Reaper Rig Small Bare | Slim Dead Bait Rig

Slim Reaper – Subtle, Discreet, Deadly

The Reaper Rig Small Bare, also known as the Slim Reaper, is designed for smaller bait presentations when pelagic fish are finicky, pressured or picky.

Built for 10–15cm (4–6in) baits, this slim-profile trolling head delivers natural swimming action in a more discreet format compared to larger rig heads.

If fish are shy… this is the one you run.

Designed for Smaller Baits

When pelagics get picky, a slimmer, more natural presentation can be the difference between a look… and a bite.

Ideal for:

Pilchards
Small garfish
Slim profile baitfish
Smaller slimy mackerel

Perfect when:

Fish are pressured
Water is clear
Fish are feeding cautiously
You want a more natural presentation

Pro move: Match bait size first—then fine-tune hook and wire choice for your target species.

Small bait trolling presentation with slim baitfish and rig for clear water and pressured pelagics

Natural, slim profile presentation Great for clear water & cautious feeders.

What “Bare” Means

The Reaper Rig Small Bare includes:

✔ Slim Reaper head only
✔ Stainless through-rod

It does NOT include:

✖ Hooks
✖ Wire trace
✖ Swivels
✖ Terminal tackle

This allows you to customise your own preferred hook and wire setup.

Built Smart, Built Strong

Despite its lightweight and plastic head construction, the Reaper Rig Small Bare is reinforced with a:

2mm thick stainless steel through rod
High-strength internal structure
Corrosion-resistant components

Even in hard, high-speed pelagic runs, the stainless rod maintains structural integrity.

Bare weight:
16g (0.5 oz)

Gear Tip: When targeting mackerel or wahoo with smaller baits, use a light but bite-resistant wire trace. A lighter setup improves swimming action while still reducing bite-offs.

Why the Reaper Rig Works

The design started with a silicone mould of a pilchard head — one of the most commonly used trolling baits.

From there, resin prototypes evolved into a durable aluminium cone body that:

Locks bait securely
Creates natural tail kick
Maintains consistent tracking
Eliminates spin
Reduces re-rigging time

Unlike many trolling rigs that require 5–10 minutes of adjustment to swim correctly, the Reaper Rig is designed to work almost immediately.

Mahi mahi caught trolling reaper rig dead bait setup

Built to Be Reusable – Slim Edition

The Reaper Rig Small Bare is not a disposable trolling head. Designed specifically for smaller 10–15cm baits, this slim version delivers subtle presentation while maintaining structural strength where it matters.

Even if hooks or wire need replacing after multiple sessions, the core rig head remains intact — giving you long-term reliability instead of a single-use setup.

Reinforced plastic head for lightweight, discreet presentation
2mm stainless steel through-rod for strength during hard fights
Built for repeated use across multiple bait sessions
Easy to re-rig with your preferred wire, leader and hook configuration

Pro Tip: Keep spare split rings and wire in your kayak tackle pouch. The Slim version’s compact head makes re-rigging quick — so you can reset and get back in the strike zone fast.

Pink reaper rig slim/small full assembly fully rigged with pink head and treble stinger setup

Recommended Rigging Setup

For best performance:

Run split rings at both ends of the stainless rod
Avoid tying leader directly to the front hole
The front hole may have sharp edges that can cause abrasion

This ensures durability and protects your leader from premature wear.

Customisable Hook Options

The Reaper Rig Small Bare can be rigged with:

Ganged single J-hooks
Double treble stingers
Combination single + treble
Your preferred wire gauge

Every angler rigs slightly differently — this version gives you full control.

Simple Setup – Under 15 Seconds

Insert bait (pilchard, slimy mackerel, etc.)
Lock the head using the scythe-style locking mechanism
Rig your hooks
Deploy

Fast. Secure. Effective.

When fish go shy, go Slim. Build your custom pelagic setup with the Slim Reaper Bare.

❓Kayak Fishing Rigs – Basics

What is the best rig for kayak trolling?

The best rig depends on your target species, but for pelagics many kayak anglers use a dead-bait trolling rig with wire leader. A compact, hydrodynamic head helps maintain natural swimming action at lower kayak trolling speeds.

Should I use wire or fluorocarbon for mackerel?

For toothy species like mackerel, wire leader is usually recommended to reduce bite-offs. Fluorocarbon may get more bites in clear water, but it increases the risk of losing fish. Many anglers compromise by using short wire at the front and mono or fluorocarbon behind.

What trolling speed works best from a kayak?

Most kayak trolling is done between 3–6 knots, depending on bait type and sea conditions. The key is to maintain a natural swimming action without spinning. Always watch your bait beside the kayak before setting it back.

How far behind the kayak should I troll my bait?

A common starting distance is 30–50 metres behind the kayak. In clear, calm water you may extend further. In busy boat traffic or rough water, shorter distances can help maintain better control.

What hook setup works best for dead bait trolling?

Many anglers use ganged single hooks for better penetration or treble stinger setups for higher hookup rates. The best setup depends on bait size, target species, and your personal preference.

Why is my bait spinning instead of swimming?

Spinning is usually caused by incorrect alignment, too much speed, or poorly secured hooks. Slow down, check that the bait sits straight in the rig head, and ensure hooks are positioned evenly along the body.

Is dead bait trolling effective from a kayak?

