The Secret Lure I Debated Not Sharing On YouTube

[@AlfonsoRamirez-fg5tm]

Replacement arrived!By the way, I did forget to mention that the original lure did have a decent strike however as most anglers will attest you can get a hit kzbin.infoUgkxCbNOWAGmn6nfbCbJDmasvBq7J38KZNw2 and fish will hang on and release lure. I used the replacement lure yesterday and ran thru a Shimano Waxwing, Kastmaster, Bobber (set to sink). I found the does run deep (I casting on the flats 3.5'). Make sure you adjust your rate of retrieve and rod tip angle (up) to prevent getting snagged on bottom. Used it a couple of times and action was very lifelike (looked like local bait fish for trevally), craftsmanship very good....however eyeball fell out. I asked for replacement and it is on it's way! It was very easy to change out treble to single inline hook.

[@rickblue7972]

I just subscribed to you Randy. I am 71 and disabled but I'm going to start fishing again. You are a great guy to be sharing your secrets.

[@daltonwade7908]

Good for you man, get after it!

[@mikeantes9597]

That looks as if it was designed to mimic goby in northern small mouth lakes.thanks for sharing Randy.

[@vernonhall1821]

It is a goby .its a smallmouth killer

[@mikej9619]

I thought the same thing...SO I bought 20 of them and only caught rockbass. Guy in the same boat with me slayed the smallies on ned rigs! I will try it again this year, it looks so awesome in the water but the great lakes smallies must be laffing at it. LOL

[@Ductdog]

@@mikej9619 had the same experience but I caught nothing on the goby

[@mikej9619]

@@Ductdog I have had the same experience with all life like gobie imitating lures. The more lifelike, the less success. Throw a worm that looks like a piece of turd at them and they go nuts.

[@Ductdog]

@@mikej9619 yeah thought is had a secret weapon for Lake Champlain last year. Was gonna show the boys how to do it but no their turds showed me!

[@MT-oh8vi]

No doubt, the Dark Sleeper catches fish. Thanks for sharing these tips, especially how to fish them, and modifications. A lot of fishing info on KZbin, but yours is some of the best.

[@TheToyReviewer1984]

I love the dark sleeper! I have caught so many fish on it. Fishing it on the rocks in Lake Erie, the Smallies can’t stand it! They crush it! It’s a great Goby imitator. I love the 1/2oz 3”. Megabass does it again! Thanks for the tips Randy! 💪

[@judweaver3635]

Even without watching the video, that's a Dark Sleeper. Tactical Bassin has talked about the effectiveness of this little bait for a couple of years.

[@HanSoloxcs]

Want a cookie?

[@skunk12]

@@HanSoloxcs clown. Jud is pointing out that this "secret" isnt much of a secret. He gets credit.

[@F1Hopeful]

Works great in saltwater too!!! Thanks for your honesty Randy. Best of luck to you!!!!

[@gunn89]

I tried these about 2 year ago and never had any luck, however I can't help but like these.

[@jeremytjensvold9936]

Everybody out here on Clearlake has been killin em on the DS. Keep em comin Randy!

[@mattolivo]

This is one of my favorite baits right now. The dark sleeper is a beast. Also the Catch Co. Head Hunter is a good bait as well

[@MyAngleFishing]

Amazon has Generic ones that are the exact same for $11 a 5 pack I have had great success with them for smallmouth largemouth and rock bass. Thanks for the breakdown Take care

[@jamespowellii1191]

Awesome Bait.....Been using the Dark Sleeper for a couple years. My PB SMB came on it along with a couple others over 6lbs. Downsize in the Spring to the little one and upsize in the Fall. Trim the Dorsal fin to expose the hook point to increase the hook ups and landing success.

[@bassdojo]

Great to about exposing the hook. I've had a few fish come off... That'll fix it!!

[@jamescaspersamanthalintner4767]

Tactical bassin love the sleeper. First time I heard about it was from them years ago.but I don't see many local guys throwing it here, it flat catches them . Great video

[@nickk4247]

Same story here. I picked it up from the TacBassin guys too, and it definitely catches them when other stuff just can't. I've been throwing it more and more.

[@kennethfieldsjr.968]

Good stuff Randy. With you being primarily a shallow water guy, I figure you have an extensive amount of knowledge of early, early top water presentations when the right opportunities come into play. Would you mind doing a video on early top water conditions and techniques. Buzzbait, Frogs, poppers, etc. Thanks a lot for what you do.

[@shamis01]

I have 2 or 3 of these and now I realize that I have not given it enough attention. My main issue has been not knowing what applications to use it in. Now thanks to Randy I have a better understanding of the bait and how to properly use it. Thank you for the insight.

