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!!!!

A Carrot Stix a day....

Hopefully will keep the doctor away but not keep you from loading the boat with plump bass!
Check out these innovative new rods that Classic Champ Boyd Duckett helped develop. They are supposed to be super light and actually have some carott or cellulose fibers in its construction.....
Plus they are pretty sweet looking!!!

e21 Boyd Duckett Classic Gold Casting Carrot Stix
Designed by Boyd Duckett, 37th Bassmaster Classic World Champion and Ken Whiting the “Wizard of Rods”, our new Classic Gold series is a striking combination of versatility and performance From its high tech “Stress Free” blank design in high modulus graphite and Nano Cellulose Bio-Fibers to its anodized scandium weight port butt cap the Classic Gold series is on fine piece of fishing equipment. Meticulous attention to detail is paid to the construction of each and every Classic Gold rod as noted by many inherent features, which would typically only be found on custom rods. For example, locking wraps on each single foot guide, guides with no ceramics to crack or fall out, our easy access weight port for personal balancing and our own in house “Maximum Exposure II” split reel seat for the ultimate in blank/hand contact and sensitivity. In terms of performance the Classic God Carrot Stix series exhibits an extremely well balanced combination of lure presentation, castability and overall rod control. As Boyd said, “If this wasn’t the sweetest rod I’ve ever fished with, it wouldn’t have my name on it”.

Lite weight high modulus graphite and nano bio-filter blank

Lite weight double swaged pac bay guides with TiCH frames and inserts

Lock wraps on all single foot guides, both casting and spinning

Ultra lite graphite filled “maximum exposure II” split reel seats on both casting and spinning model

State of the art “velvet touch” split grip

All new non-obtrusive TiCH hook keeper

Screw on anodized scandium butt for easy access to blank weight port

Just Started Selling on eBay!

As you may know, I have a tackle problem, most of the stuff I show you here, I end up buiying, so I need to make room in both my garage & wallet.

Just started selling some excess tackle on eBay. Got about 9 auctions to start, but plan to keep them going. I have totes of extra tackle and I need to pair down a bit.
My Bass Fishing eBay Store
Right now, titanium spinnerbaits, lucky craft pointers, basstrix, fishing line, soft plastics, senkos & more. I will continue to add stuff, as I sort my stuff, check back often ;)

If you are just reading this post and thinking these baits are gone, they are, but I assure you new stuff has been listed.

Maybe just add me as a favorite seller....

Thanks,
Rich

More BassTrix Paddle Tail Tube Swimbait Alternatives

This a follow up on a Looking for Basstrix Paddle Tail Tubes? where I talked about the BassTrix and some of the competitors that have popped up to fill the demand created by this bait and its low production capabilities.

So if you do not want to jump on the eBay bandwagon or spend all day on the phone calling the few shops that have BassTrix, then here are a few more options....

Venom Bad Shad Swimbait
The Bad Shad Swimbait is a 5" solid bodied swimbait. The slender profile of this bait creates an slashing motion in the water. Included in each package is 3 swimbaits and one weighted Sickle Hook. Click to Buy





Optimum Heavy Cover Series Swimbaits
The Optimum Heavy Cover Series was designed for fishing swimbaits and the like weedless in big brush and over weeds. These are solid body baits as well.

Luck ''E'' Strike Bass Magic Swimbaits
These can be found online @ Basspro.com Affordable hollow-bodied swimbaits feature lifelike paint schemes, a water-churning paddle tail, and five sizes to tempt any bass' appetite. From what I have read, they are a slit belly design.

Rainbow Worms Bowfish Paddle Tail Swimbait

Photo Courtesy of www.TackleTour.com

The Rainbow Bowfish features a solid body with a slit down the belly to facilitate weedless rigging. It does have the same type of swimbait tail but this tail is no stranger to a vast number of soft plastic swimbaits. The fit and finish of the Rainbow Bowfish is typical of what one might expect of a hand poured worm. Read a in-depth review here.

Ghost Baits Phantom Shads

These paddle tails have a hollow belly but solid head and tail. It also says that all baits are custom made to order.

Kamikaze Treats
I have not found much info on these, not sure if they are solid body, slit body or hollow body... It does say they are custom hand poured. But its another option.

Also, Berkley is rumored to be coming out with a bait called Hollow Belly Swimbait....

