Rage Shad issues. 2024

I.rar reply :

went out today and got skunked (cold front came through last night), but it was more of a day to try out some of the new baits and presentations.

of course i wanted to see how the rage shad looked but i was quickly disappointed. i was using a 5/0 ewg hook and the bait kept wanted to turn over. if i reeled it in slower , the tail had no action. any faster and the bait would spin. i searched around and seen some people mention superline hooks. it would make sense because of the added weight underneath would keep it right side up , but others mentioned using regular ewg hooks. i made sure i rigged it center. i did not skin hook it though but i dont think that would of made a difference.

is there a trick to this bait? i was using my 6' M compre/citica combo with 10lb big game.

roadwarrior reply :

Here ya go:

http://www.strikeking.com/tips/rigging-the-rage-tail-shad.php

8-)

I.rar reply :

Quote
Here ya go:
http://www.strikeking.com/tips/rigging-the-rage-tail-shad.php

8-)

thanks , but ive seen the video almost too many times lol. ;D

i rigged it just as showed and still had issues. after looking at the bait , there is a small indent on the bottom probably from the molding/packaging process , but i dont think it would of caused a problem.

Dan: reply :

I had the same problem with the first package I tried. Then I switched to the toads. They seem to turn over less than the shads. It's weird because I fish with other guys who use the shad and they have none of the issues I have had.

I.rar reply :

Quote
I had the same problem with the first package I tried. Then I switched to the toads. They seem to turn over less than the shads. It's weird because I fish with other guys who use the shad and they have none of the issues I have had.

;D good thing i picked up some toads as well.

are they both made to work as a topwater type bait? i was trying everything , from letting the shad sink a few feet , to casting and retrieving. i havnt tried the toads yet , but there really isnt too many pads or surface cover at the spots i frequent.

Shane J reply :

If you've rigged it dead center with a 5/0 EWG offset hook, it sounds like you've done everything right, just make sure you separated the SST tab on the tail. Yes, the superline hooks are the only way to go. Same thing with the toad. On both, I strongly suggest an Owner Tistlock superline, they are the best hook for these baits. As for the toad, no, it isn't designed to be topwater bait. They sink a lot faster than the shad. It sounds like the shad would slay 'em where you are fishing, but the toad seems to pull fish out, where you wouldn't expect to with a toad also. Good luck!

Dan: reply :

I fish the toad like a Zoom Horny Toad. I don't know how else you would fish it besides as a topwater.

Shane J reply :

After the Shad, I consider the Toad my second deadliest topwater bait in my box.

kikstand454 reply :

i have little to no problems with the shad now that ive switched to a 4/0 gammy skip gap hook.

rides high and dry and straight.

Big-O reply :

Hello Sqhertz, sorry you're having trouble with the Shad running right for you....here is link to an illustration to view for making sure your rigging is correct.

http://www.ragetail.com/ragetailshad.html

And here is a link with verbal/illustration rigging as well.

http://www.ragetail.com/news/rigging-info/

It is possible that you have one of the packages of original stock prior to the hardshell clam packaging and they might have been compressed in the package causing miss shaping. In this case, a 1/8 to 3/16 oz Swimbait (keel weighted) hook will make it run right. You can also place them in hot water for a couple of minutes and the will reform to original shape. Also please make sure not to over hook (hook too large) the bait as it will stretch the baits length causing erratic results.

The swimbait hook will solve the problem and also give you more distance on the cast, plus allow subsurface and wakebait presentation as well. Even with the weighted swimbait hook, the Rage Shad will surface quickly by lifting your rod tip slightly.

I like the 4/0 superline EWG hook when weightless and/or a 5/0 screwlock hook which is actually shorter from the hook eye to the point than a standard 5/0 EWG, and doesn't stretch the bait at all. The screw lock hooks will normally increase the durability of the bait as well because the nose of the bait won't wear out as easily. These hooks are more expensive but I like them alot for both weightless or keel weighted (Swimbait) applications.