[@heatherfulwiler1537]

I fish the great lakes and I'm not a pro at all. I normally just fish live bate and love Pike fishing. I started watching videos on fishing getting ready for our trip and found your channel. I got so excited I ended up buying a pole just to do artificial fishing. Bought different things you recommended and I've learned to bait and rigged up my bait. I'm very excited to try this out as I have not caught a bass up there yet, everyone else has and it's my bucket list to do so. Now I've caught them in our lake where I'm from in Oregonia ohio, but not yet in the great lakes. Thank you for teaching me as I've learned so much from you!

[@armandorjusino]

Do I like the video? Man, you are teaching me so much stuff that even my friends are like why you are into YT so much? ty for sharing your vast knowledge.

[@coryhall4457]

It's won of my favorites I just never thought about flipping it game changer. Thank you Randy.

[@erichildreth7562]

I have seen these but I have never used them. I will have to take a look at these and thank you for all of the information that you have provided for us all!

[@flyfishmerc]

Wow Randy I bought 2 of the larger sizes over a year ago and have never tied them on. I will now. Thanks for the vid, you and Johnny do great work.

[@tomyoungblood2394]

Thanks Randy, I'm learning a lot from your videos. Going to Lake Fork tomorrow for a week. I will let you know how the Dark Sleeper did.

[@johnnyb1776]

I grabbed a couple at BPS in a green and a bream color first of winter. I fish a large reservoir nearby, and catch fish letting it fall down steep banks. I’ve caught bass in 50 ft of water in the middle of the lake in winter. Thanks for sharing Randy.

[@jeremyjohnson8243]

I wore several of them out last summer had to place a couple orders. They're great and very affordable.

[@robertveith2255]

Thanks can't wait to try it !!!!!!!

[@hillbillytarzan]

Affordable? Megabass?

[@jeremyjohnson8243]

@@hillbillytarzan I hear ya dude lol but they're like 5 or 6 bux. Fish catching machines. Ebay has the cheap Chinese knock offs of them for like 2 or 3 bux but I haven't fished em.

[@kwd1253]

Matt and tim only youtuber/pro that has really talked about the dark sleeper. Nice you touch up on this bait.

[@jerrythomas8604]

I heard Matt and Tim are secret lovers.

[@kwd1253]

@@jerrythomas8604 lol

[@markchambers2812]

Randy this is my favorite fishing channel

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Thx Mark!

[@menotyou816]

Ive caught more bass on the dark sleepers then any other bait. Muddy water. Clear water. Stained... Love it!!

[@gregrogers3579]

Thank you for this tip, me and my wife just bought a boat and absolutely love fishing. We go all over Alabama and are planning trips around the South. Look forward to watching more as you send them. Thanks

[@rustygregg3548]

Randy, thanks again really love your comments on different setups.

[@legionssb]

Lol I’ve been using these for a while, I knew exactly what it was from the thumbnail! Absolutely one of the best under the radar swimbaits, the guys at tacticalbassin have been talking about these for years, they straight catch fish, the small 2.4 size will even catch panfish and the action is insane

[@mikewelter180]

Thanks for bringing it back to my attention Randy! I too, originally discovered it from the TacticalBassin fellas about 1.5 years ago. Had decent luck with it at LOZ in the past. Fishing a (might be a washout) club tourney this weekend at Stockton. If the clarity isn't too crappy I might give it a try. Thanks for all of your hard work and all that you and Jonny contribute to helping the common guy that's just trying to better their fishing experience.

[@ernestolongoria1221]

Just caught a nice bass today on the dark sleeper! 🎣 Great video Randy!

[@guitarboos48]

Thanks always a pleasure listen to you

[@robdeezy420]

Thank you so much Randy for 411 will definitely try this out ... thank you for the tips and tricks bud!

[@Itz1Adam12]

I found out about this from TacticalBassin last year. Can't wait to smash some fish on it this year. Killer bait!

[@samuelyoon5701]

Chris Zaldain and Tactical Bassin have both made videos on the Dark Sleeper already and it truly is a great bait.

[@jeremyduncan9165]

I can’t believe you have shared what you have. Thanks 🙏. Another great video!

[@sha6mm]

Looks like a good walleye lure. I would like to jig it around flooded tree tops.

[@MaximilianTheBassFisherman]

Been waiting on this one. The dark sleeper has been an absolute killer for the last few years for me

[@novocainesoul4529]

I took a few years off from bass fishing, I moved to a different state, walleye is king here. However, I heard there is a big population of small and largemouth here. Very few people fish for them. I will be out there with this lure I have never heard of this spring for sure. Thanks Randy🤩

[@danham3344]

The Dark Sleeper is the first bait I throw when I go to bottom baits on a fairly clean bottom or small rocks/gravel, I throw it before a jig. I want to let everyone know not to limit trying it in only clean water. I have caught many fish on main & secondary points in 1 foot visibility when nothing else would work. You just have to fish it much slower and in the brighter colors. I also add some chartreuse to the sides and tail in dirty water.

