Twitchbaits bei RL-Angelrollentuning, Mad Max in Shallow, Medium und Deep Runner

Twitchbaits

  • NEU
RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays MD MX DR 2.0 - Twitchbait - S - 24 - 80 mm - RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays MD MX DR 2.0 - Twitchbait - S - 06 - 80 mm -
Nays MD MX DR 2.0
From 17.99 €
From 17.99 €
  • NEU
RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays MD MX MR 2.0 - Twitchbait - S - 26 - 80 mm - RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays MD MX MR 2.0 - Twitchbait - S - 06 - 80 mm -
Nays MD MX MR 2.0
From 17.99 €
From 17.99 €
  • NEU
RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays MD MX SR 2.0 - Twitchbait - S - 06 - 80 mm - RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays MD MX SR 2.0 - Twitchbait - S - 19 - 80 mm -
Nays MD MX SR 2.0
From 17.99 €
From 17.99 €
Twitchbaits bei RL-Angelrollentuning, Mad Max in Shallow, Medium und Deep Runner

Twitchbaits are hardbaits with erratic action triggered by jerky rod movements, known as twitching. When reeled in steadily, they swim calmly and inconspicuously; with each twitch, they show uncontrollable, aggressive movements that provoke even the most cautious predators to strike. Unlike the crankbait, which generates its action solely by reeling, the twitchbait relies on the angler’s rod work. In the range, you’ll find twitchbaits in different diving depth classes, classic suspending, with Magnetic Weight Transfer System, and sharp BKK Spear 21-SS treble hooks.

What diving depth classes are there

Twitchbaits are categorized by their diving depth, similar to crankbaits. The size and angle of the diving lip determine how deep the lure runs when reeled in.

  • Shallow Runner (SR): Diving depth about 0.1 to 1 m. Classic twitchbait for shallow weed edges, flooded structures, and shore zones.
  • Medium Runner (MR): Diving depth about 0.5 to 1.5 m. All-rounder for plateau edges and mid-water column.
  • Deep Runner (DR): Diving depth about 1.0 to 3 m. For deep plateau edges and mid-water structures where a shallow runner can’t reach.

Swimming behavior: Suspending dominates

Unlike crankbaits, the standard design for twitchbaits is suspending. There’s a good reason for this: when twitching, the lure darts forward but stays at the set depth when stopped. This pause phase is the crucial bite moment. Cautious predators chasing an active lure target the calmly suspended twitchbait precisely while it’s still.

  • Suspending Twitchbait: stays at depth when stopped. Bite window for cautious predators. Standard design.
  • Slow Floating Twitchbait: rises very slowly. Classic for clear water and stop-and-go over obstacles.
  • Sinking Twitchbait: sinks after stopping. For deeper areas and vertical twitching.

Which twitchbait for which use

  • Pike over shallow plateaus: Twitchbait Shallow Runner in 80 to 110 mm. Aggressive twitch action over cover and weed edges.
  • Pike in the mid-water column: Twitchbait Medium Runner in 95 to 110 mm. Standard class for pike twitching.
  • Pike in deeper areas and at plateau edges: Twitchbait Deep Runner. Reaches depths where a classic crankbait tight wobble no longer works.
  • Zander at current edges and hard bottom: Medium Runner in 80 to 95 mm. Aggressive twitch action provokes stationary fish.
  • Perch in clear water: small Twitchbait Shallow Runner in 80 mm. Subtle action with stop-and-go.
  • Reluctant predators, high-pressure day: Suspending twitchbait with long pauses between twitches. The calmly suspended lure forces reflex strikes.
  • Trout and grayling: compact twitchbait in the 80 mm class, light twitches on UL spinning rods.

Twitching, the right technique

The action of a twitchbait only arises through rod movement. The standard technique:

  • Cast the lure, reel in until it runs at its diving depth.
  • Hold the rod tip down at about 30 to 45 degrees.
  • Pull with short, sharp wrist jerks, about 10 to 30 cm per twitch.
  • Reel in line between twitches to avoid slack line.
  • Include pauses: 1 to 3 seconds stop, this is the most important bite moment.
  • Vary rhythm: two short twitches, then a long pause. Three medium twitches, short pause. Angler instinct develops after a few casts.

