SHIMANO’S Ledge Runner is a new and cleverly designed trolling lure aimed at targeting offshore speedsters such as tuna, mackerel, dogtooth, mahi, wahoo, coral trout, red bass and more.
Shimano makes these in two sizes – 160 and 200 – in floating and sinking variations. Plus, there are loads of enticing colours.
Fishing World was lucky to score a couple of the 200S models ahead of our Solomons On The Sauce trip and gave them a run along some offshore reefs.
The Ledge Runners offer a couple of innovative features. Firstly, the bib adjustment allows you to simply change between shallow, medium or deep depths. Shimano calls this ADR (Adjustable Depth Range). Adjustable depth lures are nothing new, but I like the simplicity of this and the fact that there’s no need to disconnect your leader or use split ring pliers to make the adjustment, It literally takes a second. It makes changing between depths and finding fish so much faster.
Shimano has also incorporated HCW (Hydro Control Wing) into the Ledge Runners. This, according to Shimano, keeps the lure on track and allows it to be trolled at faster speeds without skipping out or losing its action.
It also features Shimano’s Scaleboost, which are holograms that realistically mimic the scales on a baitfish.
The 200S was fitted with strong single hooks and the lure itself is built incredibly tough. It feels solid and ready for action without any need to change hooks or split rings. That’s exactly what you want when you buy a lure that’s designed for catching big powerful fish.
Did they work? I had full confidence in these lures and I was keen to give them a run in the Solomons. Early in the trip, thanks to some good weather and planning, we took the 50km from Papatura to Doyles reef. It’s a series of shallow sea mounts that appear out of nowhere and has a reputation for big dogtooth and other big and powerful offshore fish.
After mixed success on topwater, we rigged the Ledge Runners and trolled them along the outer edge of the reef. Mine didn’t last long! A big dogtooth smashed the lure and it was over in seconds. We still weren’t sure if it was the reef or a shark that ended the tussle. Either way, the lure worked and I was left without a lure or fish!
Zac tried the other lure and it wasn’t long before he connected and successfully landed a nice doggie around 20kg. These fish have tough mouths and are brutal fighters and the Ledge Runner came away practically unscathed besides a few small scratches.
One of our Solomons On The Sauce guests, Neil, used the lure next and had similar results to me. A quick fight from a rampaging dogtooth and it was all over. No more lure. The Ledge Runners now belong to Doyles Reef.
There’s no doubt these lures work and tick all of the boxes required for a reliable offshore trolling lure. They troll straight, are built tough without need for upgrading hooks, and they’re proven fish catchers.
I’ll definitely be taking a box full of these on next years Solomons On The Sauce trip!
More info at fish.shimano.com/en-AU
