This experience led me to further experiment other different setups and retrieves with the TUG. During cooler days or when I was not observing any surface follows, I decided to change things up significantly and used a split ring and a braid to fluorocarbon setup. I switched to 80lb braid with a Seaguar 30lb Gold Label leader which enabled the TUG to glide deeper.

Spend enough time with the TUG and you can determine what style of retrieve best meet's your application. This is a technical bait and I found the learning curve longer than many other traditional glides

I was able to impart strong subsurface gliding action with this setup and using LiveScope I could see that I was soon getting more follows. Varying my retrieves and mixing in pauses the suspended fish started following and it was only a matter of time before I got a few to commit. I feel like the Glide Leap system helps add some extra action and vibration after each surge, and it does put out a noticeable knocking sound as it is retrieved which seems to draw some extra attention.

I believe the weight also acts as a hard thumping rattle during more aggressive retrieves. You can really hear and feel it during casting and splashdown

When I wanted the bait to go even deeper or work the bait faster underwater I added some of Baitsanity’s own .72 adhesive tungsten weights (sold separately) on the belly to counter the floating tail and achieve the suspension rate I was looking for. Do not be afraid to experiment and make tweaks to how you fish the TUG, in fact I think making those adjustments is more important to revealing the full potential of this bait versus many other swimbaits that are designed to be fished a specific way.

Price & Applications: The Baitsanity TUG is an interesting swimbait and while it is Baitsanity’s best glide it is also the company’s most technical one. This is not a bait that most anglers will be able to simply tie on and be able to instantly fish successfully. While it is possible to get lucky, like Fahad did the very first time he demonstrated the bait for me, the adage that “you need to put in the time with this swimbait” absolutely applies to the TUG.

The TUG is a glidebait that has a lot of potential, but to fully unlock that potential there really is no substitute for time on the water experimenting with different retrieves and rod movements to really maximize the bait’s drawing power.

The Antidote TUG can be an effective when targeting both surface feeding and suspended fish

While I personally really like the TUG, and find it extremely exciting to fish, I also do not recommend this bait for anglers that are just getting into swimbait fishing or would prefer glides with a more straightforward retrieve. While it is possible to fish the TUG like a traditional glide with a regular retrieve it is a waste of the lure’s potential and there are other swimbaits, including Baitsanity’s own Antidote and Explorer glides, that are much more affordable and easier to fish in this way. The TUG is a bait that will reward those that spend the time to really learn how to create both the hard-hitting subsurface action and mimic a trout’s surface feeding behavior. This requires both pairing the lure with the right reel and line setup, as well as learning how to twitch and sweep your rod to generate those actions.

The adage "you need to put time into this bait" definitely applies to the TUG. I had to practice the many different retrieves and make adjustments to different conditions for a while before I felt somewhat dialed in

Retailing for $139.99 the Antidote TUG is by far the most expensive Baitsanity swimbait to date. The bait’s name may be a little confusing for anglers as the Explorer Series of swimbaits have always represented the brand’s higher end lures, and the Antidote Glide is the company’s most affordable glidebait. The Antidote TUG features some of the similar resin construction and front profile as the value-oriented Antidote Series but that is where the similarities end. Everything else about the bait’s design, features, and construction are higher end. It would have been easier to give the bait a new series name, or simply call it the Explorer TUG.

Weighing in at 4oz. the Antidote TUG can be fished with many different rods but a dedicated swimbait specific rod is best

While $139 is a new high for Baitsanity it still will not be sticker shock for the big bait enthusiasts at which the lure is targeting. This is less than most custom-made swimbaits and when compared to other high-end production-class baits it falls close to middle of the pack. Other baits to consider at this price point include the more affordable Gancraft 230 which retails for $119 and proven fish catcher that is the Deps Slide Swimmer 250 which costs $169.00. I do not think that the TUG can replace, or displace, either of these revered baits but it does offer something unique and is a worthy addition to the arsenal.

When there is trout in the water the TUG can really be deadly

In terms of fun factor, the Antidote TUG ranks high. There is a lot to explore with this bait and I found myself constantly focusing on different ways to exploit the versatility of retrieve styles this bait offers. The TUG is also exceptionally durable, and it resists hook rash better than other Baitsanity baits due to the combination of the 3D finish and paintwork. The carbon fiber pectoral fins have the added benefit of providing some shielding from rash in high friction areas, and the sealed rear section ensures that the carbon tail never sees any damage. I personally never put any scent on the fish knit fins, and rarely use scent on any of my hard-bodied swimbaits (minus the Deps 250), but it is good to know that it is another way to tailor the bait to your fishing style. I like the knit fins which hold up better than the Explorer’s plastic fins and look high-end, like the highlights on name brand sneakers.

The TUG is a very innovative bait and the most technical Baitsanity offering yet

In terms of availability the Antidote TUG will start shipping in mid November and is available for pre-order from Tackle Warehouse. As with so many other products shortages on materials and labor have wreaked havoc on supply and logistics and initial quantities may be limited but should ramp up in time for the holiday season.

Ratings: (We've re-calibrated our ratings standard for 2008 and have included a key at the bottom of the following matrix as a guide):