Quick & Easy Way To Fix Lipped Plugs That Don’t Swim Straight
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
Do you use lipped plugs?
If you’ve used them for a time, you might have noticed that sometimes they don’t track properly, meaning they veer off to the left or right.
This can be an issue because if you’re trying to retrieve them in a specific path (like along the side of a seawall or a grass line), they’ll get off course and may cause you to miss fish or even get snagged.
But here’s the good news: this problem is easily fixable.
Check out the video to see why this happens and how to fix it.
Enjoy!
Tuning Your Lipped Plugs [VIDEO]
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Why Lipped Plugs Don’t Track Properly
The main cause of lipped plugs veering off to the side is because the eye is bent.
If the eye is bent to the right, then the lure will track to the right.
If it’s bent to the left, the lure will track to the left.
To fix this, just take some pliers and gently bend it back so that it’s straight.
If the eye looks straight, but the lure is still tracking off to the side, you can bend the eye slightly to the opposite side that the lure is tracking to get it to travel straight again.
This might take some trial and error to get it tracking properly again, but you’ll figure it out!
How Eyes On Lipped Plugs Get Bent
Here are three things that can cause the eyes to get bent:
- They come bent right out of the packaging
- Getting snagged or fighting a big fish can bend the eye
- The split ring can lock up around the eye and bend it under pressure
The first two are out of your control, but the third one can be easily prevented: just take the split ring off!
Not only can the split ring bend the eye, but the edges of the ring can rub against and tear your line (trust me, I know from experience).
Split ring pliers make it easy to remove the rings and you can tie a non-slip loop knot to give your lure the same action you would have with a split ring.
Conclusion
Lipped plugs commonly veer off to the right or left, but they’re easily fixed.
Just straighten the eye of the lure and your lure will be back to normal!
Have any questions about tuning lipped plugs?
Let me know down in the comments.
And if you know someone who loves to use these plugs, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Okay so my lures aren’t going off to the side but they swimming completely straight when they are crankbaits. I’m not sure if it’s the snap on clip or my swivel that could possibly be messing the action up. What do you think?
Hey Steven,
Ideally you want them to run straight. Are you saying they are not running straight with the clips? It could affect the action with the more hardware you have.
I have made two identical crank baits put a 1/8 ounce lead near the lip in both had my lip as symmetrical as possible they float upright but when you retrieve them they go to the left a wobble on its side. Now I tried fixing the lip on both same result I have added to both right infront of the lead hole a small split shot thinking if the head goes down more the lip will catch water. If that don’t work will I have to add more weight or cut the lip out and make a different one
Interesting. I’ve never seen lead added to the lip but I can see that affecting the balance quite a bit.
Thanks Tony. I found Owner oval split rings have been great for replacing standard split rings on deep divers. The oval eliminates the possibility of line finding that gap and they are also incredibly small for their strength. I’ve had line fail that was tied directly to the lure without split rings, possibly through abrasion over time.
You’re welcome Sam! Never thought of that but definitely makes sense!
Off Shore Tackle has a tool for tuning crank baits that you might find helpful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yVyCy4cIVs
https://www.offshoretackle.com/OR40.html
Very interesting, will definitely check it out!
Helpful as usual. I too remove split rings as I’ve had them cut line. Happy Thanksgiving, Tony.
Happy Thanksgiving Rob!
Thanks Tony!!!
As Rob said, Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy it with your family! Again great video!
No problem Caden! Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!
I had a very good one thank you!