Freshwater Lures

The Basstrix Paddle Tail 4" Swimbait is the original hollow body swimbait — the lure that redefined the industry and remains the gold standard for high-performance soft plastics. With over a million dollars in tournament winnings on the Bassmaster, FLW, and Major League Fishing trails, this is a proven weapon for tournament pros and trophy hunters alike. Hand-made in the USA, the hollow body collapses on the strike for superior hook-up ratios, while the signature paddle tail delivers a hard-kicking vibration and side-to-side shimmy that starts the moment it hits the water — even at ultra-slow retrieve speeds. 4 per pack.

Key Features

• Original hollow body design — collapses on the strike for superior hook-up ratios
• Hand-made in the USA — multi-dimensional hand-painted finish with holographic eyes
• Hard-kicking paddle tail — high-frequency vibration and body roll at any retrieve speed
• Versatile rigging — weighted belly hook for heavy cover or swimbait jig head for deep structure
• $1M+ in tournament winnings — proven on Bassmaster, FLW, and Major League Fishing
• 14 proven color patterns — 4 per pack

Specifications

Most topwater baits make you choose: pop or walk. The Gunfish 117 has a cupped, concave face that throws water like a popper and a slim tapered body that walks tight side-to-side. Same cast, both actions, decided by what your rod tip does.

Short version: 4-1/2" pencil popper, 3/5 oz, floating, three treble hooks. Built for distance and for pulling fish up out of heavy cover.

Why the 117 Casts Further

Lucky Craft gave this size a thicker taper through the rear than the smaller Gunfish models. More mass behind the center means the bait carries better on the cast and tracks straighter in the air — which matters when fish are boiling forty feet past where you can reach.

That's the whole argument for the 117 over a 95 or a 115: it isn't just a bigger profile, it's a longer cast at the same effort.

Where It Earns Its Keep

• Schooling fish. When they come up out of range, the extra distance is the difference between a cast and a wish.
• Pulling fish from deep cover — brushpiles, cane piles, and standing timber. The concave face throws enough water to call fish up off structure.
• Blueback herring water. Lucky Craft calls this out specifically, and the long slim profile is why — it matches a herring better than a fatter walking bait.
• Open water search. Distance plus a bait that both pops and walks lets you cover a bank fast and change the message without changing lures.

How to Work It

To walk it: short, rhythmic twitches into slack line. The bait needs slack to turn — a tight line drives it straight and kills the side-to-side.

To pop it: harder, sharper snaps. The cupped mouth grabs water and throws it. Use this when fish are deep in cover or the surface has chop on it and you need to be louder.

Mix them. Two walks, a pop, a pause. The pause is not dead time — it floats, so it holds position in the strike zone, and a lot of fish eat it sitting still.

Three Trebles — What That Changes

The 117 carries three trebles: #5, #5, and #4. That's a hooking advantage on a bait fish tend to slash at rather than eat cleanly, and it's the reason short strikes convert more often on this size than on two-hook topwaters.

It also means more hardware to keep track of. Check that hooks aren't fouled on the body before you cast, and use a rod with a forgiving tip — three sets of trebles in a fish will find a way out if you horse it.

Standard and Limited Run Colors

Lucky Craft splits the Gunfish 117 lineup into standard colors and limited-run colors. Three of the four we carry are limited run — Aurora Black, Ghost Minnow, and MS American Shad. When they're gone, they're not automatically coming back.

Fishing It Around Santa Clarita

The topwater window on the local lakes moves week to week, and a long-casting bait earns its money on the days stripers are boiling out of reach. We publish Castaic Lake fishing reports with current conditions — worth reading before you commit a morning to the surface.

Recommended Gear

• Rod: medium to medium-heavy, moderate action, 7' or longer. Length helps the cast; a forgiving tip keeps three sets of trebles in the fish.
• Line: braid to a fluorocarbon or mono leader. Braid moves the bait; the leader gives you abrasion resistance around cover.
• Avoid heavy fluorocarbon straight through — it sinks and pulls the nose down, working against the float and the walk.

Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew

• Twitch into slack, not into tension. The single thing that separates people who can make a pencil popper walk from people who can't.
• Wait to feel weight before you set. Setting on the splash pulls it out of the fish's mouth. This costs more topwater fish than anything else.
• Use the pause after a miss. It floats. Let it sit — fish come back for a bait that's stopped far more often than for one that ran.
• Check the trebles for fouling. Three hooks on a slim body will tangle on themselves, and a fouled bait won't walk at all.

Common Mistakes

• Fishing it on a tight line. The bait needs slack to turn.
• Only popping it, or only walking it. You bought both actions. Mix them until something answers.
• Too stiff a rod. Costs you fish on every strike.
• Setting on sight. Wait for the weight.

Specifications

Specs confirmed against Lucky Craft's published Gunfish 117 chart. Colors offered vary by production run — the selector above is the live list.

What's Included

One Lucky Craft Gunfish 117 in the color selected, factory rigged with three trebles. No spare hooks or split rings included.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the Gunfish 117?
4-1/2 inches (117mm) and 3/5 oz (19 grams). The number in the name is the length in millimetres.

How many hooks does it have?
Three trebles — two #5 and one #4.

Does it pop or walk?
Both. Sharp snaps make the cupped face throw water; rhythmic twitches into slack line make it walk tight side-to-side.

Does it float?
Yes. It holds position on the pause, which is where a lot of the bites come from.

117 or 115NF — what's the difference?
Different models, not just different sizes. The 117 is a pencil popper with three trebles and a thicker rear taper for casting distance. The NF models are the no-feather versions of their respective sizes.

