
C&H Lures Lil Stubby Compact Trolling Plug
The C&H Lures Lil Stubby is a compact, flat-faced trolling plug that pops off your wake to attract mahi, sailfish, white marlin, and blackfin tuna. At 5-1/2 inches, it matches the fry-size baitfish that game fish feed on. Troll at 6-8 knots with or without a dead bait trailer. From $5.49 unrigged. Also check the C&H Wahoo Whacker and Wahoo Whacker XL for high-speed wahoo trolling from the same brand.
- Flat face pops off the wake for surface commotion
- 5-1/2 inch compact profile matches fry-size bait
- Troll 6-8 knots with or without dead bait
- Rigged or unrigged options available
- Multiple color choices from $5.49
Small Plug, Big Results
The Lil Stubby punches above its weight class. The compact flat face pushes water and creates a popping action that mimics the size of fry and juvenile baitfish that mahi, sailfish, and white marlin actively hunt. The small size makes it less intimidating to fish than larger trolling lures.
At $5.49 for unrigged versions, these are cheap enough to run a full spread of different colors. The compact size also makes them easy to pack and store. Serious offshore trollers keep a bag of Lil Stubbys for those days when fish want a smaller presentation.
At $5.49 for unrigged versions, these are cheap enough to run a full spread of different colors. The compact size also makes them easy to pack and store. Serious offshore trollers keep a bag of Lil Stubbys for those days when fish want a smaller presentation.
Flat Face Popping Action
The flat face pushes water and creates a popping, splashing action in the wake zone. This surface disturbance mimics fleeing baitfish and draws predators from below.
Fry-Size Profile
At 5-1/2 inches, the Lil Stubby matches the size of juvenile baitfish that pelagic species target. This compact profile works when larger lures get ignored.
Rigged or Unrigged Options
Choose pre-rigged for immediate deployment or unrigged if you prefer to rig with your own hooks and leader. The Mylar versions include added flash at a slight premium.
How to Troll the C&H Lil Stubby
1. If rigged, tie the swivel to your main line and deploy
2. If unrigged, rig with a 6/0-7/0 hook on 60-80 lb leader
3. Optionally trail a small ballyhoo or strip bait behind the plug
4. Deploy at 6-8 knots from short rigger or flat line
5. Position where the flat face pops in the wake
6. Run multiple colors to find the hot pattern
Specs & Common Questions
Everything you need to know before you buy
Full Specifications +
| Brand | C&H Lures |
| Length | 5-1/2 inches |
| Head | Flat face |
| Speed | 6-8 knots |
| Bait | With or without dead bait |
| Options | Rigged or unrigged, Mylar versions |
| Price | From $5.49 |
Can I add bait to this lure? +
Yes. Trail a small ballyhoo or strip bait behind the plug for added scent and visual appeal. Or fish it naked for a simpler setup. Check our ballyhoo rigging guide.
What is the best color for sailfish? +
Blue/pink and pink/white are popular sailfish colors. White/blue is another proven producer. Read our sailfish guide for spread setup tips.
How does this compare to the C&H Wahoo Whacker? +
Completely different lures. The Lil Stubby is a small surface popper for mahi and billfish at 6-8 knots. The Wahoo Whacker is a heavy bullet head for high-speed wahoo trolling up to 16 knots.
Why is the unrigged version cheaper? +
No hook, leader, or hardware costs. Rigged versions include hooks, leader, and swivels. If you rig your own, unrigged saves money.
Is this good for white marlin? +
Yes. White marlin feed on small baitfish and respond well to compact surface lures. The Lil Stubby is a proven white marlin producer on the mid-Atlantic and Gulf coast. See our white marlin guide.
What other C&H lures do you carry? +
The Wahoo Whacker and Wahoo Whacker XL for high-speed wahoo. Browse our full trolling lure collection for the complete lineup.



