The Wigston Tassie truly bites like the Devil

Date: |
2/1/03 |
Tackle type: |
Lure |
Manufacturer: |
Wigston
Lures |
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.66
Introduction: Wigston Lures manufactures an exciting lure that has
steadily gained popularity from it's first introduction in Australia and the
surrounding region. The Tasmanian Devil, or Tassie, is a lure that can be
effectively fished a great variety of ways, and is effective on numerous species
of fresh and saltwater fish.
Wigston
Tasmanian Devil Specifications |
Material |
Plastic Shell, Lead core |
Weight |
7, 13.5, 20, 26 gram weights |
Length |
38-78mm |
Colors/Patterns |
85+ Available |
Diving Depth |
Variable to 6ft |
MSRP |
$2.99-5.00 (depends on size) |
About Wigston Lures: Eddie Wigston first opened a retail store in 1934 in
the town of New Norfolk in Tasmania where he sold radios, firearms, and tackle,
until he was joined by his sons Ian and Garth. Together the family began
experimenting with a variety of homemade fishing lures...and over a glass of
beer one Friday evening in the late 70's the concept of their first mass
production lures was born. In 1979 the production of Wigston branded lures
commenced.
Impressions: When we first received the Tasmanian Devil from Wigston
Lures we were not exactly sure what category of lure this curious product
resided in. With some of the characteristics of a spoon, jig, and trolling lure,
this product also displayed unique characteristics like a removable steel center
insert. We soon agreed that the Tasmanian Devil was unlike any other lure we
have tested to date.
 |
The Tassie
is imported from Tasmania Australia and can be bought in single or
multi-packs |
The Design: The Tassie consists of a hollow
weighted lead torpedo core that is surrounded by a plastic molding that includes
two curved wings. The lure comes with a wire loop and treble hook that can be
easily pulled out of the core. While various colors and designs can be applied
to the exterior of the lure it is important to note that the main design
attractors are encased beneath the plastic surface. This makes it so that no
matter how much structure or fish assail the lure the chief patterns and vibrant
colors remain just as vibrant as the day they first hit the water.
 |
The Tassie
comes with one stainless steel insert and treble hook which can be removed
easily. The lure can then be fished in a variety of rigs |
The Material: In the lure's humble beginning the outer shell was 2 pieces
pressed together and constructed with polystyrene and various acrylics which
painted very well but ultimately proved to be too brittle. Since 1985 Wigston
has been injection molding a much more durable one piece design, like the one
that we tested. While the Tassie's physical design has not changed since day one
the advance in technology has made the lure more user friendly, UV and impact
resistant.
 |
After
surviving pounding with various hammers we decided to put the Tassie through
the ultimate test...a smash test from underneath a 3,500lb Land Rover! |
To put the Tassie to the test we dropped it from a height of 6 feet, then struck
it numerous times with a rubber mallet, then a steel hammer...still no damage to
the core of the lure or the plastic molded casing. One of our other editors
joked that we should run the lure over with a car to see if it could withstand a
couple thousand pound load. Needless to say in a few minutes we found ourselves
rolling a Land Rover over the Tassie!
 |
While
temporarily flattened the lure suffered no damage to the plastic casing or
inner core...that's durability! |
When I got out of the car I expected to see a shattered, or at very least, a
crushed lure on the pavement. The entire team was absolutely amazed that
while the Tassie had been pressed straight it had suffered no physical damage to
the casing or core whatsoever! How many lures do you know can be run over by a
3,500lb vehicle and still remain intact? With some pressure we were able to bend
the lure right back to its proper curved position. We now knew this was among
the most sturdy lures that we have ever tested, but would fish strike it? We set
out on our field tests for the answer.
For the tests we used:
Complete Rig
for fishing the Wigston Tasmanian Devil |
Rod |
Kistler Helium LTA (6'9") |
Reel |
Shimano Chronarch 100A |
Line |
10lb Sufix DNA |
Targeting multiple species: While originally designed around a pelagic
species in Tasmania the Tassie has been used to fish many species of both fresh
and saltwater fish. Key to the Tassie's flexibility as a lure for many
applications is the combination of the ability to provide the lure with so many
size and color combinations coupled with a unique rocking motion that appeals to
many predatory fish. For our tests we targeted Trout and Bass to see just how
well these fish would react to the Tassie.
 |
The inner
core holds the painted pattern so that it looks as good as new no matter how
much damage the outer shell takes |
Fishing the Tassie a variety of ways: Just as Tassie can be used to
target a variety of fish the lure can be fished with a wide range of
configurations and techniques. The lure can be cast and retrieved, trolled, and
even jigged with success. The rig that you will choose will depend on the
conditions of the lake and your understanding of where you believe the fish are
residing at the given time. For example if you are fishing in a large lake with
a lot of area to cover then it would be a good idea to first troll the lake with
the Tassie to locate the aggressive and hungry fish. We had a great deal of
success trolling the Tassie in a number of various configurations for Trout,
while we had more success casting and jigging the standard out of the box rig
for Bass. For very detailed information on the various rigs that you can fish
the Tassie go to Wigston's illustrative
"Rigging Information."
 |
While it
does take a lot of pressure you can actually tune the Tassie to rock very
quickly by further bending the lure |
Casting Tassie:
Casting the Tassie can be done simply by tying your main line directly to the
stainless steel insert which is attached to the provided treble hook. For quick
color and weight changes we recommend using a swivel. The Tassie casts very well
and is easy to control with a good baitcasting rig. We fished the Tassie with
medium to fast retrieves with success. After the lure hits the water we allowed
a few seconds for the lure to sink, then we would retrieve through the strike
zone. This method proved very effective on largemouth bass which probably view
the fast rocking Tassie as a darting baitfish. Flicking your rod tip sends the
Tassie lurching and diving, which can help incite more reluctant bass to strike.
Because the Tassie is a very aerodynamic lure it can also be fished quickly,
good for burning the bait over structure.
A rod with a very sensitive tip is a big plus. The
action of the Tassie feels like a constant pulse on the rod tip. If the pulse is
erratic set immediately, if the pulse ceases or feels deadened it is possible
that you have fouled the hook with weed. Anglers that fish the Tassie should be
careful not to allow the Tassie to sink all the way to the bottom before
beginning your retrieve. During our tests we did snag up on a couple of weeds,
but in most cases was able to work out the hooks with patient tugging.
 |
Hook up the
Tassie to trolling attractors makes the lure even more productive in
trolling applications |
Trolling Tassie:
While the Tassie is a good lure for casting, it is an absolutely fantastic lure
for trolling! The Tassie is great for trolling for trout of all sizes by itself
or rigged up to additional trolling attractors. Because the lure is on a free
axis the Tassie will never twist your main line making it a trouble free for
even high speed trolling.
Have you ever had a large trout jump out of the
water once it is hooked only to have your lure dislodge? This is usually due to
the fact that the fish is able to shake the hook because it is directly attached
to the weight of the lure. To avoid this you can fish the Tassie without the
steel insert by putting the Tassie on your mainline followed by a bead and your
choice of hook. Now the lure is free to run up and down the line when in the
air.
Another interesting trick that works for high
speed trolling is what Wigston calls the "high speed rig." All you need to do is
turn the lure around so that it becomes even more arrow like, reducing
resistance in the water. Sure enough you can still generate a nice motion while
fishing faster for more aggressive fish. The Tassie works wonders in trolling
applications and should also prove effective in large lakes using dodgers and
downriggers.
 |
While good
for bass, the Tassie is a excellent lure for trout of all sizes in even the
clearest water where fish spook easily |
Jigging Tassie: In addition to casting and
trolling we had success on our bass boat jigging the Tassie like a spoon over
suspended fish. The lure can be quickly dropped down below the target zone and
flicked back and forth through the strike zone. Once you feel a strike simply
set the hook by pulling up on the rod tip. The Tassie is not as flashy as some
gold and silver metallic spoons but seems to work well when fishing on top of
easily spooked fish. The Tassie is good at enticing less aggressive fish to
investigate and consequently strike.
Ratings:
Wigston
Tasmanian Devil Ratings (?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
A good design using flexible yet durable
materials that can really take a beating....it survived being run over with
a SUV! The sealed casing makes this lure very environmentally friendly. |
9 |
Performance |
A good lure to target bass and especially
trout. An excellent choice for clear water applications where fish may spook
easily |
9 |
Price |
A reasonable price for a unique lure that most
fish in North America probably haven't encountered too much before |
8 |
Features |
A simple setup that can be fished many ways,
but doesn't have many features other then a design that works |
8 |
Design (Ergonomics) |
A good design that offers unique action, easy
to fish. Just make sure not to fish near heavily weeded structure as the
lure can snag up |
8 |
Application |
Good for so many multiple techniques that
include casting, trolling, and jigging |
10 |
Total Score |
8.66 |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus
Minus |
J
Many ways to fish Tassie |
L
Not Weedless |
J
Durable!!! |
L
May be hard to find locally |
J
Good Performance |
|
J
Many color/size choices |
|
Conclusion: Wigston may not be as well known on this side of the
Pacific...but the Tassie is definitely making a name for itself with each
passing month. Ever since the first lure rolled off the production line in 1979
Wigston continues to add more colors and sizes to its already robust lineup. One
of the most exciting new designs are the new Sparkler Lures which now offer a
flashier element to a proven design. While still somewhat difficult to find in
many local stores anglers that cannot find the lures at local shops can always
order the lures online from Cabelas. In all of our tests the Tassie performed
very well, and proved to be a proven fish catcher for both Trout and Bass. While
lure pattern and size selection is important, it is good to know that you have
over 90 patterns to pick from. The Tasmanian Devil has come a long way since
it's early roots in a small Tasmanian town, and truly does deserve a good look
if you are looking for a unique lure that you can fish many different ways for a
variety of gamefish, on both sides of the pond.
Until next time....Tight Lines!
