In Engineering, the best solution is typically the simplest one. Roberts Rangers simple plug design makes them durable, castable, and fishable.
Roberts Rangers are made with 304 stainless steel through wire and Acrylonitrile- Butadiene- Styrene (ABS) plastic, which has a high impact resistance. In theory, these high quality materials and a propriety molding process gives Roberts Rangers durability. In practice, Roberts Rangers survive the strong jaws and teeth of bluefish. They bounce off of the rocks on Montauk, Cuttyhunk, and the Cape Cod Canal. I do not know of any other plug on the market that can take this abuse and still be fished.
The areodynamic design and internal weighing of the Roberts Rangers gives the plug awesome castablity. When the fish are far out, I cast a Roberts Ranger. When there is a strong onshore wind, I cast a Roberts Ranger.
The top water action of Roberts Rangers has made them the top bluefish plug since 1970. But! They also catch striped bass, false albacore, bonito, weakfish, Spanish mackerel, peacock bass, European sea bass, giant trevally (a.k.a. GT), bluefin travellay, barracuda, leerfish (a.k.a. queenfish), yellow fin tuna, bluefin tuna, blackfin tuna, barramundi, jack crevalle, tarpon, ladyfish, marlin, and roster fish. Hence, I always carry at least three Roberts Rangers in my plug bag in different colors and sizes. Day or night. From the first day of spring to the last day of fall. I fish them on every trip.
The only modification that I make to my Roberts Rangers is to replace the rear hook with a custom tail. I tie my own tails in matching colors using a multi-layered threading and epoxy process on VMC siwash hooks. This small modification enhances the action and extends the color profile of the plug.
If you fish for inshore species from shore, boat, or kayak, then you best carry Roberts Rangers with you. They are available in sizes from 1 3/4 oz to 4 oz in solid colors like yellow and chrome and two tone colors like red/white and blue/white. You can order them from Roberts Rangers or buy them at the New England Saltwater Fishing Show at 50% off for blems. The fish do not notice blemishes! Trust me!! Stock up!!! 😉