Why does it cast so well?
The rear taper is thicker than on the smaller Gunfish sizes, so more mass sits behind the center and the bait carries and tracks straighter in the air.

What rod and line?
Medium to medium-heavy with a moderate action, 7' or longer. Braid to a fluorocarbon or mono leader; avoid heavy fluorocarbon straight through.

Are these colors coming back?
Aurora Black, Ghost Minnow, and MS American Shad are limited-run colors on Lucky Craft's list. Chartreuse Shad is standard. Call the shop and we'll tell you what's inbound.

Related Gear

• Lucky Craft Gunfish 115NF — no-feather 115.
• Lucky Craft Gunfish 95NF — no-feather 95.
• Lucky Craft Gunfish 95 H3 — three-hook 95.
• Topwater Fishing Lures — poppers, walking baits, and stickbaits.

Buy It From People Who Fish It

We're on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, twenty minutes from Castaic, and we fish these lakes ourselves. Not sure which Gunfish you want, or whether today's a popping day or a walking day? Call the shop or come in — that's a short conversation and it saves you buying the wrong one first.

The Basstrix Mini Trix 1.5" Soft Plastic Minnow is one of the most realistic micro lures on the market — hand-poured and hand-painted to replicate the scales, sheen, and anatomical detail of actual baitfish with startling accuracy. At just 1.5 inches, it's a true giant killer that triggers instinctive strikes from pressured and finicky fish keyed in on micro-forage. A unique keeled tail produces high-frequency vibration even at ultra-slow retrieve speeds, and the signature Basstrix hollow body collapses on the strike for superior hook-up ratios. Deadly for crappie, trout, bass, and saltwater species in both fresh and saltwater applications.

Key Features

• Hand-poured & hand-painted — unmatched realism with lifelike scales, sheen, and anatomical detail
• Unique keeled tail — high-frequency vibration at ultra-slow speeds mimics fleeing micro-forage
• Hollow body construction — collapses on the strike for superior hook-up ratios
• Perfect match-the-hatch size — 1.5" profile targets fish keyed on micro-forage post-spawn or in high-pressure conditions
• Versatile — vertical jigging, dock shooting, BFS fishing, freshwater and saltwater
• Available in 8 proven color patterns

Specifications

When bass get finicky, downsize. The Strike King Bitsy Bug Jig is built for exactly those moments — a compact, precisely tied jig with a premium silicone skirt and fiber weedguard that punches through cover without hanging up. Equally deadly on smallmouth and largemouth, it shines in clear water, rocky structure, and pressured fisheries where big jigs get ignored. At this price, you can fish it confidently in the gnarliest spots without thinking twice.

Key Features

• Downsized profile — ideal for finicky fish and clear water conditions
• Premium silicone skirt — lifelike action and color on every fall
• Fiber weedguard — snag-resistant through rocks and cover
• Effective on both smallmouth and largemouth bass
• Available in 4 sizes: 1/16, 3/16, 1/8, and 1/4 oz
• 10 proven color patterns — sold 1 per pack

Specifications

The Lure That Won Lake Oneida

The SPRO Dean Rojas Bronzeye Popper Frog 60 is the exact lure Dean Rojas used to win the BASS Elite Series tournament at Lake Oneida — and it's been a go-to topwater weapon for bass anglers ever since. Where a standard walking frog gets ignored, the Popper's cupped mouth blasts water and sound on every twitch, calling bass up from deep in the slop. This is the frog you reach for when they won't come to anything else.

Sound That Triggers Strikes

The Bronzeye Popper's cupped face creates a loud, aggressive pop on each rod twitch — displacing water and sending vibration through the surface that bass can feel from yards away. Paired with the soft hollow body that collapses on the hookset, and the specially designed Gamakatsu 3/0 EWG Double Frog Hooks, this bait is built to draw the strike and seal the deal.

Why Walking Frogs Miss the Bite

On pressured lakes or in low-visibility conditions, bass often ignore a walking frog that slides silently across the surface. The Popper changes the equation — its aggressive sound and water displacement triggers reaction strikes from fish that have seen every other topwater bait in the box. When the walking frog stops working, tie on the Popper.

Weedless Through the Worst Cover

The Gamakatsu hooks ride point-up against the soft body, making the Bronzeye Popper virtually snag-free through lily pads, hydrilla mats, and emergent vegetation. Fish it through the nastiest cover on the lake with confidence — and when a bass blows up on it, the body collapses instantly for a solid, deep hookset.

The Right Pick If...

• Walking frogs are getting ignored or short-struck
• You're fishing pressured water where bass have seen everything
• You want a frog that creates noise and surface disturbance
• You're targeting bass in lily pads, hydrilla, or open-water slop
• You want a tournament-proven bait with a proven color lineup

Best Frog Fishing Techniques

• Pop and Pause: Short, sharp rod twitches to pop water, then let it sit — the pause is when most strikes happen
• Pop and Walk: Alternate pops with side-to-side walking action for a more erratic, aggressive presentation
• Dead Sticking: Cast over a mat pocket, pop once, and let it sit motionless — deadly in post-spawn
• Burning: Fast retrieve with rapid pops across open water to trigger reaction strikes

Best Conditions

• Summer and early fall when bass are shallow and aggressive
• Pressured lakes where bass have seen too many walking frogs
• Overcast days and low-light periods — early morning and late evening
• Heavy cover: lily pad mats, hydrilla, duckweed, and emergent vegetation
• Warm water temps above 65°F when topwater activity peaks

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Pike
• Techniques: Topwater Popping, Frog Fishing, Heavy Cover, Open Water
• Conditions: Warm water, heavy vegetation, low-light, pressured fisheries