Hope this info helps you and let me know

Big O

www.ragetail.com

Big-O reply :

The Shad and the Toad are both primarily designed for topwater fishing but can be fished as wake baits or dropped in the holes in the grass etc. They are medium to quick retrieve soft plastic buzzers and the illustration shows the Toad hooking info.

www.ragetail.com

I.rar reply :

Quote
I fish the toad like a Zoom Horny Toad. I don't know how else you would fish it besides as a topwater.

ive never fished a toad so i really wouldnt know.

I.rar reply :

Quote

It is possible that you have one of the packages of original stock prior to the hardshell clam packaging and they might have been compressed in the package causing miss shaping. In this case, a 1/8 to 3/16 oz Swimbait (keel weighted) hook will make it run right. You can also place them in hot water for a couple of minutes and the will reform to original shape. Also please make sure not to over hook (hook too large) the bait as it will stretch the baits length causing erratic results.

The swimbait hook will solve the problem and also give you more distance on the cast, plus allow subsurface and wakebait presentation as well. Even with the weighted swimbait hook, the Rage Shad will surface quickly by lifting your rod tip slightly.

I like the 4/0 superline EWG hook when weightless and/or a 5/0 screwlock hook which is actually shorter from the hook eye to the point than a standard 5/0 EWG, and doesn't stretch the bait at all. The screw lock hooks will normally increase the durability of the bait as well because the nose of the bait won't wear out as easily. These hooks are more expensive but I like them alot for both weightless or keel weighted (Swimbait) applications.

Hope this info helps you and let me know

Big O

www.ragetail.com

thanks alot for the reply big-o.

yep , the package did not have the hard plastic packaging on the inside. ill pick up some superline hooks and see how that goes since they are a bit cheaper than the swimbait hooks.

the baits do look great though and i can tell they will last as far as durability goes. 8-)

Dan: reply :

I'm going to try the latest package of Shads that I have, but if I have trouble with them I'm just going to stick with the toads.

CWB reply :

The Rage Shad is my # 1 bait. I've never had any issues with it, except missing some fish that hit it. I've switched to a 4/0 superline EWG hook and had better hookups. Make sure you rig it in the center, use a heavy gage 4/0 or 5/0 EWG hook, which will act as a keel, and break the tab where the tail is connected. I even cut the little stub that is left to be sure tail works absolutely free. I have had problems with the toad landing on its back but now use a 1/16 keel weighted hook and it seems to work better. It does right itself if you let it but in slop you don't always have the luxury of waiting for this and need to start your retrieve as soon as the bait hits the water or it will get fouled.

soccplayer07 reply :

My favorite bait!!! 4/0 is the way to go. The only time I've had trouble with this bait is when I had an older pack without the plastic insert keeping each bait straight in the package.

roadwarrior reply :

How 'bout that? Owner, designer and pro respond in short order.

Thanks Big O.

8-)

Big-O reply :

Quote
How 'bout that? Owner, designer and pro respond in short order.
Thanks Big O.

8-)

Gotta take care of my BR Family and thanks to all of you that helped Sqhertz out

www.ragetail.com

SirSnookalot reply :

I've had no issues with the toad. I've used them along side horny toads and the strike ratio is about the same, however I like the hookset way better with the rage, imo it's a better bait. Not near as durable as the zoom toad, but if you're catching fish who cares. I've had better success slow popping them over buzzing.

cart7t reply :

I've not had rollover issues with the shad running them on the surface using a Gammie EWG hook 4/0 hook.

I do have serious rolling/spinning issues with them using a keel weighted hook. They are the original, non-clam shell models. Believe me, I've tried numerous hooking methods, hook sizes and styles on the shad trying to use them sub surface as a swim bait and all they do is roll.

rondef reply :

I have not had any issues with the shad but I only purchase the ones in the clam shells. I have heard others complain about the shads that were not packaged in the clam shells. One other thing is I keep my rod tip slightly elevated when retreiving the bait.

I.rar reply :

thanks again guys!

ill be heading out in a bit and ill give them another shot.

rubba bubba reply :

I had this problem at first as well. If you put a little bit of a bow/dip when you rig it (so it's belly down slightly), it should resolve your problem. Had this problem with Mann's hardnose toads as well until I hooked it with that slight dip.

