Hunting for the Best BassTrix Hooks?

By now, you have likely got your hands on some BassTrix Paddle Tail Swimbaits or some of the many similar baits by now. Now you have a different dilemma....

Almost as difficult of a search to get these soft plastic swimbait bodies, is now trying to find the proper hook. Odds are, you do not have the proper hooks in your box to fish them, so now you need to find some. Also likely, your local tackle shop either does not carry them or is out of them because somebody has already cleaned their stock out. I had the same dilemma when I bought my BassTrix and went to Clarks Hill in November, I really did not have the right hooks to get the job done. You need a 5/0 or bigger hook & usually a belly weight of some kind to keep your bait down. Since then, I have done some research and some scouting, the following is what I have found:

The so called BassTrix experts have identified two hooks in particular as their favorites:

Mustad Ultra Point Power Locks - 3 Hooks = $4.99 - $1.67/hook


6/0 Falcon Lures Super Line Bait-Jerker Hooks - 4 hooks = $5.19 - $1.67/hook


You may notice, that I am showing off all these hooks rigged in a 6" Money Minnow. That is because I did not want to tear up my BassTrix baits for this demonstration. As I mentioned, the previous two hooks are the supposed preferred, but just like the BassTrix, many other alternatives have come out to fill the demand. Kind of depends on your preference for a hook with a bait keeper or the offset style. So here a few more options:

Owner TwistLock - 3 hooks = $4.49 - $1.50/hook


V&M Frog Hook - 4 Hooks = $4.50 - $1.13/hook


Venom Weighted Sickle Hooks - 6 Hooks = $2.99 - $0.50/hook


Gamakatsu Weighted SuperLine EWG - 4 Hooks = $5.99 - $1.50/hook


Here is a picture of the Money Minnow & 6" BassTrix (Trout) side by side


Also here are a few more hooks that I have found, but have not bought or tried

CritterBait Weighted Swimbait Hooks - 5 hooks = $5.99 - $1.20/hook
CritterBait Weighted Swim Bait Hooks Color Selections" src="http://www.landbigfish.com/images/store/swatches/CRB-WSBH.jpg" vspace=5>
Davis X Swim Weighted Hook - $4.99 per Pack

Davis X Swim Screw Locks Hook - $5.49 per Packs



Also, Lake Fork Tackle makes a swimbait hook 5/0. 7/0, & 10/0 in various weights, a little harder to find right now, do not have any, but the look pretty good. $5.99 per pack.

















All in all, there are more options available, if you favorite stores or internet retailers do not have the hook you want, there are many selling these brand name hooks on eBay as well as some individuals making their own weighted hooks up to 7/0 or 8/0 that also sell those on eBay.

Not sure if I have helped you or confused you more on your quest for the perfect hooks for your BassTrix Baits. I think I like the 6/0 Falcons & the 5/0 Mustads best, but the 5/0 V&M Frog hook might be the best value.

Rich
RichLindgren.com
Rich's Bassin' Forum

Beef up your Buzz Toad with the new Hack Attack Hook!

Most of you have noticed the growing popularity of buzz frogs and toads like the Zoom Horny Toad, Gambler Cane Toad, Sizmic Toad or many others. The reason is, they flat out catch fishm and big'uns! There are a couple drawbacks:
Frog rolling over
Sometimes poor hook ups
Enough weight for long casts

It looks like Tru-Tungsten & Greg "Hack Attack" Hackney have come up with a hook that solves all those issues - Tru-Tungsten Hack Attack Frog Hook
The Tru-Tungsten “Hack Attack” Frog Hook design helps provide extra casting distance while landing on its belly to prevent weeds from fouling the bait. It also keeps the bait keeled to prevent rolling or rocking of the frog. The unique double hook rigging prevents plastics from pulling down, resulting in fewer missed fish. Enjoy the benefits of more hook-ups and multiple fish without tearing each plastic frog!



You simply squeeze the hooks together, feed thru the nose of your bait. Once thru the nose, let the hooks open an insert those two giant gaffs into the back of the bait. Cast into your favorite grass bed and hold on ;)

BassTrix Fat Minnow Paddle Tail Video

I have been looking around for a video of the BassTrix swimming under water to show of its action and so people can kind of see what the buzz is all about. So here is a video off of YouTube.

It is kind of a short video, but really shows off the action of the bait. Not sure which hook or weight its rigged with, as that can actually effect the action quite a bit.

Hope you like it!
Rich
RichLindgren.com
Rich's Bassin' Forum

Got Ima???

Ima Baits may be the best Japanese crafted baits that you have not heard of..... I have one of the Flit 120 and it is a sweet looking bait. Its brand new for 2008!
I cannot wait for things to thaw here in MN and attack some pre-spawn smallmouth & largemouth. Lucky for you, chances are, you live south of me, you have open water and its just about Jerkbait season......

Also new for 2008, is the Roumba wakebait, designed by Elite Series Pro Fred Roumbanis!

IMA Japan Flit 120
Ima combined Michael Murphy's Biology expertise with its own advanced technology and the Flit 120 was born. The Flit 120, named for its erratic fleeing action and 120mm length was designed on the basic premise of "matching the hatch." The Ima Jerkbait, at its cross section is triangular in shape to closely mimic the flat-sided Herring and Panfish prey, common in the U.S. The Flit 120 incorporates a realistic finish, a uniquely designed bill for ease of use and specially designed triangular chambers. This creates constant focal points of contact maximizing vibration and sound consistency. The Ima Flit 120 is the next generation jerkbait that will enhance your fishing experience.

IMA Japan Roumba
The ROUMBA is a unique bait that creates a natural wake by “wobbling” side to side along the water’s surface while producing an enticing sound that makes fish bite. This bait is designed to work best when fished over shallow aquatic grass, such as milfoil and hydrilla. It’s also extremely effective around boat docks, lay-downs, brush piles, and standing timber.
Fish the bait with a slow, steady retrieve. Be sure to keep the rod tip up and get ready for a massive bass explosion!

IMA Japan Shaker
This bait REALLY shakes it up! It’s designed for early spring and late fall when water temps are 50-65 degrees and runs 3’ to 5’ deep. The ima Shaker works best when shad are on the move in the shallows. With a medium speed retrieve the bait will produce a wide wobbling action starting in the HEAD of the bait and working its way through the entire bait. The ima Shaker features a weight transfer system allowing the bait to travel up to distances of 60 ft on the cast. Coupled with greater accuracy this bait is no match for its counterpart, the balsa bait.

Best results are in the back of the creeks and up in the rivers thrown around wood, stumps and rocks. This is a great bait for getting reaction strikes when nothing else seems to be working. Use it on a medium to medium-light crank bait rod with a 5:1 or 6:1 gear ratio reel, whichever you prefer and use it on 8 to 12 pound line, and watch it fill your live well up.

Hope you like these baits as much as I!!!!