Fishing with surface lures like stickbaits, poppers, and other topwater baits is arguably one of the most thrilling ways to fish. The excitement comes from the highly visual nature of this technique—watching fish break the surface to strike your lure is an unmatched adrenaline rush. This approach is particularly effective as soon as the water warms up, drawing seabass to the surface.
For shore anglers, most spots are accessible with the right surface lures. Since I fish 90% from the shore, in depths ranging from 30 cm to 10 meters, the stickbait is my go-to. Stickbaits for seabass can range in price from €10 to €30, each offering unique swimming actions, sounds, and colors. Today, I’ll introduce you to a standout stickbait: the Luna Bait Chihuahua, distributed by Way of Fishing, priced at just €17. This lure belongs to the family of stickbaits with a vertical stance in the water, making it an excellent swimmer in rough seas—and much more!
Chihuahua 90 Color 75 (Image from WOF website)
Which Model, How to Use It, and Where?
The Chihuahua comes in two sizes:
90mm (11.2g): Ideal for shallow zones requiring discretion.
110mm (21g): My preferred size for deeper areas, as seabass are not shy about striking larger lures, even early in the season.
Its rounded profile gives it a bulky appearance in the water, which can provoke aggressive strikes. Here are some key features of the Chihuahua:
· Casting Distance
One of the Chihuahua’s greatest strengths is its exceptional casting ability. Thanks to its dense 21g weight (for the 110mm version) and its aerodynamic shape, this lure casts like a missile. Whether you're trying to reach distant feeding zones or simply cover more water from the shore, the Chihuahua will not disappoint.
Its rear-weighted design not only enhances its casting performance but also helps it maintain a stable trajectory, even in windy conditions. For shore anglers, this is a significant advantage, allowing you to reach spots that would otherwise be inaccessible.
. Sound
If the Chihuahua is a missile when it comes to casting, it’s a maraca in the water. The sound it produces is deep and resonant, making it easy for seabass to detect even in rough, noisy conditions. This sound comes from a single ball rattling in a cage located at the lure’s center, creating its signature noise. In turbulent waters, where surface waves can mask other lures, this stickbait excels. Its distinct sound cuts through the noise, drawing in fish from a distance.
· Ease of Animation
Ease of use is one of the Chihuahua’s greatest assets, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced anglers. The lure’s rear-weighted design simplifies animation, whether you prefer a slow or fast retrieve.
Slow Animation: A slow, deliberate retrieve creates wide, sweeping motions. This technique is ideal for targeting specific areas, such as rocky points or submerged structures. By lingering in one spot, you give fish more time to notice and strike.
Fast Animation: A quicker retrieve results in a tighter "walking the dog" action, which is highly effective for provoking aggressive strikes from actively feeding fish.
The Chihuahua’s weight and vertical stance in the water also make it incredibly stable, even in choppy conditions. This allows for precise control and consistent action, ensuring the lure performs well regardless of the weather. Additionally, the lure’s stability makes it easy to maintain a taut line, even in strong winds—a crucial factor for detecting bites and maximizing your catch rate.
Seabass caught with a Chihuahua 110 in mullet color (78).
Finding the Right Color
Luna Bait offers a wide range of colors for the Chihuahua, ensuring there’s an option for every situation. Personally, I have a few favorites:
Color 78 (Mullet): Its reflective finish creates effective flashes of light, usable in most of conditions in my fishing spots, making it my favorite.
Color 77 (White): A classic for topwater lures, particularly effective under gray skies and low cloud cover.
Transparent Colors: Perfect for clear water on sunny days.
Each color has its moment, and adapting to the conditions—water clarity, weather, and forage presence—is essential. You can explore the full color range on the Way of Fishing website:https://www.wayoffishing.fr/produit/chihuahua-110/
The color 78 (Mullet).
The Right Rod for the Chihuahua
Since the start of the season, I’ve been using the Illex The Artist Dark Elf 275MH, which excels at casting surface lures long distances and animating them effectively. A rod that’s too soft will make animation less enjoyable and reduce efficiency, while a rod that’s too stiff can hinder the smooth glide of the lure. Finding the right balance is essential for maximizing the Chihuahua’s potential.
I hope this article has given you insight into the many facets of this iconic saltwater fishing lure.
Enjoy those surface strikes! :)
Comments