This deep-diving plug is designed for both inshore and offshore heavy-duty fishing. With its oversized bill, the plug can reach depths of 35 feet or more. Check out the overview with Capt. Mike Hogan
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"The Open-Water Search Tool."
The XL Deep Swimming Plug:
The Hogy XL Deep Swimmer is a precision-engineered deep-diving plug designed for serious inshore and offshore anglers targeting trophy-class fish up to 185lbs. Designed for both low AND high-speed trolling, this 7-inch, full-bodied plug reaches depths of 30-35 feet and maintains a stable, true-tracking swim at speeds up to 12 knots.
Key Features & Benefits
Extreme Deep-Diving Performance: Dives 30-35 feet at speeds up to 12 knots. Keeps the lure in the strike zone longer, increasing chances of a strike.
Offshore-Grade Durability for Trophy Fish: Features thru-wired construction, stainless split rings, and 4X VMC in-line hooks. Handles extreme battles with tuna up to 185lbs, wahoo, and large striped bass.
Optimized for All-Speed Trolling: Tracks true and stable at speeds up to 12 knots, with a balanced body for smooth swimming action.
How To Use:
High-Speed Trolling for Tuna & Wahoo: Troll at 7-12 knots with 25 to 50lb class setups. Covers large open-water areas, keeping the plug at depth where tuna and wahoo feed.
Target-Oriented Deep Trolling: Troll at 5-6 knots, passing over structure, bird activity, or bait slicks where predators are staging.
Flat Line to Complete Offshore Trolling Spread: Run in combination with bars and single lures to create a multi-depth trolling spread.
“This is the only fast trolling bait I use in the spring. 40+ feet of water brings up big stripers. Releasing big fish is a great way to spend the morning.” Hogy Customer Ken D.
DOCK TALK
Quick answers for most commonly asked questions about the XL Swimming Plug and fishing applications.
When do I use the Deep Diver instead of the tube?
Can I cast the Deep Diver or is it trolling-only?
Why does Hogy make an inshore version?
What’s the difference between the 5” and 7”?
SALTY CAPE SYSTEM
When to use the XL Swimming Plug and fishing applications.
Environmental Factors (E):
- Heavy wind or swell: Trolling allows steady presentations when casting options are limited.
- Midday sun and low surface activity: The Deep Diver reaches 30 ft to find fish that have pushed deep in bright conditions.
- Heavy current: Deep diving plugs get deep when other trolling lures can’t maintain depth.
- Post-storm murky water: The thumping wobble and large profile help fish locate the plug by vibration and silhouette.
Observational Factors (O):
- Bait marked on sonar with no surface signs: Trolling deep allows a more robust search pattern than sonar-and-jig.
- Suspended or scattered fish: Search mode covers water at controlled depths, targeting bass or blues in the strike zone.
- Scattered pogy schools with marks but no active feeding: Tactically canvas the bait zones to trigger strikes.
- Big gulls in area, slicks, no active feeding signs: Cover the zone beneath the surface clues.
Structure + Approach (S + A):
- Ledges and contour lines: Troll along depth breaks to track near structure in search of resident fish.
- Channels and drop-offs: Deep divers efficiently cover the zone by running the edge.
- Shoal-induced rips: Deep Divers allow deep-side pacing when casting isn’t an option.
- Open-water herring schools: The 7” matches adult herring and tracks through the depth where bass stage underneath schools.
- Deep pogy concentrations: Canvas the perimeter of bunker pods where stripers hold below and behind the school.
TIPS & TECHNIQUE
XL SWIMMING PLUGS
Open Water Trolling for BIG Striped Bass | Cape Cod Bay
Swimming Plug Storage
Keep all your Swimming Plugs carefully stored in one place with easy to rinse and store marine grade mesh storage bags.
- Easy-rinse marine grade mesh.
- Holds up to 6 Swimming Plugs
- Hassle free multi-pouch storage.
- Sturdy and durable locking wrap.
Swimming Plug Trolling Rods
The Hogy Hybrid Conventional Rod is the perfect companion for trolling the Hogy Perfect Tube, thanks to its versatile action and robust design. With a sensitive yet powerful blank, it provides the ideal balance of flexibility to absorb the undulating motion of the tube and the backbone to handle trophy-sized fish like striped bass. Its lightweight construction reduces fatigue during long trolling sessions, while the premium guides ensure smooth line management for precise control. Specifically engineered for saltwater applications, the Hogy Hybrid Conventional Rod complements the Perfect Tube’s lifelike action, delivering a seamless and effective trolling experience.
- Mod-Fast Action Black For Increased Sensitivity.
- Premium Grade Cork Grip
- Heavy Duty Locking Aluminum Reel Seat
- Premium Ceramic Guides
