Fishing enthusiasts looking for precision and performance in targeting fast and elusive species like garfish have increasingly turned to specialized lures such as the Daiwa Double Clutch. Designed for finesse and control, the Daiwa Double Clutch is a jerkbait-style hard lure that is well-suited for light-tackle fishing in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Garfish, known for their speed and agility, require a lure that mimics small baitfish movements with realistic vibration and responsive action. The Double Clutch offers anglers just that a reliable, effective, and versatile solution for one of the most enjoyable forms of sport fishing.
Understanding Garfish Behavior and Feeding Patterns
Before diving into how the Daiwa Double Clutch performs, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of the garfish. Garfish are slender, surface-dwelling predators found in coastal waters, estuaries, and sometimes even offshore. They feed on small baitfish, crustaceans, and insects, often attacking their prey at high speed.
Because garfish often swim near the surface and feed aggressively in shallow areas, they are best targeted with lures that offer fast twitching movement and a slim, natural profile. This makes the Daiwa Double Clutch an ideal match due to its suspending design, excellent castability, and lifelike action.
Key Traits of Garfish That Affect Lure Choice:
- Surface or near-surface feeders
- Respond well to fast, erratic retrieve patterns
- Feed in schools, often chasing baitfish
- Sharp eyesight, especially in clear water
Overview of the Daiwa Double Clutch
The Daiwa Double Clutch is a premium hard-bodied jerkbait known for its responsive action and versatility. Designed with finesse fishing in mind, it excels in enticing finicky or cautious fish to strike, even in pressured waters. Its slim profile, suspending feature, and signature tungsten weight transfer system allow for accurate casting and consistent depth control.
Main Features of the Daiwa Double Clutch:
- Suspending action for maximum control in shallow waters
- Realistic body profile that mimics slender baitfish
- Internal weight transfer system for longer casts
- Comes in a variety of natural and flashy colors
- Equipped with razor-sharp treble hooks
Why the Double Clutch Is Effective for Garfish
When targeting garfish, lure presentation matters just as much as color or size. The Daiwa Double Clutch allows anglers to control the retrieve in such a way that mimics the erratic swimming motion of injured baitfish, which triggers a predator response in garfish. The lure’s suspending nature also helps keep it in the strike zone longer, giving the fish time to commit.
Its slim design is a key advantage, especially when fishing in clear water where garfish are cautious and selective. The thin profile makes the lure look like the small silvery baitfish that garfish naturally feed on, increasing your chance of a solid hook-up.
Advantages for Garfish Fishing:
- Perfectly matches baitfish size and profile
- Stays longer in the feeding zone due to suspending action
- Can be retrieved slowly or quickly depending on conditions
- Sharp hooks ensure secure hook-ups with thin-mouthed garfish
Best Techniques for Using the Daiwa Double Clutch
The Daiwa Double Clutch excels when used with a twitch-pause-twitch retrieve pattern. This technique imitates a wounded or fleeing baitfish, which is irresistible to fast-swimming predators like garfish. Varying your retrieve speed and pause duration can help match the activity level of the fish on any given day.
Step-by-Step Retrieval Tips:
- Cast the lure near structures or bait schools where garfish are likely to feed.
- Let the lure suspend just below the surface after it hits the water.
- Begin with a few sharp twitches of the rod tip followed by short pauses.
- Watch for surface strikes or tail swipes during the pause phase.
- Repeat with variation until you find a rhythm that triggers bites.
Ideal Gear Setup:
- Rod: Light to medium-light spinning rod (6’6-7′)
- Reel: 1000 to 2500 size spinning reel
- Main Line: 6-10 lb braided line for sensitivity
- Leader: 6-8 lb fluorocarbon leader for invisibility and abrasion resistance
Color Selection and Water Conditions
Choosing the right color can make a noticeable difference, especially when fishing in different water clarities. Garfish are visual feeders, so the more lifelike or contrasting the color, the better the results. The Daiwa Double Clutch offers a range of color patterns suitable for various environments.
Recommended Color Patterns:
- Clear or calm water: Use natural, translucent, or baitfish-colored patterns
- Cloudy or murky water: Try bright colors like chartreuse, gold, or orange
- Low light conditions: Go for darker shades or UV reflective designs
Targeting Other Species with the Same Setup
While the Daiwa Double Clutch is particularly effective for garfish, it is also a proven performer for other species that feed on small baitfish. This includes bream, bass, trout, trevally, and estuary perch. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any tackle box, especially for anglers who frequently switch between saltwater and freshwater environments.
This adaptability means you don’t have to carry different lures for every species you can simply change your technique and retrieve style to suit different targets.
Maintenance and Longevity of the Daiwa Double Clutch
Proper maintenance will keep your Daiwa Double Clutch performing at its best. After each use, especially in saltwater, rinse the lure with fresh water to remove any residue. Check the hooks regularly for sharpness and rust, and replace them as needed. Storing the lure in a dry, well-organized tackle box will prevent damage and preserve its finish.
Simple Care Tips:
- Rinse with clean water after each use
- Dry thoroughly before storage
- Sharpen or replace hooks if needed
- Store in individual compartments to prevent scratches
Targeting garfish can be a thrilling experience, especially when using a lure designed for precision and effectiveness like the Daiwa Double Clutch. With its realistic movement, responsive action, and quality construction, this lure has earned its place among the best options for light tackle anglers. Whether you’re fishing from the shore, a pier, or a boat, the Double Clutch can help you turn fast-swimming, sharp-eyed garfish into confident catches. Combined with the right technique and gear, it’s an essential tool for anyone serious about sport fishing success.