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

Twitchbaits

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 €
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 €
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 hard bait whose erratic action is only activated by jerky rod movements, known as twitching. When retrieved steadily, it moves calmly; when twitched, it darts aggressively and unpredictably forward. A classic choice for pike, zander, and perch.

When reeled in steadily, a crankbait runs at a defined depth and delivers consistent action without rod work. A twitchbait remains calm during the retrieve and only develops its erratic action through sharp rod movements. Use a crankbait for searching and a twitchbait for targeted spot presentations.

Twitching is the standard retrieval technique for the Twitchbait. With short, sharp wrist movements, the rod tip is jerked, causing the lure to dart forward with erratic movements. Reel in the line between twitches and add pauses—this is when most strikes occur.

Suspending means the lure hovers at the set running depth when paused, without rising or sinking. This creates a bite window because cautious predators can specifically attack the stationary lure. Most premium twitchbaits are designed to suspend because the pause phase produces the most bites.

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

For getting started, suspending twitchbaits measuring 95 to 110 mm are ideal as medium runners. They forgive mistakes in your retrieve, stay at depth during every pause, and reliably catch pike and zander. Beginners should use long pauses between short twitches to develop a feel for lure control.

Hold the rod tip downward (30 to 45 degrees) and retrieve with short, sharp wrist snaps (10 to 30 cm per twitch). Reel in the line between twitches and include pauses (1 to 3 seconds). Vary the rhythm: two short twitches followed by a long pause, or three medium twitches followed by a short pause.

A magnetic weight transfer system is a movable weight distribution system inside the twitchbait. During the cast, the weight slides backward, providing maximum casting distance and accuracy; upon landing, it shifts back into the retrieval position. This gives you both long-distance casting and clean twitching action in a single lure.

Twitchbaits are traditionally fished with a baitcaster setup, with a casting weight of 7 to 30 g. The right rod has a fast tip for precise twitch transmission and a softer backbone for fighting the fish. A Reel gear ratio of 6.0:1 to 7.5:1 is high enough to quickly retrieve the line between twitches.

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