609-494-5739 Here’s a little throwback to something we did in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. At that time, when customers would email a question we would share it and the answer on our blog. While we might not post a bunch of these we’ll see where it goes!
Question: Andrew from Phoenixville, PA asks, “Would you recommend an either…a Super Strike Darter or Super Strike Swimmer for New Jersey surf fishing on LBI/ IBSP? Any suggested color? I have a Tsunami 10’6” Airwave 1-3.5 oz rod. Thanks!”
Answer: Hi Andrew – Both the Super Strike Darter and the Super Strike Bottle (aka little neck swimmer, casting swimmer, rattling swimmer) are two great lures that are a similar in size and profile. But they are very different lures from Super Strike.
The Super Strike Zig Zag Darter as its name implies has a lazy zig and zag swimming pattern. It is a slower and more shallow swimming lure that is most commonly a night time stand out. It likes an easy flowing current or rip but in a heavy side wind or very fast sweeping current the darter can struggle. However on a calm night, open beach with rolling sand bars with pockets of water and small swell pushing, a Zig Zag darter can really produce.
Darters are easy to fish too. Cast out (if there is a sweep be sure to cast up current a smidgen) and then catch up the slack to feel the lure’s swimming tension. At this point you need to retrieve slowly, just slightly more line than the conditions (wind, waves, current) call for to slow crawl the lure. It needs to move slowly through the water to work its magic. Every so often add a twitch. Some times a specific pattern or rhythm works better than others. Also don’t overlook omitting the twitch and going with a super simple straight consistent retrieve.
The Super Strike Bottle Plug (casting swimmer) has a more aggressive face/lip which digs into current and makes the lure swim with a tight wiggle and thumping pattern. This can drive fish nuts! The Super Strike Bottles also have a rattle and many believe the sound is an aid in attracting.
Bottles cast a little better than the ZZ darters, especially in a wind. Bottles also dig in more but they really don’t swim that deep, maybe ~2-3’deep. They are a great choice when there is swell and rolling white water. Also when there is a side wind and sweep. Bottles can be fished slow or at a moderate speed with or without imparted action.
As far as color goes, if I could only pick one color day or night it would be yellow over white. It is a classic color that has done me well for many years; day, night, clear water, dirty water, full moon, new moon. My #2 choice would be bone which is also a very versatile, followed by black and purple. The blurple color way has performed for me on cloudy, grey over cast days but I primarily fish it at night and in low light situations (early morning before sunrise and late in the day right after sunset).
Tight lines! ~Greg
PS the 10’6 Airwave is a great rod for casting a variety of lures on the surf. It will cast both the darter and bottle from Super Strike a mile.
