At first glance it looks like a small planar card or even a lure that is broken or improperly made. When you learn more, and use them in the field, you soon appreciate the effectiveness and genius behind the shape and patterns of the Tasmanian Devils.
How to Use: For best results retrieve or trolling speed should be about 2.5 mph (walking speed). As you retrieve rythmically use your wrist to affect a twitch at the tip of the rod - this will give the lure good fish attracting action.
Tazzies are designed to use casting, trolling, or jigging. They catch Trout, Salmon, Bass, Walleye, Steelhead and other Gamefish.
The Tazzies originated in Australia and have historically been difficult to get in the USA. That is finally changing and we have a ready supply.
At goFASTandLIGHT we focus on the 1/4 ounce 1-1/2" long body size , good for small lakes, streams and ponds - with light tackle.
It is wise to get an assortment of Tasmanian Devil color patterns to mimic local bait fish & minnow patterns. Use the Additional Images button above to see detailed photos (not to scale). We carry the patterns that have proven to work for well in the Sierra Nevadas of California. We stock the Rainbow Trout, Spotted Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Frog, Fire Tiger and Pink Panther patterns. Given their success in Australia and New Zealand, these will work anywhere.
Tip:Make sure you add a Pink Panther pattern to your collection - for some strange reason that we don't understand - that Pink color and pattern catches lots of fish. When nothing else is working - cast the pink and hold on. One theory is that the contrast with surrounding water conditions is what makes it so effective. Who know what goes through a fishes brain ? It just works.
You can use the Tazzies out of the box rigged as is, or try some of the modifications discussed in the video below.
About Wigston's Lures: In 1934, Eddie Wigston founded a retail store in the town of New Norfolk situated on the Derwent River (a popular trout fishing district) 22 miles upstream from Hobart, the Capital of Tasmania.
An avid fisherman he operated the business known as E.L. Wigston selling radios, firearms and fishing equipment and was joined by sons Ian and Garth. The Wigston family are keen anglers, and during the 1960's considerable time was spent experimenting with home made fishing lures.
The Lure they decided to create was unlike any other. The lure consisted of a hollow weighted torpedo shaped central core surrounded with plastic curved wings on each side. A removable wire loop with a treble hook was fitted through the core. Various patterns, colors and designs could be painted on the exterior.
A name for the lure needed and they chose "Tasmanian Devil" (after an agressive indigenous Tasmanian Marsupial). The "Tassie Devil" as it is more affectionately known, was born. Toward the end of 1979, small production runs finally commenced. The early versions of the lure were very quickly snapped up and demand began to exceed supply. From humble beginnings as a hand made product, the success enabled the company to acquire suitable equipment and technology to mass produce. Eddie continued in the role of Chief Lure Tester until his passing in 1990.
The lures were first exported to New Zealand in 1984. As trout fishing is a world wide sport and pastime, word began to spread with overseas anglers fishing Australian and New Zealand waters using these oddly shaped lures that enjoyed great sucess.
For a long time they were prized and commanded a premium price in the US, since they were effective and difficult to get. Wigston has continued to expand production and the Original Tasmanian Devils are finally readily available in more than 35 Countries.