Key Features

• Dean Rojas Signature Series — tournament-proven at Lake Oneida
• 1/2 oz weight — easy to cast on medium-heavy to heavy baitcasting gear
• 60mm profile — natural baitfish/frog size
• Cupped mouth creates loud, aggressive popping action
• Specially designed Gamakatsu 3/0 EWG Double Frog Hooks
• Collapsible soft hollow body for maximum hookup ratio
• Weedless design — fishes through the nastiest cover
• 18 in-stock color patterns to match any water condition

Specs

Models & Colors

Tackle Express Tips

• Pause After the Pop: The strike almost always comes on the pause, not the pop. Twitch, pop, then let it sit for 2–3 seconds before moving it again — especially over mat pockets.
• Match Sound to Conditions: On calm, glassy water the pop carries far — use a subtle pop-and-pause. On choppy or windy days, pop more aggressively to cut through surface noise.
• Wait for the Weight: Don't set the hook on the explosion — wait until you feel the fish pulling before sweeping hard to the side. Premature hooksets are the #1 reason anglers miss frog fish.

FAQ

What rod setup works best with the Bronzeye Popper Frog 60?
A medium-heavy to heavy 7'–7'6" baitcasting rod with 50–65 lb braided line is ideal. The braid gives you the sensitivity to feel the strike and the power to pull fish from heavy cover.

How is the Popper Frog different from the Bronzeye Frog 65?
The Bronzeye Frog 65 is a walking frog — it slides side-to-side on the surface. The Popper has a cupped mouth that blasts water and creates a loud popping sound on each twitch, making it more aggressive and effective on pressured fish or in low-visibility conditions.

Is the Bronzeye Popper weedless?
Yes. The Gamakatsu 3/0 hooks ride point-up against the soft body, making it virtually snag-free through lily pads, hydrilla, and other dense vegetation.

The Ima Suspending Vibration lipless crankbait features a larger body than the popular Rock N Vibe and will suspend 3-4 feet below the surface.   Most lipless crankbaits sink making these unique.  It features a tight, pulsating action that entices bass into striking.

Equipped with top quality components, the Ima Suspending Vibration has very sharp treble hooks and stout stainless steel split rings that will provide years of reliable use. It is also available in a range of highly realistic colors that will fool even the most seasoned bass. Offering anglers a multipurpose lure that’s part lipless crankbait and part jerkbait, the Ima Suspending Vibration is in a league of its own and different from any other lipless crankbait on the market.

Lucky Craft Pointer SP 78 Suspending Jerkbait

Cold front rolling in. Water temperature dropping. Bass pushed tight to structure and refusing to chase. This is exactly when you tie on the Lucky Craft Pointer SP 78 — and let it do the work. Widely regarded as the gold standard of suspending jerkbaits, the Pointer 78 SP has earned its reputation on tournament stages and weekend fishing trips alike, delivering the kind of lifelike minnow action that triggers reaction strikes from even the most pressured fish.

At 3" and 3/8 oz, it's the perfect size — casts effortlessly, works beautifully with subtle rod-tip twitches, and hangs motionless in the strike zone during pauses like no other bait on the market. Pair it with 8–10 lb fluorocarbon, a fast-action rod, and a 6.3:1 reel, and get ready to hold on.

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye
• Techniques: Suspending jerkbait, twitch-and-pause, slow-roll, cold-water finesse
• Conditions: Clear water, cold fronts, post-spawn, early spring, late fall, winter
• Water: Lakes, reservoirs, rivers, rocky structure, main lake points

Features

• Most popular size in the Pointer lineup — proven fish-catcher across the country
• Perfectly balanced for subtle rod-tip twitches and extended pauses
• Suspending action keeps the bait in the strike zone longer
• Extremely durable finish with a wide range of proven color patterns
• Internal weight transfer system for long, accurate casts
• Premium Daiichi treble hooks for superior hook-up ratios
• Pro Tip: Store in a cool, shaded tackle box — avoid direct sun to protect the finish

Specs

The Deps Buzzjet Wakebait is one of the most versatile and effective lures on the market today! The Deps Buzzjet can do it all. Walk it, rip it, crank it or wake it, the fish don't care cause all they want to do is SMASH IT! The unique lip design enables this bait to push copious amounts of water, giving the Buzzjet a one of a kind wake. The prop leaves a tantalizing trail of bubbles which, when combined with the Deps Buzzjet's unique lip, will call fish up from serious distances!

The Deps Buzzjet has an angry action that calls fish. The topwater bait has been revolutionized with the design of the Buzzjet. The erratic action and sound can attract fish from deeper depths and it can still be fished effectively in rough water thanks to the huge drawing power of the bait. This is not just a noisy lure, it was designed for those who want to catch a giant bass on topwater.

Here at Tackle Express, we have caught hundreds of bass over the years on this bait.  From small ponds to larger bodies of water, it just works.  It's one of those lures that has a certain something about it that causes fish to strike.  For another great bait, see the Deps Spiral Minnow, it's equally as good but has a different action.  Sometimes one works better than the other so our suggestion is to get one of each.

• LENGTH: 96mm (3.77 in)
• WEIGHT: 30.0g. (1.05 oz)

High Temperature Caution

Take caution to where you store your baits as they can become deformed or cracked due to the expansion of the air during high temperatures. Keep them out of direct sunlight and in hot places like the inside of vehicles or tackle boxes stored during the warmer months as we are not responsible for damages caused due to storing lures in high temperatures.

The Keitech Easy Shiner 3.5" features a slim profile and exceptional realism, with a super-soft composition that allows the boot tail to deliver an incredible kicking action on the retrieve. Its streamlined design makes it highly effective around vegetation, and the squid scent load adds fish attraction on every cast.

