RX Spike

Description

The RX Spike is a finesse ned bait I designed around a simple idea: what if a smaller slug had its own identity?

The flat face is intentional. It sits flush against a ned head so the bait is flush with the jig, not cocked sideways. That changes how it falls, how it stands up, how it moves in current. Add the ridges along the body and you’ve got a profile that catches light differently than a standard slug. Same confidence, different look.

I’ve been fishing this on the RX Firecracker Ned and the Deek’s Jigs Deadspin, and both work great. The Deadspin in particular lets you swim the bait on a retrieve without feeling like there’s no action. The blade handles that, so you can cast and wind like a normal underspin and still have the ned profile in the water.

What It’s Best For

• Spotted bay bass, calico bass, and sand bass
• Harbors, back bays, docks, and structure
• Finesse situations: pressured fish, slowed-down bite
• Anglers who want a smaller profile without giving up action

When to Use It

This is a finesse tool. I reach for the 2.5″ specifically when fish are being finicky. On the RX Roll Head, slow-rolling near structure, it’s gotten bit when other things weren’t. Small profile, subtle kick, right in the zone.

That said, it’s not only a finesse bait. Big fish eat small things. If there’s bait in the water and fish are there, this will work.

How I Fish It

Ned rig is the starting point. Firecracker Ned or a darter head are my first calls. From there, play it out. Drop shot around pylons works. Texas rig, GK rig, Tokyo rig, scrounger head, roll head, back of a swim jig — I’ve gotten bit on all of it.

Retrieve cadence is whatever the fish tell you. It works as a fall bait on pylons. It works on a swim. Works jigged vertically. There isn’t one right answer.

Conditions Guide

• Water type: Harbors, back bays, inshore saltwater and freshwater
• Best around: Dock pilings, rock walls, structure, sandy bottom on a ned head
• Water clarity: Clear to moderately stained
• Presentation: Slow to medium, finesse-first but adaptable
• Key trigger: Subtle tail kick and flat-face profile on the fall

Size Guide

• 2.5″ — The finesse option. Smaller profile for finicky fish. Roll head, ned rig, tight to structure.
• 3″ — More presence, same action. Darter heads, drop shot, ned rig, swim applications.

How to Rig It

The RX Spike fishes a lot of different ways depending on what you want to do with it.

• Ned rig — Firecracker Ned or darter head, Blacktail Fishing hook, let it fall and stand up on the bottom
• Ned + underspin — Deek’s Jigs Deadspin lets you swim this on a retrieve with blade action backing it up
• Roll head — Slow vertical wobble, especially effective with the 2.5″ on finicky fish
• Drop shot — 2/0 EWG, around pylons and dock structure, let it fall
• Texas rig / GK rig / Tokyo rig — Works for inshore and freshwater
• Swim jig trailer — Compact profile, natural fall on the pause

Pro Tip

The 2.5″ on the RX Roll Head has been a consistent producer when fish are being picky. Slow it down, keep it in the zone, let the bait do the work.

How It Compares

The RX Spike isn’t a replacement for the RX Slug. It’s a smaller, flatter profile designed for finesse situations where the Slug is more than you need. The Slug swims. The Spike falls. Both catch fish — it just depends what the bite is telling you.

Built for SoCal Conditions

The RX Spike was designed and tested in Southern California inshore waters.

Made in Los Angeles in small batches. Sold individually so you can mix colors and find your favorites.