[@johnhanes3450]

Love your style and how you share. Thanks for sharing years of knowledge with us.

[@tfishercanadianeh8738]

Up here in Ontario Canada I use the 3 inch Goby for Jumbo Perch yes perch 14 inch and bigger. Small Mouth love them to cast, drag, twitch, and hold.

[@joebaggs78]

I don't know if it was mentioned in the video or not, but the first thing I do when I get a dark sleeper is pop the eyes off and use a little bit of super glue gel to put them back on. Otherwise the eyes usually fall off within your first two casts. Probably doesn't matter too much to fish. In my first three or four cast I caught two Largemouth on it

[@numberonenole4590]

The dark sleeper is a great little swimsuit. Agreed!!

[@acecolby5545]

Love fish the moment. First time watching ur vidz. Just subscribed. Thanks for the info. Hitting broken bow this weekend

[@stevegerber835]

Starting my day with your knowledge, learning a lot Randy, thank you. I see you got some wood on the walls, looking good.

[@florissant_fish2852]

I’ve always just reeled it in and never had any luck, that interesting that you say to drag and or hop it. I will try that for sure 👍🏽

[@WesleyKennedy]

Been fishing these for the past 2+ years and they are great bed baits, smallie baits and fantastic around shallow or deep rock

[@tngreenevfl2022]

Randy thank you so much I have been waiting on this video ever since I bought one of these last year

[@hookshot2351]

Thanks Randy. Awesome insight! I’ll be on these.

[@marinusreister474]

I actually bent out one of those hooks on a tree. They're not great around wood, but they are great everywhere else

[@craigstevens9734]

Definitely appreciate all your time and tips and experience .Hope you have a great day.

[@svictor7573]

These videos are starting to cost me money, but I am starting to like the Megabass stuff.

[@phil2470]

Hey Randy. I have never used one of these lures but I want to give one a try this year if I get a chance. I appreciate the tips on trimming the fin and pulling the hook up a bit. They seem like they would really help prevent missed hooksets. Thanks again.

[@fryeguy9939]

THANKS RANDY... I KNOW THAT WASN'T EASY TO LET GO OF THIS , BUT I APPRECIATE THAT YOU DID... IT SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER... I DON'T KNOW IF I WOULD HAVE.. BUT CAN TELL YOU,I WON'T SAY ANYTHING TO ANYONE EXCEPT MY SON...

[@natekubilis6334]

The boys at tactical bassin been talking about this lure for a few years now

[@greenjoygardens]

I never heard them say to flip it though.

[@natekubilis6334]

This is true my friend that’s why I check out as much as possible from other anglers, like my grandfather always said “you learn something new everyday” I’ll definitely be putting the dark sleeper to some this season

[@charliesartsoul7975]

i cant stand matts voice lol

[@jd8745]

@@natekubilis6334 welcome back to tactical bassin!

[@DevonHumpert]

It's why I bought mine last year but to Randy's point, the other guys on YT aren't talking about ways to fish it other than a traditional swimbait.

[@archangel19]

Great! Tactical bassin and now Randy.... Good luck finding these now

[@garydalrymple855]

I guess for once I got ahead of the curve. Saw this on Tackle warehouse about 3 years ago. I use all 3 sizes and basically 2 colors 1 dark and the one you showed. The med and small is also go on white bass and large crappie. I always have one tied on!

[@hillbillytarzan]

I’ve been using that for couple years but I’ve found something even better. No, it isn’t Megabass, but believe it or not, it still works lol

[@gregsloan9590]

Thank you Randy. Awesome!!

[@adamw8941]

I think that bait would do well in saltwater too. Wonder how hard you have to set that hook to part the dorsal fin. I'd definitely trim that dorsal fin too.

[@macking4942]

Keep hearing about this bait. Would love to try it on Hartwell... Yes more specifics and details on this bait would be awesome. As always, GREAT info!

[@JAIROLUISDIAZ1999]

I caught 3pd on clear water the way it ambushed it under water was great. Good lure absolutely

[@albertmarion9837]

thank you Randy. I can't wait for the ice to clear southern Georgian bay so i can put all I've learned to use.

[@dwaynevuolo9179]

Thanks I have thought about it, but now I’m ready to try it. 👍

[@jenlvjim]

Been throwing this for about a year and you are right on

[@MrFernier]

always good idea to keep your lights behind the camera!

[@johndeluca1614]

Thanks for the tips about this bait. I'll bet they'll be a great Goby imitator for Great Lakes Smallmouth fishing. I look forward to more details about sizes, colors, and how to work them.