The Easy Shiner excels rigged behind a darter head or used as a swim jig trailer, but works across a variety of presentations wherever a natural baitfish profile is needed.

Key Features

• 10 per pack
• Boot tail design — strong kicking action at any retrieve speed
• Slim profile — works effectively around vegetation
• Squid scent infused
• Recommended techniques: darter head, swim jig trailer
• 14 colors available — Sungill, Pro Blue Red Pearl, Smallmouth Magic, Chartreuse Shad, Electric Shad, Bluegill Flash, Sexy Shad, Ayu, French Pearl, US Green Pumpkin Magic, Green Pumpkin, Sight Flash, Silver Flash Minnow, Green Pumpkin Green & Purple Flake

Lucky Craft Pointer 100 SP Jerkbait

When bass are holding deep in the water column and refusing to come up, the Lucky Craft Pointer 100 SP gets down to their level and stays there. The largest of the core Pointer SP lineup, the Pointer 100 brings the same legendary brass weight system and bass-calling action to a bigger profile — perfect for matching larger baitfish or pulling fish up from deeper structure.

Engineered with a specially designed brass weight system that creates an ultra-low center of gravity, the Pointer 100 wobbles and vibrates in place the moment you stop the retrieve — emitting a subtle, irresistible vibration that triggers strikes from even the most reluctant bass. A short twitch of the rod tip sends it darting side to side in a fluid underwater walk-the-dog action that mimics a fleeing baitfish with uncanny realism. Suspend it at 4–5 feet and let the bass come to you.

Features

• Brass weight system creates ultra-low center of gravity for wobble-and-vibrate on pause
• Suspending design locks the bait in the strike zone at 4–5 feet
• Short rod twitch generates underwater walk-the-dog action
• Larger profile than the Pointer 78 — ideal for matching bigger baitfish
• Bass-calling vibration on pause draws strikes from pressured and finicky fish

Specs

• Type: Suspending
• Depth: 4–5 ft

Best For

• Techniques: Twitch-and-pause, suspending jerkbait, slow-roll
• Conditions: Clear water, cold fronts, post-spawn, pressured fisheries
• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass

Perfect For

When you need the legendary Pointer action in a bigger package, the Lucky Craft Pointer 100 SP delivers. Step up the size, step up the strikes.

The Hog Farmer Spunk Shad Pintail Swimbait delivers the signature spunky tail action that triggers aggressive strikes from bass, walleye, and other predatory freshwater species. Crafted from premium soft plastic infused with anise scent, this versatile swimbait excels as a standalone lure or as a high-action trailer for chatterbaits, scrounger heads, and Ned rigs.

The pintail design creates a natural swimming motion at any retrieve speed, while the anise infusion masks human scent and encourages fish to hold on longer. Whether you're working shallow grass beds, bouncing along rocky structure, or slow-rolling deep ledges, the Spunk Shad's lifelike profile and irresistible action make it a go-to choice for serious anglers.

Key Features:

• Anise-infused soft plastic for enhanced scent attraction
• Pintail design creates natural swimming action
• Versatile – works as standalone lure or trailer
• Durable construction for multiple fish catches
• Available in four sizes for varied presentations

The Owner Cultiva Mira Shad is a 2" forage-size suspending crankbait that consistently outfishes larger presentations when fish are locked on small baitfish. With Cultiva's exclusive Living Eyes, chattering rattles, and a transparent holographic finish that throws flash from every angle, it looks alive in the water — and it fishes just as lively. Deadly on trout, bass, and walleye from the moment you tie it on.

Two Inches of Trouble

Don't let the size fool you. At 1/7 oz and 2", the Mira Shad matches the fry and small shad profile that trout and pressured bass key on when nothing else is working. It suspends neutrally at 4–5 ft on the pause, which means it sits right in the feeding lane and won't move until you tell it to. Two #10 Owner Stinger-36 Super Needle Point trebles are factory-rigged and sharp enough to stick on the lightest touch.

When Big Baits Get Ignored

On heavily pressured water — stocked trout lakes, clear reservoirs, tournament-fished bass fisheries — fish get educated fast. They've seen 3" and 4" jerkbaits all season. The Mira Shad's forage-sized profile slips under their guard. Combined with the chattering rattle and holographic flash, it triggers reaction strikes even from fish that have shut down on standard presentations.

What Sets It Apart

• Cultiva Living Eyes — High-contrast, realistic eyes add a focal point that draws strikes from reactive fish
• Transparent Holographic Finish — Reflects light from multiple angles; mimics the iridescent flank of a small shad or fry
• Chattering Rattles — Internal sound chamber calls fish in from distance, especially effective in stained water
• Neutral Suspension — Holds at 4–5 ft on the pause; doesn't rise or sink out of the strike zone
• Owner Stinger-36 Trebles — Two #10 Super Needle Point hooks; razor-sharp right out of the package
• Forage-Size Profile — 2" matches fry, small shad, and juvenile baitfish that pressured fish prefer

The Right Pick If…

• Fish are ignoring larger jerkbaits or crankbaits
• You're fishing stocked trout lakes or clear reservoirs with heavy pressure
• You need to match a small shad, fry, or juvenile baitfish hatch
• You want one bait that works both on a cast-and-retrieve and behind a slow troll
• Walleye or bass are suspending at 4–5 ft and need a finesse presentation

