“Send Down a Snake—Bring Up a Hog”
This page preserves original references from the October 1972 issue of Sports Afield, featuring the article “Send Down a Snake—Bring Up a Hog.” The article documents the use of oversized soft-plastic snakes to target trophy largemouth bass, a technique closely associated with DeLong Lures during this era.
Published more than a decade before oversized worms became widely popular, the article demonstrates early recognition of large, slow-moving soft plastics as effective tools for catching large bass in heavy cover and deep structure.
Publication Details
- Publication: Sports Afield
- Issue Date: October 1972
- Article Title: Send Down a Snake—Bring Up a Hog
- Species Focus: Largemouth Bass
- Technique: Large soft-plastic snake presentation
Original Scans


Sports Afield Magazine, October 1972 — “Send Down a Snake—Bring Up a Hog.”
Historical Context
This article represents early national coverage of oversized soft-plastic baits being used intentionally to target trophy-class bass. Its publication in Sports Afield—one of the most influential outdoor magazines of the 20th century—supports the historical timeline showing that DeLong-style giant worms and snakes were being fished successfully decades before they became mainstream.
Archive Reference
This page is part of the DeLong Lures Historical Archive and preserves independent third-party documentation related to the history of DeLong Lures and early soft-plastic lure innovation.