DUO Realis Versa Shad

DUO Realis Versa Shad is a soft paddle-tail lure from the Japanese maker DUO International. Lures like this, fished on a jig head, are one of the most popular ways to catch zander and pike in Europe.

The lower half of the body is made of a heavier material, so the lure stays stable and works the same way even on a fast retrieve or with sharp twitches. The tapered tail and flat sides create a strong rolling action and flash, and the thinner tail joint keeps it moving even on a dead-slow retrieve.

A slit in the back takes an offset hook: you can rest the hook point in the slit or hide it fully in the body, so the lure snags less on weed and obstacles.

Key features:

• 3″ (about 76 mm), 10 pieces per pack
• 4″ (about 102 mm), 7 pieces per pack
• Slit in the back for an offset hook

What it is for and what tackle to use

• Fish: zander and perch (3″), zander and pike (4″).
• Rig: a jig head, for example the DECOY VJ-30 Standard Head (3″: #1–#1/0, 4″: #2/0–#3/0), or an offset hook with a sinker near weed.
• Where to fish: lakes, rivers and the Curonian Lagoon: drop-offs, holes and rocky spots.
• Rod: a spinning rod rated for about 7–28 g.
• Line: 0.10–0.14 mm braided line with a 0.25–0.30 mm fluorocarbon leader; in pike waters use a wire leader.
• Retrieve: hopped along the bottom (lift & fall) or steadily and slowly just above it.

The rod and line recommendations are a guide: they help you choose, but you can also fish with similar tackle you already own.