Happy hunting and hopefully some of you will catch some biggun's on some of these new baits

Rich
RichLindgren.com
Rich's Bassin' Forum

3 Baits I think you should try for 2008

Browsing through online tackle sites and their new arrivals sections, here are three baits that I think will be solid producers in 2008! Warning! I am cannot be held accountable for impulse buys.
Sworming Hornet Drop Shot Fish Head
New for your soft plastic baits, an ultra lite realistic head. The features are endless as the bait has 3D holographic eyes and multi stage paint. Made with premium Gamakatsu hooks. The lead free design and the hole through the center of the head keeps your bait hook out and hook up just the way you want it to be. After tying your favorite knot, place the tag end of the line back through the hook eye and through the hole in the center of the Drop Shot Fish Head directly under the hook eye. Add your favorite soft plastic, and "Sting ‘em with a HORNET."
Just add your favorite fluke type bait to make the perfect darter head or drop bait. 2 per pack. Click to Buy

XCalibur One Knocker $ 9.99
Something old - SOmething new. A guarded secret of old-time pros meets modern technology in the one knocker Xrk75. A perfectly engineered lipless crankbait that emits a fish attracting, rhythmic knock with its single forged tungsten/lead weight while puching an enormous amount of water as it vibrates over grass and other structure. The One Knocker rattle is especially effective oh highly pressured bodies of water where big bass get accustomed to seeing every type of rattlebait known to man. 3" long, 3/4 oz. Click to Buy
Spro Little John Crankbaits
"We built the SPRO Little John crankbaits to run at depths of 3 to 5 feet. We used a computer chip board for the lip to create more feel and to be more durable. A silent weight transfer system using soft tungsten translates into incredibly long casts for a small crankbait, even in windy conditions. We used the world's sharpest trebles - Gamakatsu. I think the SprO "Little John" crankbaits are the best shallow running crankbaits, period."
- Designed by John Crews, Professional Tournament Angler
(Weight 1/2 oz., Size 50mm)
Click to Buy

A unique dropshot rig that will give the fish a different presentation for when they are keyed in on shad. A lipless crank with a unique sound for highly pressured bass and a new square bill for cranking shallow docks, rocks & wood. If nothing else, great little stocking stuffers.

Tight Lines,
Rich

Goby Wan Kenobi

I guess this is where Star Wars meets Bass Fishing at Cabin Creek Lures. I was browsing online tackle shops as I often do, and came across this very creatively named Goby imitation. It looks like a solid design, but more props because of its cool name. I think I will buy a pack or two for their efforts next time I place an order at LandBigFish.com

Cabin Creek Goby Wan Kenobi
These salty hand poured goby style baits are perfect for those midwest fishermen looking to mimic the goby baitfish. Perfect for Smallmouth and other game fish. 3" 10 per pack. Click to Buy


I think it will be a solid drop shot bait whether you live on the great lakes or not. It would be clever if they said it was impregnated with a special scent... maybe "The Force"....

Tight Lines,
Rich

Looking for a new Jig Chunk?

If any of you like to throw a jig, you know that all jig chunks and trailers are not created equal. Browsing the web today, I think I found what could be my new favorite jig trailer. I have not tried them, but from the review I read and what I see, I think I will love these....

So here is what it looks like....
V&M Mud Bug

Here is the summary from the TackleTour review:

"Conclusion: Sometimes you just stumble onto a bait that surprises you
with its effectiveness. Such was the case with the V&M Mud Bug. I bought a
couple of packs simply to fill out an order and make the shipping worthwhile.
When I put it through our typical TackleTour testing procedures, my eyes opened
wide at those floating appendages. What a treat! If you're disappointed with the
recent flap over a certain plastic craw-like bait that teased us with its
availability but was suddenly not available again and are looking for a trailer
to help make your jig fishing experience more effective, you'd do well to check
out the V&M Mud Bug, but be careful, before you know it, you may be ordering
a few of those very convenient pack of 100 baits!"

I will be purchasing some of these soon and will let you
know how I like them ;)

Rich

Act Quick - Shimano Rebate

Good news, just in time for Christmas, Shimano has issued a rebate program on 3 of their best bass fishing reels.


$50 of of Curados, $30 of Citicas & $20 off the already value priced Cruxis. Stock up for Christmas while there is still time.

Just click on this link, then click on the rebate tab.

Swimbait or Sex Toy?

I think it may be a great idea for a new game show....
but seriously, when I first saw a picture of this concoction, that is exactly what popped into my head.
Gambler Brutus Swimbaits


Brand new for 2008, the Gambler Brutus Swimbaits have a unique style. It features a solid body with a elongated paddle tails. 2 sizes available in 2008. Kind of a sexy little swimbait, almost more of a grub.


