Tasmanian Devil for rainbow trout

Tasmanian Devil, often called Tassie Devil, is one of the most popular specialist baits for rainbow trout in put and take. It is a winged lure that waddles and rotates lightly on the retrieve, and its real strength is that it is easy to fish at different depths. Many keep it as a reliable favourite precisely because it takes fish when the classic spoon is not enough.

Why it works

The particular action, with a waddling body and a rotating movement, gives a different impression than a spinner or a spoon. Sometimes that variation is what triggers the take, especially on fish that have seen a lot of ordinary lures. The bait comes in many sizes and weights, but for stocked rainbow trout you stay with the smaller ones.

Fish the right depth

The big point with a Tasmanian Devil is that you steer the depth with a countdown. Cast, let the bait sink and count the seconds before you start reeling. The longer you count, the deeper you fish. Start high and increase the countdown until you get contact, just as with a spoon. Finding the right depth is usually more important than the exact colour.

Colour

The bait comes in a large colour range, from natural to loud and glittery. Follow the basic rule: muted in clear water, bright on freshly stocked fish and in coloured water. Keep one natural and one signal-coloured variant so you can switch with the conditions.

Technique

Reel in evenly so the bait can work, and put in reel-stops and small pace changes. The take often comes when the bait slows or sinks in a stop. Try different retrieve speeds, because the day’s mood varies. More bait choices sit in the bait overview, and a collected selection in best lures for rainbow trout.