Hook-One Plug System
Charter Grade OG Swimmer
Shallow-lipped swimming plugs, often referred to as Finnish Swimmers, have been a staple among anglers for generations. These lures are distinguished by their small lip, which allows them to navigate near the water's surface. This characteristic makes them particularly suited for shallow waters or areas with submerged structures where deeper diving lures might become entangled.
Amazing sub-surface swimming action with ultra-long range castability for boat and shore anglers. Checkout the OG Swimmer overview with Capt. Mike Hogan
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"Unbelievable Wobble. Casts a Mile.”
The Hogy OG Swimmer Plug:
The Hogy OG Swimmer is a classic Finnish-Style shallow-running swimming plug, designed to bring a proven style of big bait presentation to modern anglers. This 7-inch, full-bodied plug with wide shoulders and a sleek, small bill is built for fishing around rocky shorelines and boulder fields where predatory fish like striped bass, snook, and tarpon often ambush prey.
Where and When to Use
- Prime Locations: Rocky shorelines, boulder fields, shallow beaches, and nearshore structures
- Seasonal Focus: Best in spring, summer, and fall, especially during baitfish runs.
- Conditions: Ideal for low light, overcast days, and moderate to calm waters where fish are feeding near the surface or in shallow structures
How to Use:
Casting Technique: Use fan casting along structured shorelines or boulder fields. Cast to the edges of rocks and retrieve slowly, creating a "walk-the-dog" action that mimics an injured baitfish.
Slow Rolling Retrieve: Retrieve with a slow to medium speed to create a steady side-to-side wobble. This lure performs best with a slow, consistent retrieve, keeping it in the strike zone over shallow structures without snagging.
Rocky Shoreline Tactics: In shoreline areas, position yourself or your boat to drift parallel with structure, casting to visible or submerged boulders and working the plug across potential ambush points.
OG Swimming Plugs:
“The Charter Grade OG Swimmer by Hogy Lure Company is a standout saltwater lure that every serious angler needs. With its lifelike design and deadly wobble, this sub-surface plug perfectly mimics a wounded baitfish." Hogy Customer - Mike M.
FAQ
Quick answers for most commonly asked questions about the Slowtail Swimbait and fishing applications.
Why does the OG Swimmer only have one hook, and how does that affect my hook-up ratio?
Improved Landing Ratio for Big Fish: With just one hook, there’s a lower chance of hooks working against each other and tearing out during the fight. While it may mean missing a few smaller fish, the single hook significantly increases the likelihood of landing larger gamefish like striped bass.
Reduced Fish Mortality: According to preliminary data from the Massachusetts DMF Citizen Science Striped Bass Project, using a single hook reduces fish mortality from 9% to 2.9%. This small change helps thousands more fish survive after release, allowing them to return to spawning grounds and contribute to a healthier population.
How should I retrieve the OG Swimmer to maximize its effectiveness?
The OG Swimmer is perfect for a slow, steady "slow rolling" retrieve, which creates a consistent wobble that mimics an injured baitfish. You can also vary the speed slightly or add occasional pauses to make it appear more lifelike, but the lure is designed to perform well even at a slow retrieve, staying in the strike zone longer.
Whatmakes the Hogy OG Swimmer ideal for fishing in shallow, rocky areas?
The OG Swimmer’s design includes a small bill and a turned-down line tie that allow it to swim at a shallow depth with a controlled side-to-side wobble. This keeps the lure above rocky structures and boulders, reducing the risk of snagging and allowing it to stay in the strike zone where big fish are hiding.
What size fish is the OG Swimmer suited for?
The OG Swimmer’s 7-inch, full-bodied design is ideal for targeting larger predatory fish such as striped bass, snook, and tarpon. Its big bait presentation makes it especially effective for larger gamefish that are feeding on substantial prey like bunker or scup.
Is the OG Swimmer suitable for long casting, and what setup should I use?
Yes, the OG Swimmer is designed for long casts and weighs 1.75 ounces, making it perfect for medium-power surf rods or inshore setups. Its weight and streamlined design help it cast well, even in breezy conditions, so you can reach distant structures or schooling fish with ease.
TIPS & TECHNIQUE
OG SWIMMER PLUG
Catching Striped Bass in Boulder Fields
Plug Casting Rods
Built with a soft, yet sensitive blank, these rods resist accidental breakage due to high sticking but still offer high sensitivity to light bites on smaller presentations, plus they have plenty of backbone in the blank to apply added pressure for larger inshore species. Paired with an appropriately sized reel, these are a pleasure to fish for daily applications.
- Mod-Fast Action Black For Increased Sensitivity.
- Premium Grade Cork Grip
- Heavy Duty Locking Aluminum Reel Seat
- Premium Ceramic Guides
