I know most guys either flip or pitch these baits. I am a sit down fisherman, so those methods are out of the question. So, my question is, can you fish these like a plastic worm, texas rigged, cast and retrieve? I have tried this a few times with little to no results. Watching this bait in the water, it seems rather lifeless, so I just give up and quit after about 10 minutes. Just wondering am I giving up to quick?

 

Hootie

Yes u are, they catch lots fish!

I never catch crap on them texas rigged.  I always end up pegging the sinker and flipping cover sitting down in a kayak.  

Cast it out, let it sink and do a very slow drag with them.  Occasional hops to get the appendages moving a bit.  The slower the better works for me.

 

Maybe downsizing them might work.  

 

Good luck

I'm lazy so I too always fish seated while on my boat. I don't have any problems flipping or pitching while sitting so I can't really relate to you on that point. I have however experienced the same frustration with beaver baits fished like a traditional texas rigged worm. I've found a "solution" to this problem, a shakeyhead. Now I'm not really sure why but a smallie beaver on a shakeyhead will flat out get bit. I've tried them t-rigged with the weight pegged in the same places with zero results. I'm not sure exactly what the subtle differences are in the way the bait is presented on a shakeyhead as opposed to a pegged texas weight but I am sure there are some. My best guess is the bait stands in a more natural position on a shakeyhead where as with the t-rig it's either straight up or on its side.  

 

Bottom line I'd suggest you try them on a shakeyhead in the same area's that you like to t-rig. Oh and for some reason, I'm sure it's probably just me, I have way more luck with the smallie beaver than the standard size on a shakeyhead.

Hootie I do pitch them to visible cover much of the time, but that is not the only place they shine for me. Worked slowly down a rock or gravel point, shelf or most any other type of deeper structure will get you bit! They do not have much action, but I think that is part of their appeal at times. You can separate the legs for a little more action-sometimes that works better. 

 

Sometimes size matters! I have had great days for both size and numbers with a standard 4.20 size. I have had days when they will not get bit, and changed to a smallie and killed them. I know that when compared side by side the difference is slight, but it can make a the difference. Good luck!

while i'm mostly standing in the boat, i do use beavers outside of the traditional pitching or flipping in grass/cover/weeds w/e. these things flat out produce when dragged or hopped through underwater wood/trees/rock. 

I'm different from most...I prefer baits with subtle action. The more subtle the more I like it. Some days I do find baits with more action are better. The other day I started fishing a ten inch power worm and got blanked. I changed up to a subtle style beaver bait and caught four in the next 40 minutes. This was a new place so I did t k ow what to expect. To answer your question, there really is NO wrong way to fish beaver baits.

You should try the Gene Larew Biffle Hardhead Jigs with your beaver baits.  The Biffle Bug is essentially a hollow beaver bait with a slightly different tail section.  You basically just cast and retrieve this set up, making sure to keep bottom contact.  Tommy Biffle has won a lot of money doing this.

A beaver bait in a craw color cast around rocks is a killer. They're great cast around the edges of weedlines too. 

The jig type trailer that works good T or C rigged is GY Hula grubs, twin tails. Beavers work OK if you pegged the weight and hop them.

Tom

 I've found a "solution" to this problem, a shakeyhead. Now I'm not really sure why but a smallie beaver on a shakeyhead will flat out get bit. 

 

 

Shhhhhhhhhh.................

I fish alot of beavers. I have almost every color, They are one of my favorite baits. I like to t-rig them just like a worm, or peg the weight. These things are DEADLY when flipping or pitching to heavy cover... Make sure you split the tail, you get alot more action that way. The sweet beavs are my favorite beaver style bait. They catch fish. Do a slow slow retrieve, hop it drag it. 

 

tTo me they work best in cover. Throw it some tullies or salad and get ready! Me personally i like to use tungsten with them, although it can get quite expensive. 

Lots of great tips. Guess I am going to have to give them another try. Thanks a bunch guys.

Hootie

Shhhhhhhhhh.................

   That's my mistake!

Sitting down should not make any difference. A roll cast is just as effective as a pitch. I roll cast more than half the time when picking apart cover at close distances. 

here are the colors I use. green pumpkin , pumpkin seed, hillbilly deluxe, hot tamale, delicious, junebug, okeecheebee craw, and a couple others. Two of those are the new kinky beaver, they have a ton of more action as their tail's are different. Experiment with them and soon enough you will start learning how to fish them. I sure hope this helps bud. 

here are the colors I use. green pumpkin , pumpkin seed, hillbilly deluxe, hot tamale, delicious, junebug, okeecheebee craw, and a couple others. Two of those are the new kinky beaver, they have a ton of more action as their tail's are different. Experiment with them and soon enough you will start learning how to fish them. I sure hope this helps bud.

I like the looks of that kinky beaver. I'll pick up a couple packs.

Thanks,

Hootie

I only use beaver type baits in clear water, otherwise a skirted jigs in stained and dirty water.

Guys, you need to try a hand poured beaver bait! They stand up off the bottom and fish just crush them. My favorite is the go 2 baits lil thumper.