Best Fishing Techniques

• Jerk-pause — Two quick twitches, pause 3–5 seconds; the suspend does the work on neutral fish
• Slow troll — 1–2 mph behind a kayak or electric motor; dives to 4–5 ft and tracks true
• Cast and steady retrieve — Works as a shallow crankbait when fish are actively feeding
• Deadstick pause — In cold water, extend the pause to 10+ seconds; motionless suspension triggers lockjaw trout and bass

Best Conditions

• Clear water where flash and detail trigger strikes at range
• Cold water (fall through spring) when fish need a smaller, slower target
• Stocked trout fisheries where fish are conditioned to small forage
• Early morning and evening when fish move shallow to the 4–5 ft range

Best For

• Rainbow & Brown Trout (lakes, reservoirs, tailwaters)
• Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass (finesse presentations)
• Walleye (slow troll and jerk-pause)
• Crappie and Panfish (finesse jigging retrieve)
• Any situation requiring a forage-size suspending presentation

Models & Specs

Specs are loaded dynamically from product metafields. Mira Shad: 2" length, 1/7 oz, suspending, dives 4–5 ft, two #10 Stinger-36 trebles. Available colors: Flame, Pink Passion, Shiner, Baby Bass, Gold Shiner, Brown Trout, Black Pearl.

Tackle Express Tips

• Use light line. 4–6 lb fluorocarbon is the sweet spot — it lets the bait suspend true, dive to full depth, and stays nearly invisible. Heavy line kills the action and floats the bait out of the zone.
• Try it for trout behind a kayak. A slow 1–1.5 mph troll with the Mira Shad in Brown Trout or Shiner colors over weed edges is devastatingly effective on planted trout in clear lakes.
• Slow the pause down when it's cold. Below 50°F, count to 10 after each twitch. Trout and bass in cold water need the bait to sit still longer before they commit — most anglers don't wait long enough.

FAQ

Q: Is this the same as the Rip'n Minnow 65?
A: No — the Mira Shad is smaller (2" vs. 2.5") and lighter (1/7 oz vs. 1/4 oz), and it's a more finesse-oriented profile. Both suspend, but the Mira Shad is built specifically to match fry and small shad, making it a better choice when fish are keyed on very small forage.

Q: Can I use this for walleye?
A: Absolutely. The Mira Shad is an excellent slow-troll walleye lure. Run it at 1–2 mph behind a slow-rolling boat or kayak at 4–5 ft over weed flats and sand transitions. Brown Trout and Gold Shiner colors work particularly well.

Q: What line should I use?
A: 4–6 lb fluorocarbon. It lets the bait reach its full depth rating, maintains neutral suspension, and is practically invisible in the clear water where this bait performs best. Avoid heavy mono — it floats the nose up and kills the suspending action.

The Zoom Magnum Super Fluke 7" is the big-bait version of the legendary Super Fluke lineup — a 7-inch, salt-impregnated soft jerkbait built for big bass, striped bass, white seabass, calico bass, and other large gamefish that key on larger baitfish profiles. The salt impregnation ensures a solid hold on even the most tentative bites, giving you more time to set the hook. Rig it on a lead head or darter head for a subsurface jerkbait presentation, or fish it weightless for a slow-sinking, gliding baitfish action on the pause. The 7" profile matches large shad, shiners, and baitfish that big bass and saltwater gamefish target. 5 per pack in 5 colors.

Key Features

• 7" Magnum Profile — Big Bait for Big Fish — The 7-inch profile is the largest in the Super Fluke lineup, designed for targeting big bass that are keying on larger baitfish and for saltwater applications where a larger profile is needed to match the forage; the magnum size draws strikes from big largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, white seabass, and calico bass that won’t commit to a smaller soft jerkbait profile.
• Salt-Impregnated — Solid Hold on Tentative Bites — The salt impregnation throughout the plastic triggers a natural hold response that keeps fish on the bait longer, giving you more time to detect the bite and set the hook; particularly effective for tentative bites from large bass and saltwater gamefish that mouth the bait before committing.
• Lead Head & Darter Head Rigging — Subsurface Jerkbait — The primary rigging for the Magnum Fluke is a lead head or darter head; the jig head keeps the bait at a consistent depth in the water column while the 7" body produces a darting, wounded baitfish action on the jerk-and-pause retrieve; the pause is when the strike most often occurs as the bait glides and slowly sinks with a subtle shimmy.
• Freshwater & Saltwater Versatility — Effective for big largemouth and smallmouth bass in freshwater and for striped bass, white seabass, and calico bass in saltwater; the 7" profile and realistic baitfish action make it one of the most versatile big-bait soft jerkbaits available for both applications.
• 5 Per Pack — 5 Colors — Five baits per pack across 5 colors.

Color Selection Guide

Best For

• Big Bass — Largemouth & Smallmouth — The 7" profile draws strikes from big largemouth and smallmouth bass that are keying on larger shad, shiners, and baitfish; most effective when bass are actively feeding on large baitfish or when targeting trophy-class fish that won’t commit to a smaller profile.
• Striped Bass & White Seabass — Saltwater Applications — The Magnum Fluke’s 7" profile and realistic baitfish action make it highly effective for striped bass and white seabass in saltwater; rig on a heavier lead head (1/2–1 oz) for deeper presentations or fish weightless near the surface when fish are feeding on baitfish schools.
• Calico Bass — Structure Fishing — Effective for calico bass around kelp, rocky structure, and shallow reefs; the 7" profile matches the larger baitfish that calico bass target in saltwater environments.
• Schooling Situations — Large Baitfish Match — When bass or saltwater gamefish are schooling on large baitfish near the surface, the Magnum Fluke on a lead head or fished weightless produces a highly realistic large baitfish imitation that triggers strikes from fish keying on larger forage.

⚠️ California Prop 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Why Buy the Yamamoto Zako Swimbait?

