SMITH Caddis #08 Mazecha

Micro Topwater Plug for Close-Range Fish and Long Pauses

The Caddis is designed with a strong focus on enticing bites, even from fish at close range. By utilizing subtle techniques, it effectively narrows the distance between the angler and the target.

This plug excels in a wide range of approaches, from the gentle, delicate "enticing" style to the aggressive, fast "escaping" style. Despite its small body, it offers exceptional versatility, allowing for various expressions in the water.

The Caddis delivers a fly-fishing-like thrill, providing exciting surface strikes that will leave a lasting impression. Unlike the Puppet, this lure engages anglers in an intense psychological battle with fish on the surface. Enjoy the exhilarating bite scenes that will be etched into your memory.

"Just a Little More" to Trigger the Bite

Most topwater plugs are designed for strong appeal, attracting fish from a wide area. The Puppet series follows this approach.
However, in close-range situations or when fish are highly selective, anglers often find themselves needing a more delicate approach—whether to fine-tune their lure action, enhance subtle techniques, or maintain an effective long pause without being detected.

With these challenges in mind, we developed the Caddis, focusing on creating the perfect opportunity for fish to bite.

The Power of a Small Body

The Caddis offers unique advantages due to its compact size:

• Gentle water entry and subtle ripples, making a noticeable difference in presentation.
• Excels when fish are keyed in on small prey, such as pellets or tiny insects.
• Not a universal solution—its low visibility in open water means it should be rotated with higher-appeal plugs to cover different situations.

The Caddis is an essential part of an effective lure rotation, ensuring that the right level of attraction is always in play.

Maximizing Long Pauses

Due to its natural, subtle action, the Caddis often draws fish in slowly, encouraging them to observe and follow.

• Try incorporating longer surface pauses (3–10 seconds) to trigger bites.
• Observe the fish’s behavior and adjust accordingly.

Strategic Use of Rattle Sound

After extensive testing with eight different sound profiles, we selected the optimal combination:

• Two 2mm glass rattles, providing a moderate yet effective sound.
• Helps attract fish within short distances without being overwhelming.
• Contributes to the overall buoyancy balance, ensuring stability on the water.
• The body design allows anglers to control rattle intensity by adjusting their retrieve.

Addressing the Challenge of Hooking Small Topwater Lures

One common issue with small topwater plugs is lower hook-up consistency. Larger-bodied lures naturally increase hooking efficiency, but the Caddis prioritizes a compact profile for stealth and subtle appeal.
To overcome this challenge, we've incorporated key design elements:

1. Flat, Thin-Walled Body for Stability on the Water

• Enhances buoyancy and water resistance, preventing the lure from drifting out of the bite zone.
• This allows the hooks to stay inside the fish’s mouth for a more secure hookset.

2. Dual Horizontal Eyelets for Maximum Hooking and Buoyancy

• Optimized air volume inside the body, reducing hook entanglement.
• Rear-positioned hooks aligned with buoyancy zones, maintaining balance and improving hook-ups.

3. Hooking Efficiency Through Action Quality

• Fine-tuned tight, erratic movements inherited from the Puppet series.
• Rattle sound and wobbling adjustments further enhance bite-to-hook conversion.

With these refinements, the Caddis ensures that even with a small body, anglers can confidently present their lure, execute precise control, and capitalize on every bite.

Primary Retrieval Techniques

By adjusting action type, intensity, and rhythm, the Caddis can be fine-tuned to match various trout activity levels.
Mixing different retrieval techniques within a single cast can also be highly effective.

1. Splashdown

• The first few seconds after landing are key bite opportunities.
• To be ready for an instant strike, retrieve slack line gently right after casting—avoid pulling too tight.

2. Tip Action

• Use short, sharp rod movements (tip action) to create a tight, minimal-distance appeal.
• Keeps the lure in the strike zone longer, helping trout lock onto the target.
• Also effective when sight fishing is difficult, as bites transfer directly to the rod.

3. Stroke Action

• When targeting a wider area, use a longer stroke motion by lowering the rod and increasing the lure’s travel distance.
• Encourages trout from farther away to chase.
• In such cases, longer pauses can be crucial.

4. Shake

• Light rod shaking creates a 3D table-turn action, moving the lure between the surface and just below.
• Ideal for triggering hesitant fish or getting a reaction bite in key locations.
• Works well when other retrieval methods fail to engage fish.

Important Note: Tune for Straight Tracking

• If the lure does not swim straight, adjust with true-tuning (eye-tuning).
• Use pliers or a tuning tool to ensure the lure tracks correctly even at high retrieval speeds.
• Specifications
  • Length: 24mm
  • Weight: 1.0g
  • Type: Floating
  • Hook: Owner Cultiva SBL-14 #8
  • Ring:
    • Front: SP Micro Ring BK #00 ×1
    • Rear: SP Micro Ring BK #00 ×1