Material and construction

Twitchbaits are made from hard plastic (ABS, polycarbonate). Premium models use a Magnetic Weight Transfer System: movable casting weight distribution inside. During the cast, the weight slides back for maximum casting distance and accuracy; on impact, it shifts back to the running position. This is especially important for twitchbaits because long casts and precise twitches are equally required.

Lead-free twitchbaits

Classic twitchbaits long contained lead internal components. Modern designs increasingly avoid lead and use tin-bismuth alloys or steel. Lead-free twitchbaits are mandatory in the Netherlands and Scandinavia for fishing tournaments and some waters. Manufacturers compensate for the lower specific gravity of the lead-free alloy through shape and volume so that the twitch action remains identical to lead designs.

Hook setup

Twitchbaits come factory-equipped with two or three sharp, hardened trebles: one on the belly, one on the tail, larger models have a third in the middle. Well-known hook brands are BKK Spear 21-SS with Super Slide Coating for maximum penetration, Owner ST-36, and VMC. Those who want to upgrade their twitchbaits will find high-quality trebles and split rings as tuning components in the range.

Related categories

If you’re looking for a hardbait with constant action without rod work, check the crankbaits category. For lures with spinner blades or bladed jig action, see the metal lures category.

Frequently Asked Questions about Twitchbaits

A Twitchbait is a hardbait that reveals its erratic action only through jerky rod movements, known as twitching. When reeled in steadily, it swims smoothly; when twitching, it jumps aggressively and uncontrollably forward. A classic for pike, zander, and perch.

A crankbait runs at a defined depth when reeled in steadily and provides consistent action without rod movement. A twitchbait is calm when reeled in and only reveals its erratic action through jerky rod movements. Crankbait for searching, twitchbait for targeted spot presentation.

Twitching is the standard retrieval technique for twitchbaits. With short, sharp jerks from the wrist, the rod tip is pulled, causing the lure to jump forward and display erratic movements. Reel in the line and take pauses between twitches; this is the most important bite moment.

Suspending means the lure hovers at the set running depth when stopped, without rising or sinking. This opens bite windows because cautious predators can target the stationary lure precisely. Most premium twitchbaits are designed to suspend because the pause phase produces most bites.

As with crankbaits, the terms refer to the diving depth. Shallow Runner (SR) dive 0.1 to 1 m, Medium Runner (MR) about 0.5 to 1.5 m, Deep Runner (DR) from 1.0 to 3 m. The size and angle of the diving lip determine the respective running depth.

For beginners, suspending twitchbaits in 95 to 110 mm are suitable as medium runners. They forgive handling errors, stay at depth during every stop, and reliably catch pike and zander. Beginners work with long pauses between short twitches to develop a feel for lure control.

Hold the rod tip downward (30 to 45 degrees), pull with short sharp flicks from the wrist (10 to 30 cm per twitch), reel in the line between twitches, and include pauses (1 to 3 seconds stop). Vary the rhythm: two short twitches plus a long pause or three medium twitches plus a short pause.

A magnetic weight transfer system is a movable casting weight distribution inside the twitchbait. During the cast, the weight slides to the back, ensuring maximum casting distance and accuracy; upon impact, it shifts back to the running position. This provides both casting distance and clean twitch action in one lure.

Twitchbaits are typically used with a baitcaster setup, casting weight 7 to 30 g. The right rod has a stiff tip for clean twitch transmission and a softer backbone for the fight. Gear ratio of the reel 6.0:1 to 7.5:1, high enough to quickly retrieve the line between twitches.

Braided line with a diameter of 0.18 to 0.28 mm plus fluorocarbon leader 0.30 to 0.45 mm and, if necessary, a steel leader for pike fishing. Braided line transmits the twitches directly to the lure, fluorocarbon is less visible in the water and protects the knot at the split ring from wear caused by constant movement.