The Yamamoto Zako Swimbait was designed by Bassmaster Elite Series angler Brett Hite — and it's his personal go-to as a swimbait trailer on chatterbaits and as a standalone flip bait. Every design detail on the Zako was intentional: accordion-style tail cuts and a flanged tail keep the action tight and realistic, mimicking an actual baitfish rather than producing the exaggerated thump of a standard paddle tail. A center rigging line on the top of the bait ensures you're always rigged dead center, so the Zako runs true on every cast. 8 proven colors.

Main Use & Benefit

A pro-designed soft swimbait built for chatterbait trailers and flip presentations — its accordion-style tail cuts and flanged tail produce a tight, realistic baitfish action that improves hookset ratios (the tail folds in on itself when fish bite) and runs true every time thanks to a built-in center rigging line.

Problem It Solves

Standard paddle tail swimbaits produce an exaggerated thump that can be too much action for pressured fish, and their soft tails often fold over during the hookset, reducing hookup ratios. The Zako's accordion-style tail cuts keep the action tight and natural, while the tail's design causes it to fold in on itself when a fish bites — improving hookset ratios significantly over standard swimbait trailers.

Advantages

• ✅ Designed by Bassmaster Elite angler Brett Hite — tournament-proven design
• ✅ Accordion-style tail cuts — tight, realistic baitfish action (not an exaggerated thump)
• ✅ Flanged tail — minimal, natural action that mimics real baitfish movement
• ✅ Tail folds in on itself when fish bite — improved hookset ratios over standard swimbaits
• ✅ Center rigging line on top — always rig dead center for a true-running presentation
• ✅ Versatile — chatterbait trailer, swim jig trailer, flip bait, swimbait head
• ✅ 8 proven color options across natural and reaction shades
• ⚠️ Tight action profile — not designed for maximum thump; choose a standard paddle tail if you need more vibration

When to Choose It

Reach for the Zako when you need a swimbait trailer with a tight, realistic baitfish action rather than an exaggerated thump — especially on chatterbaits and swim jigs in clear to lightly stained water where a natural profile gets more bites. It's equally effective as a standalone flip bait when bass are keying on baitfish in and around cover.

Best Fishing Techniques

• Chatterbait Trailer — Brett Hite's primary use; pin onto a 3/8–1/2 oz chatterbait for a tight, baitfish-style action that complements the blade's vibration without overpowering it
• Swim Jig Trailer — pin onto a 3/8–1/2 oz swim jig for a natural swimming presentation through grass edges, laydowns, and open water
• Flip Bait — Texas-rig on a 3/0–4/0 EWG hook and flip into docks, laydowns, and sparse cover; the center rigging line ensures the bait runs true on every pitch
• Swimbait Head — thread onto a 1/4–3/8 oz swimbait head for a standalone swimming presentation; the tight tail action is most effective on a slow, steady retrieve
• Underspin Trailer — pin onto an underspin jig head for a baitfish-style presentation over deep structure and open water

Best Conditions

• Clear to lightly stained water where a tight, natural baitfish action outperforms exaggerated thump
• Grass edges, laydowns, docks, and open water on chatterbait and swim jig
• Post-spawn and summer when bass are keying on baitfish in open water
• Any depth — equally effective shallow on chatterbait and deep on swimbait head
• Year-round — especially effective in summer and fall when bass are schooling on shad

Best For

Key Features

• Accordion-style tail cuts — tight, realistic baitfish action on every retrieve
• Flanged tail — minimal, natural movement that mimics real baitfish
• Tail folds in on bite — improved hookset ratios over standard paddle tail swimbaits
• Center rigging line — always rig dead center for a true-running presentation
• Designed by Brett Hite — Bassmaster Elite Series tournament-proven
• 8 proven color options

Models & Specs

Water Type: Freshwater | Target Species: Bass

Tackle Express Tips

1. Use the center line — every time — The Zako's center rigging line on the top of the bait is one of its most underrated features. Always align your hook point with this line before rigging — it takes 5 seconds and guarantees the bait runs true on every cast. A bait that runs slightly off-center will spiral and kill the action.
2. Electric Shad for open water, Green Pumpkin Black Flake for cover — Electric Shad (#973) and Chartreuse Shad Laminate (#909) are your go-to reaction colors for open water and schooling situations. Switch to Green Pumpkin Black Flake (#297) or Green Pumpkin & White Laminate (#981) when flipping into cover or fishing grass edges where a more natural profile gets more bites.
3. Slow down on the chatterbait — The Zako's tight tail action is most effective at a slow to medium retrieve speed. Resist the urge to burn it — a slow, steady retrieve keeps the tail working naturally and gives bass more time to track and commit to the bait. If fish are short-striking, slow down before switching colors.

FAQ

Q: Why does the Zako have accordion-style tail cuts instead of a standard paddle tail?
A: Brett Hite specifically designed the accordion-style cuts to keep the tail action tight and realistic — mimicking the subtle, natural movement of an actual baitfish rather than the exaggerated thump of a standard paddle tail. The cuts also allow the tail to fold in on itself when a fish bites, which significantly improves hookset ratios compared to a rigid paddle tail.

Q: What chatterbait weight works best with the Zako?
A: A 3/8 oz chatterbait is the standard pairing for most situations — it gives the Zako enough speed to produce action without overpowering the tight tail movement. Move to a 1/2 oz in deeper water (10ft+) or when you need to cover water faster. The Zako's tight action works at any retrieve speed, but shines on a slow to medium retrieve.

