Anglers searching for precision, lifelike action, and effectiveness in catching predatory fish often turn to lures designed with exacting detail and innovative engineering. One such standout is the Daiwa Double Clutch Garfish, a lure that has quickly earned a reputation among serious sport fishers. Known for its impeccable suspending action, tight wobble, and exceptional casting distance, the Double Clutch is crafted to mimic garfish and other slender baitfish with remarkable realism. Whether you’re targeting barramundi, trout, or estuary perch, this lure has proven itself time and again in both freshwater and saltwater scenarios.
Overview of the Daiwa Double Clutch Garfish
The Daiwa Double Clutch series has been refined over the years, and the Garfish variant continues that legacy with a profile and action designed to imitate the natural movement of long, slender prey. The combination of subtle twitching, slow floating buoyancy, and responsive design makes it a versatile tool in any angler’s tackle box.
Key Features
- Length: Typically ranges around 75mm to 95mm, closely mimicking garfish shape.
- Weight: Balanced for precision casting without compromising action.
- Suspending design: Ideal for pause-and-twitch techniques.
- Internal silent weight system for distance and stealth.
- High-quality treble hooks for secure hookups.
- Realistic 3D eyes and lifelike color finishes.
Performance in the Water
The Daiwa Double Clutch Garfish excels in pressured fishing environments due to its subtle and non-intrusive action. When twitched gently, it delivers a tight wobble that mimics the injured movement of a real baitfish. The suspending quality of this lure makes it deadly effective during pauses, especially in clear water where fish rely heavily on sight. It hovers in the strike zone long enough to tempt even the most cautious predators.
Retrieve Techniques
To get the best out of this lure, anglers often use a twitch-pause-twitch motion. Here’s how:
- Cast near structure or known fish-holding areas.
- Let the lure settle briefly, then impart a sharp twitch.
- Pause for a moment this is often when strikes happen.
- Continue with rhythmic twitches, varying the pace to match fish behavior.
The tight wobble and natural float make this lure particularly useful in colder water, where fish are sluggish and require a more tempting presentation.
Target Species and Environments
The Daiwa Double Clutch Garfish is suitable for a variety of species. Its natural profile attracts fish that commonly feed on slender baitfish like garfish, smelt, or small mullet.
Ideal Targets
- Barramundi
- Estuary perch
- Bream
- Flathead
- Trout
- Tailor
It’s equally effective in estuarine systems, river mouths, mangroves, and rocky outcrops. Because of its silent design, it’s particularly useful in high-pressure or clear-water environments where noisy lures can spook fish.
Construction and Durability
As with most Daiwa lures, the Double Clutch Garfish is built to last. The body is made of high-grade plastic that resists cracking and scratching. The finishes are among the most durable and realistic in the market, capable of withstanding harsh saltwater conditions and repeated strikes. The hooks are chemically sharpened and well-suited for saltwater applications, reducing the need for immediate upgrades.
Color Range
Daiwa offers the Double Clutch Garfish in a variety of realistic and natural colors. Popular choices include:
- Ghost Ayu
- Real Gar
- Metallic Sardine
- Chartreuse Shad
- Silver Wolf
Each color is chosen to mimic regional baitfish or stand out in murky water, giving anglers a broad selection for different lighting and water clarity conditions.
Why Anglers Trust the Daiwa Double Clutch Garfish
The trust comes down to consistency. The Daiwa Double Clutch Garfish delivers reliable results in a wide variety of situations. Its ability to stay in the strike zone, provoke reaction strikes, and cast long distances makes it a favorite among competitive and recreational anglers alike. It’s a lure that can produce bites even when the fish are shy or heavily pressured.
Pros
- Superb action and control
- Effective in both fresh and saltwater
- Wide range of target species
- Durable, realistic finish
- Suspending design keeps it in the strike zone
Cons
- Slightly higher price compared to basic lures
- May require careful tuning to keep it perfectly balanced
Tips for Best Use
Maximizing the potential of the Daiwa Double Clutch Garfish involves more than just casting and retrieving. Here are some pro tips to get the most from this lure:
- Use a light to medium rod with fast action for better control of twitches.
- Pair with fluorocarbon leader for stealth and abrasion resistance.
- In colder weather, slow your retrieve and lengthen pauses.
- In warmer months, be more aggressive with your twitching technique.
The Daiwa Double Clutch Garfish is more than just a lure it’s a precision tool for catching fish in some of the most challenging environments. With its highly realistic action, durable build, and exceptional casting distance, it checks nearly every box for discerning anglers. Whether you’re fishing coastal estuaries, river mouths, or inland lakes, this lure deserves a place in your rotation. It’s no surprise that so many seasoned anglers swear by it for consistent success across various fishing conditions.