Stay in Touch - Join us on Instagram
If you’re serious about targeting meter-plus pike, the Gator Catfish 35cm in Trusty paired with the VMC Mustache Rig 22g in Cappuccino is a combo that demands attention. This setup isn’t for the faint-hearted, it’s a heavy, deliberate approach to drawing strikes from the biggest, meanest predators in your waters. And after plenty of time on the water, I can confidently say: this pairing delivers.
The Setup – Gator Catfish + Mustache Rig
I’ve been running this combo rigged shallow with my homemade stinger system, using 80lb+ heavy-duty split rings and swivels and BKK UV Orange trebles (size 2/0 fits perfectly). Fully assembled, the bait weighs in at a chunky 180g and measures 38cm from head to tail, a serious piece of plastic that clearly says “trophy hunt mode”.
It’s not a finesse bait. This is a big-commitment lure built to tempt only the largest fish in the system.
Action & Performance
The Gator Catfish’s unique tail design is what sets it apart. It combines a long, flowing curl tail with a thick paddle at the end, producing a hypnotic rolling action and relentless vibration. Even in cold or coloured water, this thing shouts for attention.
The VMC Mustache Rig adds another layer of attraction. Its large, moustache-style bucktail skirt not only increases the profile but also adds hang time on the pause, helping to keep the lure in the strike zone for longer during slow retrieves. The 22g slow-sink head gives you control over depth while maintaining a smooth, natural fall.
When worked with the rod tip high and a slow, steady wind, you can run the bait just inches under the surface, perfect for drawing out following fish or ambushing pike that are sitting shallow over structure.
Gear Matters
You’ll need serious kit for this one. I’m throwing it on a Shimano Tranx 401 loaded with near 100lb Sufix braid, matched to a 150g-rated rod. It’s the kind of setup that gives you the casting power and control to handle these large baits and the brutal takes that follow.
Results on the Water
This combo has already produced some stunning results for me:
- 🐊 Best fish so far: 102cm / 19lb 6oz
- 🐊 Most recent: 100cm / 14lb 3oz
Whether it’s early spring, late autumn, or even the cold depths of winter, when the big mamas are cruising slow and deep, this lure has consistently brought them up.
Final Thoughts – Gator Catfish + Mustache Rig
The Gator Catfish + Mustache Rig isn’t just another big-bait setup, it’s a statement of intent. It’s for anglers who are ready to upsize both their gear and their ambitions. If your goal is to tempt the true giants, this combo has everything: presence, movement, and pure pike-provoking power.