Well if anyone has used one of these and they can confirm what it really is or if it is a bass fishing lure, I would love to hear about it... LOL!!!

Mend-It Like Beckham....

Here is a relatively new product, that I think is a must have for just about anyone that spends time throwing soft plastics for bass or other species. The product I am referring to is Mend-It!

Mend-It! is a soft plastic repair solution that chemicly welds your plastic back together. Mend-It leaves the repaired area as soft as the original bait because it simply "melts" the bait back together. Mend-It doesn't stick to your hands, your boat or your clothes, it only causes two pieces of soft-plastic lure to melt back together invisibly. Perfect for Senkos, SwimBait and other expensive soft baits that tear easily. Works better then Super Glue & never glue your fingers together or to your bait again. Also, when you are in a tournament or out on the lake and you only have a couple of the baits that you are really killing the bass on....
Now you can save your day or possibly cash a check by repairing your old used baits on the fly to get you through until you can buy more. This is really a product that will save you money in the long run ;) Don't believe it..... Check out this video - CLICK HERE
Here is a shorter video as well!

And if you are going to plop down good money on eBay for BassTrix, then you cannot afford to not to have a bottle or two of Mend-It! to make them last ;)

Can't get Basstrix Paddle Tail Tubes?

Right now the Basstrix Paddle Tail Tube is the hottest thing around and hardly anyone can get their hands on any, I have heard they are going for $20 a pack on eBay right now. If you have not seen them, this is what they look like.

I have not used them myself, but have heard tons about them and they sound like the real deal. Recently I have come across a few other baits that look pretty similar and are much easier to get your hands on as well maybe a bit cheaper. Not too different then the original chatterbait, when they were impossible to get, many companies duplicated and in some cases came out with superior baits, so here is your chance to possibly be ahead of the curve and find maybe something better :)

First off, is the Money Lures Money Minnow, when I first saw it, I thought it was a BassTrix minnow. I am planning on ordering some of these for my trip to Clarks Hill ;) Check out the description and images below.

Money Lures Money Minnow
The money minnow are custom hand made swimbaits, using a 5 step process. Excellent colors, excellent finish. 5" long, 4 baits per pack.

Next on the list, Poor Boy's Baits Silly Rabbit

Introducing Poor Boy’s ‘new age’ swim bait – The Silly Rabbit. Work it like a fluke using the light weighted hook (included) or swim like a fish using the heavier weighted hook (included). You will be impressed with its fish catching action!!!

Looks alot like the Bass Trix & Money Minnow.

Last but not least....... Looks a bit different, but is also the cheapest and most affordable and made by a company that makes great baits in general........

Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper Series
New from RI, these shad style swimbaits feature the beaver style rib pattern on the back, and has a slit in the belly for the hook. The single paddle tail is 3/4" wide, which creates lots of action, water splashing and noise as you retrieve this bait.

Well for all of you that cannot get your hands on the BassTrix baits, I hope this helps you get your fix until production catches up with demand.
Tight Lines,
HellaBass
RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Couple off new Soft Plastic Baits

Here are a couple of newly released soft plastic baits that may give you an edge out bass fishing with your buds or in your next tournament. The fist is the Stike King Coffee Tube which debuted at ICAST, but is just not hitting the shelves. The 2nd is the Yamamoto Flappin Hog, this is a sweet looking flippin' creature style bait.

Strike King Coffee Tubes

Gary Yamamoto Flappin' Hog II
This bait has been the talk of the town since its debut in 2006. The redesigned flaps increase motion and vibration making it even more deadly on bass.

This heavy compact bait has great action when Texas or Carolina rigged. Use it with any jig head or add it to your favorite flippin jig and you have a winning fish catching combination!

Coffee scented tubes and soft plastics are a creative idea, who knows if they work, but that is what I first thought about garlic, and I am a firm believer that Garlic spray and scent is something that fish like.

And how can you go wrong with this funky looking pile of appendages???

If anyone has used either of these, drop a comment and let us know how they work.

HellaBass
RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Check out these new sticks!

Man have I been neglecting this Blog, just not enough time to fish and write about fishing sometimes. Lets look back a post or two and look at that new sweet Shimano Core Reel, then imagine pairing it with one of these bad boys.....