Q: Can the Zako be fished as a standalone swimbait without a jig or chatterbait?
A: Yes — thread it onto a 1/4–3/8 oz swimbait head or underspin jig head for a standalone presentation. The center rigging line ensures it runs true, and the tight tail action is very effective on a slow, steady retrieve over deep structure and open water where bass are keying on baitfish.

The Ledge Crankbait KVD Built to Win

The Strike King Pro Model 6XD was developed over a full year alongside 5-time BASS Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam — and it shows. At 3 inches and 1 oz, it casts like a bullet and drives down to 19+ feet with a steep dive angle that gets it into the strike zone fast. Once it hits the bottom, the erratic wandering action is what triggers the bite. KVD used a prototype to finish 2nd at the 2009 BASS Elite Series event at Kentucky Lake before the bait was even released. That's how confident he was in it.

The Erratic Action That Triggers Ledge Bass

Most deep-diving crankbaits have a predictable, consistent wobble. The 6XD's action is different — it wanders erratically off the bottom in a way that mimics a disoriented baitfish struggling to maintain depth. That unpredictable action is exactly what triggers reaction strikes from bass stacked on deep ledges, humps, and channel edges during the summer months. When fish have seen every standard crankbait retrieve, the 6XD's erratic bottom action stands out.

Why Shallow Crankbaits Can't Reach Summer Bass

During summer, largemouth and smallmouth bass move to deep structure — ledges, channel edges, and offshore humps in 15–25 feet of water. Standard crankbaits can't reach them. The 6XD's steep dive angle and 19+ foot depth range puts it right in the strike zone on a standard cast, without the need for long-lining or specialized techniques. On 10 lb fluorocarbon, it reaches its full depth potential and the low-stretch fluoro gives you maximum feel for bottom contact and deflections.

The Right Pick If...

• Bass are on deep ledges, humps, or channel edges in 15–25 feet of water
• You're fishing summer structure in the style of Kentucky Lake, Pickwick, or similar ledge fisheries
• Shallow crankbaits can't reach the fish
• You want a tournament-proven deep diver developed with a 5x BASS Angler of the Year
• You need a crankbait that deflects off bottom and rocks with an erratic, strike-triggering action

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Steady Retrieve to Bottom: Cast long, reel down to the bottom, and maintain contact — the 6XD's erratic action does the rest
• Deflect Off Structure: Aim casts at rocks, stumps, and ledge edges — the kick on contact triggers reaction strikes from holding fish
• Slow Roll: Slow the retrieve once the bait reaches depth to keep it in the strike zone longer — deadly in post-front conditions
• Rip and Pause: Rip the bait off the bottom and let it float up, then resume — the pause often triggers strikes from following fish

Best Conditions

• Summer — when bass move to deep ledges and offshore structure
• Main lake points, channel edges, humps, and ledges in 15–25 feet of water
• Clear to lightly stained water where the bait's action and color carry at depth
• Post-spawn through fall when bass are schooled on deep structure
• Kentucky Lake, Pickwick, Guntersville, and similar ledge-fishing reservoirs

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass
• Techniques: Deep Ledge Cranking, Structure Fishing, Bottom Contact, Deflection Cranking
• Conditions: Summer deep structure, ledges, channel edges, offshore humps

Key Features

• Developed with Kevin VanDam (5x BASS Angler of the Year) over one full year
• Dives 19+ feet on 10 lb fluorocarbon
• Steep dive angle reaches depth fast on a standard cast
• Erratic wandering bottom action triggers reaction strikes
• 3 in body, 1 oz weight — casts like a bullet for long-distance presentations
• Use an egg snap for maximum action and quick color changes on the water
• 22 proven color patterns for any water condition

Models & Colors

Tackle Express Tips

• Use 10 lb Fluorocarbon: Line diameter directly affects dive depth. 10 lb fluorocarbon gives the 6XD its full 19+ foot depth range. Heavier line reduces depth — if you need to go shallower, step up to 12–14 lb fluoro.
• Use an Egg Snap: Strike King recommends an egg snap (not a split ring or direct tie) to maximize the 6XD's erratic action. It also lets you swap colors quickly without retying on the water.
• Match Color to Depth and Clarity: In clear water, natural patterns like Gizzard Shad, Tennessee Shad, and Natural Shad are go-to choices. In stained water or low-light conditions, reach for Chrome Blue, Powder Blue Back Chartreuse, or Citrus Shad. Craw patterns like Chili Craw and DB Craw shine when bass are feeding on crawfish on rocky ledges.

FAQ

How deep does the Strike King 6XD actually dive?
On 10 lb fluorocarbon with a long cast, the 6XD reaches 19+ feet. Line diameter, cast length, and retrieve speed all affect depth. Thinner line = more depth; thicker line = less depth. For maximum depth, use 10 lb fluoro and make the longest cast possible before starting your retrieve.

What rod and reel setup works best for ledge cranking?
A medium-heavy 7'6"–8' fiberglass or composite crankbait rod with a 5:1–6:1 reel and 10 lb fluorocarbon is ideal. The slower reel speed keeps the bait in the strike zone longer and the softer fiberglass tip absorbs the shock of a deep-water strike and keeps fish pinned.

Why use an egg snap instead of tying direct?
An egg snap gives the 6XD maximum freedom of movement at the line tie, which enhances the erratic bottom action that makes this bait so effective. It also allows you to swap colors quickly on the water without retying — a significant advantage when you're dialing in the right color on a ledge.

The C3 Baits Jobu 4" is a precision-crafted finesse worm born from decades of experience on Southern California's most pressured bass fisheries. Created by John Petroski — a.k.a. Captain Castaic — the Jobu was designed specifically for the clear, heavily fished waters of Castaic Lake and the Clearwater reservoirs, where finesse presentation is the difference between a limit and a skunk. The result is a 4" worm with an unmatched level of detail, action, and versatility that produces bites when nothing else will.