[@jerrymcqueen7960]

I’ve taken your valuable advice concerning purchasing megabass lures. I’ve purchased 6 lures. 3 jerk and 3 deep divers. I’m giving one of each to my son and keeping the rest. Time will tell if I catch 10 times as many fish as my fishing buddy. Hoping it’s true.

[@stratos175escape7]

OK I bit, LOL As soon as I watched this video I went a bought 3 of these yesterday and will be slinging one this weekend!

[@johnkent9019]

Thanks Randy. I guess other KZbin fishing "experts" are watching your channel too because now everyone seems to be have a floating worm video!

[@FOG_3]

Chris Zaldain was talking about using them out west and having good success with them in tournaments in Texas

[@UTEXTRACK]

Best fishing channel!

[@jayrough3383]

Do we like it? 🤔 NO WE DONT LIKE IT! WE LOVE IT! 😍 thank you so much again for sharing your experience and success with as all! Fish the monent is a absolute awesome channel as well

[@chuckhoeppner1459]

Thanks for sharing this "secret bait" with us. I'm looking forward to giving it a try on West Okoboji in Iowa for small mouth.

[@toddlester8063]

Sweet, I have that lure! Just never worked it in the way you described. Thanks!

[@kirkreusch8415]

Thank you Randy. Love your content.

[@datruthhurts3984]

Well since the cats out the bag,start throwing the smaller ones now on beds.great for spawning flats ,and I get a better hook up ratio because they can't just "move it"without getting the hook.I don't trim it,but I do bend that hook up a tad like a frog

[@mattwest6669]

I’m can’t wait to try them. Thanks for the video.

[@timevans6815]

Interesting I catch most of my fish swimming it a few bottom bouncing but smallmouth love this bait in the pink and chartreuse color

[@crankinforbass7080]

I was waiting on this lol thank you Randy!

[@richglenn2474]

Ha thanks for info just recently purchased wasn't sure how to us them sounds goid can't wait to give then a try thank you

[@travisbruno1988]

My secret bass bait for fresh and saltwater bass is the berkley gulp white 3" to 5" curly tail grub..its works all year and on beds for sure

[@davidsedlacek3855]

Really good bait up on Erie, been using it for "years" ever since "tactical bassin" guys mentioned it. It has been a best seller ever since on TW. In open water I usually remove the top fin, helps with hook sets, I believe.

[@jeffatkinson6940]

Thanks for the video. I’m new but I just picked up a 3 pack about 2 months again. 🇺🇸🤘🍻

[@loganhunsinger1943]

Just tell the whole world. 😆... Love the channel Randy.

[@KokoB1883]

I have few soft body goby baits, but haven’t put any time into fishing them. One forgotten bait that is awesome for flipping is the reaper 👍

[@johnsonc8]

Been trying this out lately. Seems like skirtless football jig is best analogy... like a paddle tail swimbait is a skirtless swim jig.

[@robbyatwood7734]

This bait is awesome. Caught a lot of nice bass this winter bouncing it in deep holes

[@bobrhine9057]

I actually bought a half dozen of these two yrs ago and some guide friends on Lake Toho and Kissimmee laughed me off the water. They have to be worked faster because if the hydrilla... They will catch fish in stained water in FLA. Friends on Lake Erie and St. Clair say they imitate Gobi and slay both small- largemouth and walleye. Fish it slow and close to the bottom.

[@StormRidersFishing]

I have really good luck with the 2.4” for small mouth in my river system.

[@johncoopes1056]

I have been using one for over a year. Awesome bait

[@waynerandles6126]

Thanks for the tips it looks like a goby / or a mudskipper where I come from,I bought something like it from another brand but have never got around to using it I reckon black would be a good colour!

[@fishthruit]

Looks great! Thanks for sharing, I've never seen one!

[@MrDonohuea]

I've got 60 of em in my boat right now. Funny though, the river smallies around me only take it when used like a swimbait.

[@shootincoyotes]

Wow I've been flipping swim baits in willows and weeds for years, didn't know I was on the cutting edge, lol

[@jmchil4887]

I worked in the fishing department at bpro the dark sleeper is one of most impressive baits I've seen

[@jmchil4887]

I use it as a drop shot and use a mid bait like a bass fly lure

[@adamsmith3996]

I live on lake erie. That lure will definitely crush the smallies. Thanks

[@geneussery8968]

Love the 3/8oz version of this lure. It has put fish in the boat when nothing else seems to work......

[@raymaylone8563]

This was a cool video I just purchased some for the first time early this year I was amazed how well they work! Would like to see or know what the follow up videos will be put out. I watch your videos and just subscribe recently to get all the new updates. Thanks for your knowledge