Short answer: Yes — most anglers place the soft plastic between the two hooks, i.e., on the front side of the rear hook. This keeps the rear hook accessible for bites and lets the plastic tail add extra action without fouling the hooks. 🐟
Why this setup works: The Reed Runner Magnum is built with a front treble and a rear treble. By seating the soft plastic between them (in front of the rear hook), you maintain the lure’s natural kick while still giving the front hook a clean strike zone. The plastic tail helps trigger bites, especially in cooler mid-fall water where fish are a touch more sluggish and respond to subtle tail action.
Rigging steps (between the hooks):
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- Choose a mid-sized soft minnow-style plastic (about 3–4 inches works well for most magnum swimbaits).
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- Thread the plastic so that it sits along the body and ends up between the two hooks, with the front treble unobstructed and the rear hook still accessible.
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- If the plastic slides, a light dab of super glue at the head can help keep it in place without affecting action.
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- Trim or shape the head of the plastic if needed to prevent fouling on the front hook when you cast or retrieve.
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- Check the balance in water: a slow, even retrieve with occasional subtle twitches works great for mid-fall conditions.
Retrieval tips for mid-fall: Water temps are cooler and prey is less aggressive. Try a slow, steady walk-the-dog or a glide with short pauses to let the tail thump. Pair this with a slight lift-and-drop to keep the lure near structure like weed edges, drop-offs, or rocky points where big predators loaf in fall.
Weather note: In mid-fall, fish often sit just off ambush points. A patient, methodical presentation that emphasizes tail action and a clean front hook setup tends to outperform fast, aggressive retrieves.
Product ideas to pair with this setup:
- HALYXS 7 pcs - Soft Minnow: HALYXS Soft Minnow 7 pcs
- TRUSCEND Soft Lures (Soft Minnow/Jighead combos): TRUSCEND Soft Lures for Bass Trout Jighead Lures
- TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax series (for added action): TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax
If you want, I can tailor the exact plastic length and color to match your local forage and water clarity. Tight lines and good luck! 🎣