Absolutely. Kayaks create less engine noise and wake than boats, which can make presentations appear more natural. With the right rig and speed control, dead bait trolling can be extremely effective from a kayak.

❓FAQs - Everything and more

What is the Reaper Rig Small Bare (Slim) rig?

The Slim Reaper (Small) – BARE is a dead-bait trolling rig head supplied with no hooks, wire, or terminal hardware. It’s designed for small baits (10–15cm / 4–6in) and is ideal when you want a slimmer, more natural presentation.

Does the Reaper Rig Small Bare version include hooks, wire, or hardware?

No. BARE means head only. You choose your preferred hooks (singles, trebles/stingers, or a combination), your wire/leader, and your connection hardware to suit your target species and local rules.

What bait size suits the Slim Reaper (Small)?

The Slim Reaper is designed for 10–15cm (4–6in) baits such as pilchards, small garfish, slim-profile baitfish and smaller slimy mackerel. It’s the go-to choice when fish are picky or conditions are clear.

Why choose the Slim Reaper over the Medium Reaper?

Choose the Slim when you want a smaller, subtler profile for cautious fish, pressured areas, or crystal-clear water. The Slim is built around smaller baits and a more discreet swim compared with larger heads designed for bigger offerings.

What species is the Slim Reaper designed to target?

It’s built for pelagic predators that hunt small baitfish—think mackerel, tuna, bonito, and other speedsters. The slim profile can also be a smart choice when fish are feeding cautiously and refusing bulkier presentations.

How much does the Reaper Rig Small Bare weigh?

In bare form (no hooks/wire), the Slim Reaper weighs approximately 16g (0.5oz). A lighter, compact head can help keep the presentation looking natural on small baits.

What hooks can I use with the Slim Reaper (Bare)?

You can rig it with ganged single J-hooks, treble stingers, or a mix of singles and trebles. The Reaper Rig Small Bare version is perfect if you already have a preferred hook brand, size, and hookup style.

Does trolling speed affect the swimming action?

Yes—bait action is speed dependent. Start slow and increase until the bait swims cleanly without spinning. Small baits can be more sensitive to speed, so fine-tuning is key.

How fast can I rig a bait with the Slim Reaper?

Very fast. The design is made for quick bait loading and consistent alignment—ideal when you want to re-rig quickly after a bite, a missed strike, or a chewed-up bait.

Can I run garfish with the Slim Reaper?

Yes. Garfish can work extremely well. Many anglers snap the beak off so the head seats properly. A handy prep trick is to pinch along the backbone to loosen the flesh and improve swimming action.

Should I run light drag when trolling?

Yes. A common approach is light drag on the strike so the fish can take and run. Too much drag early can increase the risk of pulling hooks. Once the run stabilises, you can gradually increase drag.

How far back should I troll the Slim Reaper?

A good starting point is 30–50 metres behind the boat, then adjust based on boat traffic, wind/current, and how the fish are reacting. In quiet conditions you can often run them a little further back.

What do I do if the bait looks wrong in the water?

Try a quick reset: hit neutral, make a sharp turn, let the bait sink for a few seconds, then accelerate. This can help correct bait behaviour and sometimes triggers a strike.

Can I add flash like holographic tape or decals?

Yes. Many anglers add reflective/holographic lure tape or decals for extra flash—especially in clear water or bright conditions. It’s a simple DIY upgrade to help increase visibility and attraction.

What is the head made from—and is it strong enough?

The Reaper Rig Small Bare uses a plastic head design, reinforced by a 2mm thick stainless steel through-rod to keep you connected after hookup. It’s built to handle hard-fighting fish when rigged correctly.

Why do you recommend split rings at both ends?

We recommend split rings at both ends of the stainless rod. The front hole can have sharp edges, so tying leader directly to the hole may increase the chance of abrasion. Split rings help protect your leader and improve longevity.

What wire strength should I use for toothy fish?

For toothy species like mackerel, many anglers use a stronger bite-resistant wire up front to reduce bite-offs. Your ideal wire depends on fish size, pressure, and local conditions—however a solid starting point is a 44lb single-strand wire. If you tell us your target species, we’ll recommend a simple setup.

What colours does the Slim Reaper come in?

The Slim Reaper is available in five colours: Pink, Pearl White, Clear with Silver Fleck, Transparent Red, and Blue with Silver Fleck. Choose based on water clarity, light levels, and how “picky” fish are on the day.

Is the Slim Reaper suitable for beginners?

Yes. It’s designed to be simple and user-friendly compared with traditional dead-bait trolling rigs that can be fiddly to pin and tune. The goal is consistent bait action with less trial-and-error.

Lure Us In is an Australian fishing brand founded by Gold Coast angler Alan Agyik, created to deliver smarter, faster and more effective trolling solutions. After years of real-world testing from kayaks and jet skis, Alan developed the Reaper Rig—a streamlined trolling system designed to be quick to bait, easy to use and incredibly effective in the water. Proven on species like mackerel, tuna, wahoo and mahi mahi, the Reaper Rig features a unique stainless steel scythe locking system that secures bait in seconds—so you spend less time rigging and more time fishing. Built tough with laser-cut stainless steel components, Lure Us In gear is made to perform in demanding conditions and deliver consistent results. Designed by anglers. Tested in the ocean. Built to catch fish.