OSP DoLive Stick – Don’t Leave Home Without one
This soft plastic has something seriously special going on. I first heard about the Dolive Stick from a highly rated lure angler on one of the Facebook groups – Saltwater Lure Fishing. I cannot for the life of me remember his name (I do apologise), but he rated it as one of the most effective lures for bass he’s ever used. So naturally, I had to try it myself. And yep, I get it now. It’s the winner. Did I just go out and buy them? No, I didn’t – in fact, I had been given maybe 4 different varieties of the Dolive Stick and had never stuck one on. Until.
Experimenting with Lure Fishing
One day, whilst fishing one of our low water venues on the ebbing tide, I just wasn’t feeling it. Typical me – I was looking for every excuse under the sun why we weren’t catching that day. So, in a shallow gulley, I was experimenting by seeing how the lures came through the water. To be totally honest, I have never even given the lure’s action any consideration.
I tried an IMA Komomo 2 in the shallows, a Tacklehouse Feed Shallow, then just for the heck of it, I pulled out the Dolive Stick. I mean – It hasn’t even got an eye on it, unlike the Pirate Seducer. But as I wound it in with a micro slow retrieve, I was mesmerised at how life-like this bit of soft plastic actually was.
Reel it too fast, and it would come straight to the surface and stay on it. But I later found out that some lure fishermen use this as a tactic to entice the bass into a strike. Because then a pause, and it would descend into the water columns. This is when bass (If they are around) can strike – boom!
Bass Totally Out Of The Blue
I shouted over to my mate and said, “Have you ever seen a DoLive Stick in the water? They look amazing.” As I turned to look back down at the lure weaving through the water, a monster bass looked like it was just about to nail my DoLive Stick. Then the crafty lump swerved it right as it was about to devour my lure.
It wasn’t what I was expecting – this fish had taken me unawares. I was mucking around, not fishing. Lesson learnt.
What Is the OSP DoLive Stick?
At first glance, the OSP DoLive Stick looks pretty simple. It’s a soft plastic lure that comes in different sizes (I tend to go for the 6-inch), and it’s not flashy or weirdly shaped like some of the others out there. But don’t be fooled — this thing has bass-catching magic built in.
The shape, the density, and the way it moves through the water all come together in a way that just works. You can fish it weightless or rig it weedless, and it absolutely nails that natural slalom-style action when you do a slow, straight retrieve.
Why Is It So Good?
Honestly, it’s hard to explain exactly why it works, but it just does. A few things are going on:
- Natural Action: Even with a straight retrieve, the DoLive Stick has this subtle, side-to-side wiggle that mimics a wounded baitfish.
- Versatile: Fish it weightless, Texas-rigged, or on a belly-weighted hook. It adapts to how you want to fish.
- Slow Sink: It falls slowly and horizontally, which makes it ideal for shallow water or when bass are feeling a bit lazy.
- Castability: Despite being unweighted, it still casts surprisingly well, which is a massive bonus for shore anglers like us.
How Anglers Fish It
Most anglers prefer to fish the DoLive Stick weightless and weedless using a 5/0 or 6/0 wide gape hook (something like the Owner Twistlock or Mustad options). I’m a big fan of fishing it with either:
- A straight retrieve, where the lure swims in a natural slalom.
- Or the classic twitch-pause-wind technique, which gives it more erratic, darting action.
He also reckons the solid white version (especially the 6-inch) is a killer when the water’s a bit coloured or when fishing at night. And that makes total sense — that solid silhouette just seems to stand out better in low visibility.
Is It Durable?
Not really. Like a lot of soft plastics, the DoLive Stick can tear after a few good hits — but it’s nothing a bit of Mend-It glue can’t sort out. Henry even wrote a separate blog post about how he repairs his to get as much life out of them as possible. It’s worth keeping a tube of glue in your tackle bag.
Best Conditions for the DoLive Stick
This is one of those lures that can work almost anywhere, but in my experience, it shines when:
- The water is calm and clear or lightly coloured
- You need a subtle, non-spooky presentation
- You’re working around weed, snags or structure
- Bass are being picky or cautious
I’ve personally found it deadly when the sea is flat and there’s little movement, especially early morning or late evening when bass are cruising.
Keith’s Top Tip 💡
Don’t overwork it. Less is more with the DoLive Stick. Let the lure do the work — slow things right down and trust the action. Fish it like a dying baitfish that doesn’t want to be seen. The temptation is always to twitch and jerk, but sometimes just a slow glide through the zone is all it takes.
FAQ – OSP DoLive Stick
What size OSP DoLive Stick should I use for bass?
The 6-inch version is the most popular size for bass anglers, and for good reason — it’s got the right balance of profile, casting weight, and subtle movement. It’s big enough to draw attention but not so bulky that it puts fish off. That said, if you’re targeting smaller schoolies or the bass are shy, you could drop down a size.
How should I rig the DoLive Stick for bass fishing?
The most common way is weedless and weightless using a 5/0 or 6/0 wide gape hook. Something like an Owner Twistlock or Mustad Wide Gape works a treat. This setup gives you that slalom-style glide through the water and helps avoid snags. You can also fish it Texas-rigged with a belly-weighted hook if you need to get down a bit more or fight through swell or deeper water.
Can I cast it far even though it’s unweighted?
Yes, and that’s one of the reasons people love it. The plastic is dense enough to give it some weight, so you can still get a decent chuck out of it even without lead. You won’t reach the same distance as with a metal jig, of course, but it’s more than enough for most inshore bass situations.
What kind of retrieve works best?
Two methods work really well. First is a straight slow retrieve — just wind it in steadily and let the lure do the work. It glides and shimmies naturally without needing you to twitch it. The second method is the twitch-pause-wind technique, which makes it dart and fall like an injured baitfish. Both methods work, so it’s worth switching between them to see what the bass want on the day.
Is it any good in coloured water?
Absolutely — especially the solid white version. Henry Gilbey swears by it in murky or coloured water and even for night fishing. That bold silhouette stands out well and helps bass hone in on the lure. If you’re fishing after a blow or in estuary water with some colour, it’s a great shout.
Does it tear easily like other soft plastics?
It’s not the toughest out there, no. After a few fish, you’ll probably see some damage, especially around the hook point. But a bit of Mend-It glue or similar will keep it going much longer. Just patch it up between sessions and you’ll get your money’s worth.
When’s the best time to use it?
Calm conditions and shallow water are perfect. When the sea is glassy and you’re struggling to get takes on flashier lures, the DoLive Stick often comes into its own. Bass seem to love that soft, subtle, dying baitfish vibe. It’s also ideal around weed beds, rocks, and snags where you need to avoid getting hung up.
Final Thoughts – Get One in the Box
If you haven’t given the OSP DoLive Stick a go yet, you’re seriously missing out. It’s one of those lures that doesn’t look like much in the packet, but once it’s in the water, you see why it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re fishing clear, shallow ground or just having one of those days where nothing seems to be working, this thing can flip the session on its head.
Keep a few in your lure box – especially the solid white version – and don’t be afraid to fish it slow and simple. That subtle, natural action does the talking. Trust me, once you’ve seen a big bass stalk it out of nowhere, you won’t leave home without one again.
