CWC Gunslinger DS16 Soft Lure - 16 cm

Product highlights

The CWC Gunslinger DS is a soft lure specifically developed for vertical fishing and heavy drop shot rigs. Its slender silhouette instantly resembles a small forage fish, triggering the hunting instinct of even the wariest predators. Thanks to a carefully tuned soft material, it offers a fluid, natural action both during minimal, near-bottom animations and when retrieved faster in midwater.

Its profile evokes a smelt or a bleak, prey species common in many waters and particularly favored by large predators. This resemblance, combined with a tail designed to vibrate at the slightest solicitation, produces a realistic presentation with a simple rod movement. The Gunslinger DS therefore becomes an extremely effective soft lure for pelagic zander and other predators, even when fish are sluggish.

Built to withstand heavy rigs, it performs very well with powerful jigheads or a Texas rig suited to snaggy areas. This rigging versatility covers many situations: deep holes, bridge piles, pronounced breaks, rocky zones or artificial structures. For the angler, it is a true technical lure capable of handling strong currents as well as great lake depths.

Technical specifications

• Lure type: streamlined soft lure, ideal for vertical fishing and heavy drop shot.
• Shape: tapered body imitating a forage fish such as a smelt or bleak.
• Action: realistic motion with a responsive tail that comes alive at the slightest twitch or drift.
• Main use: precise deep-water probing, targeting pelagic zander and other predators in midwater or near the bottom.
• Recommended rigs: heavy jighead, Texas rig for snaggy areas, classic or heavy drop shot for controlled vertical presentation.
• Target species: zander, pike, large perch and other freshwater predators that feed on small fish.
• Suitable environments: lakes, reservoirs, large rivers, canals and deep zones with holes, breaks or structures.
• Range: available in multiple sizes and variants to match prey profile and fishing conditions.

Advantages and key strengths

The main strength of the Gunslinger DS lies in its ability to stay fishable even when worked very slowly. In vertical fishing, a simple rod tilt is enough to make the tail work and send precise vibratory signals, making it a formidable soft lure for fish holding tight to the bottom. This low-speed effectiveness is ideal when zander and other predators are inactive.

Another advantage is its compatibility with heavy rigs without losing attractiveness. Whether fishing in controlled drift on a large lake or in strong current on a river, the lure keeps a stable, readable action for predators. The angler therefore retains excellent feel in the rod, which helps detect the subtle bites typical of large zander.

The Gunslinger DS belongs to the family of CWC lures designed for specialists hunting large predators. Its design withstands demanding conditions while maintaining a natural presentation. Its resemblance to a common forage fish is a decisive asset when predators focus on a specific prey type.

Finally, it easily fits into a modern approach to vertical zander fishing or pelagic techniques. It allows alternating fine animations and stronger pulls without changing lures, saving time on the water and improving probing efficiency.

Usage tips

To get the most from the Gunslinger DS, use it with a sensitive rod dedicated to vertical fishing or heavy drop shot. In vertical fishing, position the boat or angler above the chosen spot (break, shallow bank, fish mark) then let the lure fall near the bottom before animating with small twitches, followed by pause phases during which the lure remains slightly lifted.

On a drop shot rig, adjust the distance between the weight and the lure to present the Gunslinger DS slightly above the bottom or at the depth of fish located on your sonar. Short rod tip movements are enough to animate the tail. Vary cadence and amplitude until you find the combination that triggers bites.

In snaggy areas or around structures (submerged wood, rocks, piles), prefer a Texas rig to reduce snagging. In great depths, do not hesitate to use heavier weighting to stay in contact with your soft lure and control drift. A discreet leader, for example fluorocarbon of a diameter suited to the targeted fish, often helps convince wary predators.

Also adapt drift speed and line angle relative to the boat or fishing position. Precise control of these parameters keeps the Gunslinger DS in the strike zone longer, significantly increasing your chances of hooking a large predator.

Testimonials

FAQ

Question 1 : Is the Gunslinger DS reserved only for vertical zander fishing?

Answer: No. While it excels at vertical zander fishing and heavy drop shot, this soft lure remains very effective on other predators such as pike or large perch. It can be used in drift, slow trolling or to probe deep lake and river zones, whenever fish feed on small baitfish.