and action of an OG swimmer can trigger aggressive strikes.
Advantages:
Pronounced Wobble: The lip design of OG swimmers creates a distinctive wobble, making them effective in mimicking larger baitfish like bunker.
Versatility: Suitable for both casting and trolling, providing flexibility in different fishing scenarios.
Durability: Modern versions with through-wire construction and high-quality hooks ensure longevity and reliability.
Slider
Best Used In:
Strong Currents: Sliders excel in strong currents, such as those found in the rips around Cape Cod. Since they swim without a bill, their action is less impacted by water movement, maintaining a consistent swimming motion.
Deeper Waters: Sliders sink, allowing you to cast and let them descend to the desired depth before retrieving. This capability makes them ideal for reaching fish that are holding deeper in the water column.
Swing Fishing: Perfect for fishing the swing in a rip, where you need the lure to get down and stay in the strike zone longer.
Advantages:
Less Impact from Water Movement: The lack of a bill means that the action of the slider remains stable even in strong currents, where other lures might struggle.
Sinking Capability: Being able to let the lure sink before retrieving helps you target fish that are not feeding on the surface, increasing your chances of a strike.
Versatile Depths: Sliders can be fished at various depths, making them suitable for different fishing conditions and allowing for more precise targeting of fish.
Choosing the Right Lure
OG Swimmer:
- Use in calm to moderate waters where a pronounced wobble can attract fish.
- Ideal for surface feeding fish and when fishing near structures.
- Effective for both casting and trolling.
Slider:
- Opt for sliders in strong currents and deeper waters.
- Ideal for targeting fish in rips and when you need to get the lure down quickly.
- Use sliders when a stable swimming action is needed despite strong water movement.
Conclusion
Both OG swimmers and sliders have their unique strengths and ideal usage scenarios. Understanding the specific conditions and behaviors of the fish you are targeting will help you choose the right lure, whether it’s the classic wobble of an OG swimmer or the consistent action of a slider in strong currents.
