Deep Diving Trolling Plug:
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.
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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“Simple, Deep, and Always Straight. Your Go-To Deep Plug.”
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.
FAQ
Quick answers for most commonly asked questions about the XL Swimming Plug and fishing applications.
What’s the best outfit for trolling the XL Deep Swimmer inshore?
For inshore trolling, a Hogy Hybrid Rod (6’6” Heavy) paired with a Shimano Talica 12, Avet LX, or Penn Fathom 40 spooled with 40-60lb braid and a 50-80lb fluorocarbon leader is a great setup. This rig allows you to slow-troll structure, ledges, and rips for big striped bass and bluefish while maintaining control over the deep swimmer’s action.
What’s the best light-duty offshore trolling setup for the XL Deep Swimmer?
The same Hogy Hybrid Rod (6’6” Heavy) used inshore can be doubled up for light offshore applications, targeting false albacore, bonito, and blackfin tuna. Pair it with a Shimano Talica 16, Avet HX, or Penn Torque 40Nand spool it with 50-80lb braid with a 6-10ft 80lb fluorocarbon leader. This setup is perfect for trolling at 4-7 knotsover nearshore structure or around bait balls.
What’s the best speed trolling outfit for the XL Deep Swimmer?
For high-speed trolling (7-12 knots) targeting bluefin tuna, wahoo, and yellowfin, step up to a 50-80lb class trolling setup. Ideal pairings include:
- Rod: 5’6” to 6’ heavy offshore trolling rod (Seeker, Shimano Terez, or a custom stand-up rod).
- Reel: Shimano Tiagra 50W, Penn International 50, or Makaira 50 spooled with 80-130lb mono or braid with a fluorocarbon top shot.
- Leader: 10-15ft of 100-150lb fluorocarbon, with an optional short wire bite leader for wahoo.
What baitfish does the XL Deep Swimmer imitate?
The wide-body profile and wobbling action are designed to mimic large, deep-swimming forage species that predatory fish target:
- Pogies (Menhaden) – Primary forage for striped bass, bluefin tuna, and wahoo.
- Herring – Common offshore and inshore bait for striped bass, bluefin, yellowfin tuna, and big bluefish.
- Mackerel – One of the most sought-after offshore baitfish for tuna, wahoo, and kingfish.
How should I store the XL Deep Swimmer to prevent damage?
The best way to store the XL Deep Swimmer is in a large mesh roll-up lure bag, allowing it to air dry completely after each use. This prevents rust buildup on the hardware and keeps the hooks from tangling with other lures. If running multiple deep swimmers, keep them in separate compartments to avoid hook snags
When should I use each color?
- Olive Pogies (Bunker Imitation): Best for striped bass and bluefin tuna in murky or bait-rich waters, especially in estuaries, rips, and bunker schools.
- Blue Butter (Herring & Offshore Baitfish): Ideal in clear offshore water, mimicking herring, sardines, and butterfish—a top choice for tuna and wahoo.
- Albie Crack (Mackerel Attractor): Perfect when mackerel are thick in the area, acting as a trigger for tuna, wahoo, and large bluefish.
- Pink (Attractor Color): Best used in low-light conditions, overcast days, or deep blue offshore waters. Highly visible, it triggers reaction strikes from tuna and wahoo.
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