Shimano Cumara Casting Rods
Premium Bottom Contact Rods. The new Cumara ultra-performance bass rod series is specifically designed for bottom bouncing techniques. Featuring IM-10 graphite blanks, Fuji® Sic guides and custom performance reel seats, Cumara is simply the lightest, most sensitive, innovatively designed rod series you will ever fish.

High Modulus IM-10 Graphite Blank Construction

Custom Etched Butt Cap

Convenient Hook Keeper

Casting Handle

Fuji SIC Black Frame Guides

Custom Reel Seat with Carbon Insert

Shaped Eva Foam Grips

I am pretty sure I can see this combo in my future for next spring. Closed Circuit to Mrs. Clause, never too early to start thinking about Christmas and my B-day is just before Thanksgiving. Hint... Hint....

HellaBass
RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Is this for Real?

I think Lucky Craft may have taken realism of hard baits to a new level with this one.....

Lucky Craft Pointer Real Skin Series
You have heard about them. Available from Pitman Creek Wholesale on August 3rd. The Real Skin Pointer has the same action as the popular Lucky Craft Pointers. Nothing has changed, except for the addition of the fish skin on the outside.

Pointer 78 dives 4-5 ft, Suspending, 3.25", 5/16 oz
Pointer 100 dives 4-5 ft, Suspending, 4", 5/8 oz

Man it looks like they are actually wrapping real fish skin around these baits..... That is wild!

HellaBass
RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Hot New Shimano Reel

Within in the past few days I have seen several bass fishing tackle online stores advertising a brand new Shimano Baitcaster. Its the Shimano Core Reel, it looks really sweet and I find myself drawn to it like a moth to a flame....

Shimano Core Baitcasting Reel

Ultra-Lightweight Magnesium Frame and Sideplate

Ultra-Lightweight A7075 Aluminum Spool Construction

Magnumlite Spool Design This spool provides extremely low startup inertia for increased line control and casting performance even when using lightweight baits or lures. This is accomplished through using lightweight aluminum alloys and a unique design that moves the mass of the spool outward.

S A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings) are specially treated stainless steel ball bearings that are at least 10 times more corrosion resistant than standard stainless steel ball bearings.

A-RB Roller Bearing

High Efficiency Gearing (HEG) is not only the oversized gears, but also includes the setplate and sideplate, which allow for a high speed retrieve while providing unbelievable fish-moving torque.

Super Stopper is a one-way roller bearing that eliminates backplay for solid hooksets.

Super Free (SF) bearing supported pinion gear system eliminates friction between the pinion gear and spool shaft for increased freespool.

Variable Brake System (VBS) uses centrifugal force rather than magnets to aid in controlling the cast for increased distance and adjustability.

Reduced Mass VBS hub reduces the weight of the spool increasing freespool and reducing start up inertia.

Escape Hatch Easy to use trigger allows quick access to the VBS weights and keeps the sideplate smooth for comfort when palming the reel.

Dartainium Drag material provides a wide range of drag settings and the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever.

Cold Forged Handle Shank is much stronger than a pressed or cast handle for non-flexing durability.

Clicking Drag Adjustment

Septon® Handle Grips This handle grip material is soft to the touch and does not get slippery when wet.

Recessed Reel Foot allows the reel to sit closer to the rod for comfort and maneuverability.

Instagage II (CORE100MG Only) This feature brings all of the benefits of the original Instagage feature by allowing the angler to engage and disengage the clutch using only the thumb. However, it uses a one-piece thumb bar, providing more access to the spool. This makes threading line though the line guide easier, and it gives the angler's thumb more room to control the spool during the cast or other freespool applications. There is also more room to clear backlashes.

PV Power Grips (CORE100MGFV Only) These oversized paddle grips provide extra power and remain comfortable after a full day of deep cranking.

Cold Forged Aluminum Drag Star

Aluminum Cast Control Knob

Rubber Shielded Cast Control Knob

Tapered Ti Levelwind Insert

Drilled Handle Shank reduces the weight of the reel without sacrificing strength.

High Speed 6.2:1 Gear Ratio (CORE100MG Only)

Lightweight Aluminum Drive Gear (CORE100MG Only)

Paddle Grips (CORE100MG Only)

Super High Speed 7.0:1 Gear Ratio (CORE100MGFV Only)

Heavy Duty Brass Drive Gear (CORE100MGFV Only)

Maybe its the list of features that go on a mile long that gets me excited. I did recently order a brand new Shimano Curado DHSV, which is the burner Curado and that is a sweet reel as well. Maybe I should have held out for the Core, if I had only known it was coming....

HellaBass
RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum