Plugging Plugging is a term used by fisherman to refer to a style of fishing rivers. To plug you let out about fifty feet of line and make the plugs dive to the bottom where the fish are holding.
Most guides use plugging to help their clients catch fish.
The guide then covers the holding water with the proper boat movement, with the clients holding the pole or in rod holders. The bite is easily detectable when a fish hits. The guide can help set the hook by stroking hard on the oars when the strike occurs. Common plugs used in this manner are the Hot Shot, Tadpolly, Kwik fish, Flatfish and Hot n Tot. A common practice of the guides is to custom paint the plugs to meet the local fishing conditions.