Super Spooks=Big Fish
Out of all the top water baits I’ve thrown
a spook with out a doubt has consistently caught me bigger fish
than buzz baits and pop-r’s. The reason being is because
of it’s size and disturbing back and forth action that it
makes. Let’s get into more detail...
Rod: With hours of experimenting with many
different rods I have found that a 7’ medium heavy action
"Pro Series" rod by Hook Hider fits the need of the
super spook just right. It has the right tip action to make
the spook look as real as possible and give it that darting action
that it needs to get the big fish to bite. You can look at these
rods by going to the Hook Hider web site which is www.HookHider.com.
The Pro Series rods are IM-8 which makes them extremely light.
Most IM-8 rods are fairly expensive while the Hook Hider rods
run between $69.95-$79.95. So please go check out their web
site or give them a call (1-877-999-Hook), I’m sure you
will be please with their products.
Reel: I use a Shimano Curado because it has
a good drag system, which is need when fighting these big fish
and it is a super smooth reel which helps me cast the spook greater
distances. I believe it’s a 5:3-1 gear ratio or something
like that.
Line: I have been using Trilene Big Game
in 15 to 20 pound test and it has worked just fine. Color of
the line obviously does not matter because the lure is on top
of the water at all times. Do not use flouro carbon! Flouro
carbon line sinks and you want the bait on top of the water.
I have also tried using braided line and I really do like it.
The reason I like it is because it has no stretch so instead
of setting the hook real hard when the fish attack the bait I
can just use a sweeping motion and the fish gets hooked just
fine.
Lure: The only spook I use is the Excalibur
Super Spook. They have the most realistic finishes and the right
amount of rattles in the bait. The action of the bait is good
right out of the package. One thing that you normally always
have to do with baits is switch the hooks, but the hooks on the
Excalibur Super Spook are fine to use. But come tournament day
I will switch the hooks to Gamakatsu’s EWG trebles.
Where to fish it: A spook can be fished almost
anywhere. I prefer throwing it over rockpiles, along bluffs,
and along the edges of tulles or weed lines. It is very effective
in both clear and dirty water. If you ever see fish busting
on the surface throw your spook over there and you should pick
up a fish or two. Don’t be afraid to throw it in places
that you ordinarily wouldn’t throw it, because that’s
where you may pick up the big one!
When: I start throwing the spook during the
middle of April and use it consistently all the way through November.
It will catch fish through these months, guaranteed! Later
in the fall you can fish it all day long which can be really
fun. This is another time where the Hook Hider rod comes in
handy. The lightness of the rod will help you from getting tired
of jerking the spook around all day. A heavy rod can make your
arm sore for a few days and then on tournament day you‘ll
be hurting to bad to throw it, but with the Hook Hider Pro Series
you’ll be fine after days of pre-fishing for tournament
day.
Thanks for taking the time to read this
article and I hope everyone will be throwing a spook on their next
fishing trip. Take care and keep them lines tight!!!
Justin Lucas |
