If there's one lure I'm a big fan of for pike at the start of the season, it's the lipless cranckbait. When pike are around weed patches or still in open water, they can be located very quickly and trigger numerous strikes. However, the majority of models on the market are 6 cm for 14 g or around 10 cm and few exist in intermediate sizes. It was with great interest that I put the new Yo Zuri Rattl'n Vibe in my box at the beginning of the year to fill this gap.
An extensive range
The Yo Zuri Rattl'n Vibe is available in 11 complementary colors and 3 sizes:
- 55 mm for 10.5 g
- 65 mm for 17 g
- 75 mm for 23 g
It's this last model that particularly interests me for pike, as it can be used on an MH power rod and represents a slightly bigger bite than the usual competitors. So it was on the largest model in the range that I successfully set my sights at the start of the season.
A singular sound
The new Yo Zuri lipless has a very classic design, with its usual diamond shape and a flattened head offering great resistance to water. When resting on it, it swings from right to left and vibrates when retrieved. Naturally, the pulsations are strong and very perceptible in the rod without being unpleasant.
Its descent is rapid (30 cm per second), but it doesn't sink like a stone. This means you can fish in less than a metre of water without any problems, because lipless cranckbaits are the kings of powerfishing and can be moved very quickly and rod high if required.
The Rattl'n Vibe's stainless steel balls give it a unique sound that's particularly appealing to pike!
3 main uses
Like the other models in this family, I animate the Yo Zuri rattl'in Vibe in 3 different ways, depending on the pike's mood and state of activity.
- When the fish are active or I'm trying to locate them, I use a very fast linear retrieve, with occasional stealth pauses or speed changes.
- The second animation I use, my favourite, is a succession of pulls and releases at a steady pace. The pulls are of low amplitude (30 cm) and lively, while the releases just maintain the depth of movement. You have to be very careful during this phase, as it's often at this point that the bites occur. I usually alternate right and left during my animations to avoid monotony.
- The last animation I use is reserved for deep areas and listless fish. It's a much slower and wider pull than the previous one.
Undeniable value for money
Yo Zuri lures are renowned for the quality of their design and their effectiveness, but often also for their rather attractive prices. Once again, this is the case with the Rattl'n Vibe, available on the market for less than 16 euros. That's unbeatable value for money!
