drigger

A drigger is a type of fishing lure designed to mimic the action of small prey struggling on the surface of the water. These lures are often characterized by their floating or surface-popping action, which is created by a combination of their design and the way they are retrieved by the angler. The typical drigger features a lip or a cupped face that displaces water when pulled, causing a splashing or chugging sound and visual disturbance. This erratic movement is intended to attract predatory fish by simulating injured baitfish or other small creatures that are vulnerable on the water's surface.

Driggers are particularly effective in calm to moderately choppy water conditions, where their surface commotion is easily visible and audible to fish. They are commonly used for species such as bass, pike, and other game fish that actively hunt by sight and sound. Anglers employ various retrieval techniques with driggers, including steady pops, erratic twitches, and slow drags, to find what triggers a strike. The color and size of a drigger can be varied to match the local forage or the prevailing light conditions, further enhancing its effectiveness. The name "drigger" itself often alludes to the "dragging" or "triggering" action that the lure imparts, aiming to provoke a reaction strike from a nearby predator.