Whether you're fishing a dropshot on a deep main lake point, dragging a Carolina rig along a rocky flat, or shaking a shaky head in the shallows, the Jobu delivers the subtle, lifelike action that triggers strikes from finicky bass. Its slender profile and soft, responsive material create a natural quiver on the fall and a seductive wiggle on the retrieve that pressured fish simply can't ignore.

Key Features

• 4" finesse profile — ideal size for pressured and clear water bass
• Exceptional material softness — lifelike action on the fall, shake, and drag
• Versatile presentation — excels on dropshot, Carolina rig, shaky head, and Neko rig
• Designed by Captain Castaic for hard-pressured Southern California waters
• Hologram and natural color options to match any water clarity or light condition
• Consistent quality and attention to detail in every pack

Specifications

Watch It In Action

The Roboworm Alive Shad is a 3 inch soft plastic jerkbait, perfect for dropshot rigs. In the world of finesse dropshot baits, the Alive Shad from Roboworm stands out as one of the top choices. Roboworm is known for their high-quality "hand poured by robot" soft plastics. With a realistic minnow or shad design and a variety of successful colors, the Alive Shad is a must-have for any angler.

The carefully crafted hand poured plastic offers unmatched movement compared to other injected baits. Once you try the Roboworm Alive Shad, you'll quickly become a believer.

Qty:  10 per pack

The Big Bait That Triggers Giant Bites

The Bottom Dweller Baits Shiner6 is a 6" slotted soft swimbait built to imitate the large baitfish that trophy bass and big predators key on. With a head wobble, full body roll, and a hard-thumping tail that tracks true at any speed, this is a rig-and-throw bait that does the work for you. If you're targeting quality fish over quantity, the Shiner6 belongs in your box.

Engineered for Big Bait, Big Fish Fishing

The Shiner6 is built around a slotted body design that allows it to be rigged weedless on a heavy swimbait hook with zero fuss. The extremely soft yet durable plastic gives it a lifelike flex and feel that fish don't want to let go of, while the body's action — head wobble, body roll, tail thump — works at slow crawls and faster retrieves alike. At approximately 2oz, it has the weight to cast on heavy gear and get down to where big fish live.

When Small Baits Stop Getting Big Bites

When pressured bass stop responding to finesse presentations and smaller swimbaits, it's time to upsize. The Shiner6's 6" profile triggers reaction strikes from fish that have seen every small bait in the box. Big bait, big profile, big fish — it's that simple.

Soft Enough to Feel Real. Tough Enough to Last.

Most soft swimbaits in this size range either feel too stiff to produce natural action or tear apart after a fish or two. The Shiner6 uses an extremely soft but durable plastic that survives the fight without losing its action. You get a bait that feels real on the bite and holds up through multiple fish.

The Right Pick If...

• You're targeting trophy largemouth, spotted bass, or other large predators
• You want a big bait that tracks true at all retrieve speeds
• You fish heavy swimbait setups with stout rods and 15–20lb fluorocarbon
• You need a weedless rig option in a large profile bait

Best Fishing Techniques

• Weedless rigging on a 6/0–8/0 heavy swimbait hook (Owner Beast Hook recommended)
• Slow-rolling near the bottom or along structure
• Open water mid-column swimming retrieve
• Big bait fishing around docks, points, and deep structure

Best Conditions

• Clear to lightly stained water where a large baitfish profile is visible
• Post-spawn and fall when bass are feeding on larger forage
• Pressured fisheries where smaller baits have stopped producing
• Freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and deep structure

Best For

• Species: Largemouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, large predatory fish
• Techniques: Big bait swimbait fishing, weedless slow-roll, open water swimming
• Gear: 7'+ Heavy to Extra-Heavy rod, 15–20lb fluorocarbon, 6/0–8/0 hook

Key Features

• 6" slotted soft swimbait — weedless-ready design
• Head wobble, full body roll, and hard-thumping tail action
• Tracks true at all retrieve speeds
• Extremely soft yet durable plastic construction
• Approximately 2oz — built for heavy swimbait gear
• 1 bait per pack
• Available in Sexy Shad, Big Fish, and Mint Silver

Models & Specs

Length: 6"  |  Weight: ~2 oz  |  Slotted body design

Tackle Express Tips

• Go with the Owner Beast Hook 6/0–8/0. Bottom Dweller specifically recommends this hook for a reason — it's stout enough to handle the 2oz bait and strong enough to land big fish without straightening under pressure.
• Fish it slow. The Shiner6's action is most effective at a slow, deliberate retrieve. Let the tail thump do the work — resist the urge to speed up, especially in cold water.
• Match color to forage. Sexy Shad and Mint Silver shine in clear water; Big Fish is a go-to when bass are keying on larger, darker baitfish or in off-color conditions.

FAQ

What hook and line do you recommend for the Shiner6?
Bottom Dweller recommends the Owner Beast Hook in 6/0–8/0 paired with 15–20lb fluorocarbon line. The heavy hook handles the 2oz bait weight and the fluoro's low visibility keeps the presentation natural in clear water.

What rod should I use?
A 7'+ Heavy to Extra-Heavy rod is required for this bait. The 2oz weight demands a stout blank to load properly on the cast and set the hook effectively on big fish. A dedicated swimbait rod in the 7'6"–8' range is ideal.

How many baits come per pack?
The Shiner6 comes 1 bait per pack. At 6" and ~2oz, this is a premium big bait — each one is built to last through multiple fish thanks to the durable soft plastic construction.