Wobbler for rainbow trout

The wobbler is perhaps not the first thing you think of for put and take, but small wobblers take rainbow trout well and can save a day when the usual lures stand still. What sets the wobbler apart from spinner and spoon is the action: the lip at the front makes it waddle and dive in a way that resembles a swimming or injured baitfish, and that action pattern sometimes triggers takes nothing else does.

The right size

Stay with small wobblers for stocked rainbow trout. The fish is usually half a kilo to two kilos, and a small wobbler matches both the size of the fish and the light tackle. Large pike wobblers do not belong here. A small model does cast shorter than a spoon, but on smaller waters and along the edges that is seldom a problem.

Diving depth

The lip at the front decides how deep the wobbler runs. A shallow-running model works near the surface, while a deep-running one dives further down when you reel. Choose after where the fish stand, and vary. A floating wobbler that dives on the retrieve is extra versatile: it goes down when you reel and floats up in the pauses, which makes it good to fish over shallows, reeds and structure without hanging up.

Technique and colour

Reel in evenly so the wobbler can work, then break the rhythm with reel-stops and small twitches. Just as with other lures, the take often comes when the bait changes pace or turns. On colour the same rule always applies: natural in clear water, bright in coloured water and on freshly stocked fish.

When you pick a wobbler

See the wobbler as a complement, not a first choice. Start with a spinner or a spoon as a searching bait, and try the wobbler when the fish follows but will not take, or when you want to fish a set depth over structure. More bait choices sit in the bait overview, and a selection aimed at the species in best lures for rainbow trout.

Our pick – wobbler

Rapala is the quality brand many start with and stay with, with even action and reliable hooks:

• Classic all-round – Rapala Husky Jerk 10 (4.6★). A suspending jerkbait that hangs in the strike zone in the pause. See price on Amazon
• For depth control – Rapala CountDown (4.6★). Sinks in a controlled way so you can count down to the exact right depth. See price on Amazon
• Extra teasing – Rapala X-Rap XR10 (4.7★). Aggressive twitch play that triggers following fish to take. See price on Amazon