I.rar reply :

oh man , that shad action is something else!

i used a 4/0 ewg gammy and that solved the problem. the 5/0 i was using was an eagle claw and the 4/0 gammys are just a hair shorter but a heavier hook. depending how the shad landed on the water , it would spin for a second , but it would correct itself right after. while i didnt catch anything today , just watching the shad buzz along the surface kept me entertained ;D.

now i can see why people say they are replacing their topwaters with these. i was buzzin' em on the surface , poppin' it , and just about anything i did with my other topwaters except walking the dog. great bait. good job rage tail. 8-)

Mattlures reply :

I love those rage shads. I have been trying out weedless buzzbaits for a while and they pretty much all disapointed me except the shad.

I havent had one run bad but I always use a hook with a little weight on it. As with alot of baits, its usualy the hook choice and not the bait itself.

Shane J reply :

That's what I'm talkin' about!!!

Big-O reply :

Quote
oh man , that shad action is something else!
i used a 4/0 ewg gammy and that solved the problem. the 5/0 i was using was an eagle claw and the 4/0 gammys are just a hair shorter but a heavier hook. depending how the shad landed on the water , it would spin for a second , but it would correct itself right after. while i didnt catch anything today , just watching the shad buzz along the surface kept me entertained ;D.

now i can see why people say they are replacing their topwaters with these. i was buzzin' em on the surface , poppin' it , and just about anything i did with my other topwaters except walking the dog. great bait. good job rage tail. 8-)

Now we're talkin' Since you obviously have this situation going your way, enjoy the show but remember, it's not always how much racket we can make with the Shad that draws the strike....It is often the speed of the retrieve (faster or slower) along with the flicker rate of the baits movement that's most important. And the bass' preference can change from one day to the next depending on weather, temps. etc.

When she hits - you'll need to drop your rod tip while continuing to reel up the slack and when you feel the fish load up, "Set The Hook". Most folks set to early before the fish has totally engulfed the bait.

Glad you got if figured out and now you can experiment with the variety of hooks and presentation speeds to be as versitile as possible

www.ragetail.com

Scott A reply :

I've had the same rolling issues mentioned but only with the white toads and shad. I tried both weighted and weightless hooks to no avail. I've used the green pumpkin/pearl toads and the chart/green pumkin and they worked great. I think the white plastic is too stiff.

Tin reply :

Try a Skinny Dipper and you will never go back to those things... :

kikstand454 reply :

i ran a rage shad yesterday and was instantly reminded why i love them.

the action is mesmorizing.

i got front boated by a buzzbait though so i didnt catch too many on it.

flipped the rage craw instead

westpalmfrogpunk reply :

The Rage Tail shad and the Skinny dipper both have their place in the boat. They are two very different baits I think. If I want more noise and trying to wake up the fish or they are very active the shad is the way to go. If is flat and the fish are a not willing to hit a top water I will use the dipper just under the surface. but i dont think you can not have each in the boat

BassFishingMachine reply :

The ragetail plastics are simply incredible, I have yet to use one that hasn't really impressed me, and I'm not a guy who gives compliments for nothing. As far as the ragetail shad goes, try using the black/red fleck one around dusk and into the night. It has caught me some quality fish. I use a 4/0 EWG gamakatsu, and it does the job. Really don't recall the bait ever messin up on me.

I still think Big-O should come out with a white ragetail chunk though!

Big-O reply :

Quote
The ragetail plastics are simply incredible, I have yet to use one that hasn't really impressed me, and I'm not a guy who gives compliments for nothing. As far as the ragetail shad goes, try using the black/red fleck one around dusk and into the night. It has caught me some quality fish. I use a 4/0 EWG gamakatsu, and it does the job. Really don't recall the bait ever messin up on me.
I still think Big-O should come out with a white ragetail chunk though!

Appreciate you comments BFM....Finally got them to produce Pearl White Rage Craws and Baby Rage Craws, but no White Chunks yet. Maybe just pinch down the Rage Craw

www.ragetail.com

looking4structure reply :

Quote
After the Shad, I consider the Toad my second deadliest topwater bait in my box.

Rage products had almost completely replaced all my topwaters.

7731

Rage Shad issues. 2024

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