Labor Day 2026 Best Deals

Submission Fishing Jigs Mercenary is effective in many conditions.  Whether you're casting out on a boat for pelagic, vertical fishing for bass off the docks, or casting from shore, the Slow Death Mercenary jig can be very productive. This jig's unique shape produces a fluttering, twirling action on the fall and an erratic swimming action on the retrieve. It can be fished vertically or cast and retrieved. It’s the ultimate dying baitfish imitator, and greedy fish won’t be able to resist.

Submission Jigs Mercenary comes in 20g, 40g, and 60g.

All jigs feature BKK assist hooks with UV tassels and heavy duty split rings.

Jig was renamed to Mercenary in March of 2024.

Seaguar Blue Label was developed with Seaguar's exclusive, proprietary Double Structure Technology, our FC Leader is one of the best on the market. Fluorocarbon leaders' advanced strength allows use of smaller pound test vs. other fluorocarbons for more effective presentation.

Incredible impact strength, knot strength and abrasion resistance. Ideal for any leader fishing from 2 to 80 lbs., fresh or salt water. As with all 100% Fluorocarbon products, FC Leader is much less visible underwater than monofilament line and virtually invisible to fish. FC is also UV resistant, chemical resistant, non-absorbant, high-density and impervious to cold conditions.

Made from 100% Seaguar resins and produced using our proprietary extrusion process.

Available Line Sizes - 25 Yards

When the bait in the water is small, five inches of swimbait is the wrong answer. Inside harbors and bays, spotted bay bass are keyed on little stuff most of the year, and a big profile gets looked at and refused.

Short version: 3", 0.35 oz, three to five baits per pack, the  weedless on a 1/0 or 2/0 hook. The smallest bait in the Pickle Kick line, the cheapest per bait, and the only size where one pack builds one complete umbrella rig.

Where It Earns Its Keep

• Harbors and bays — the primary use. Spotted bay bass on the bottom around structure, docks, and rock walls.
• Skinny water and calm conditions, where a heavy bait lands too hard and a light one can be crawled.
• When you're getting followed but not bit. Fish tracking a bigger bait and turning off is a size problem more often than a color problem.
• Umbrella rig arms for harbor fishing — five small profiles reads like a real bait ball inside the bay. See below.
• Freshwater largemouth and smallmouth, where a 3" paddle tail is a year-round confidence size.

Rigging It

Match a 1/0 or 2/0 hook to the body — considerably smaller than what the PK-5 takes, so don't reach into that box. Run the point up through the belly so it sits flush in the slot. On a body this size, a hook that's even slightly oversized will bind the bait and kill the tail.

Keep the head light. A 1/4 oz head is the general-purpose pairing for harbor bottom work; drop to 1/8 oz in shallow calm water. The whole reason to fish a 3" bait is a slow, natural fall — too much lead and you've thrown that away.

Picking a Color

Inside harbors the water is usually working against you, so contrast matters more than pattern detail:

Pro Tips from the Tackle Express Crew

• Size down before you change color. When fish are following and refusing, the profile is usually the problem. This is the bait you drop to.
• Fish it on the bottom, slowly. Harbor spotties are a bottom-contact fish. Drag, pause, and let it sit longer than feels right.
• Don't reuse your PK-5 hooks. A 4/0 in a 3" body binds the bait and kills the action. 1/0 or 2/0.
• At five per pack, buy the color you'll fish all day. One pack covers a full umbrella rig or a full session of singles.

Common Mistakes

• Too much head weight. The slow fall is the entire advantage of a 3" bait. A heavy head throws it away.
• Oversized hook. The most common rigging error on this size, and it stops the tail dead.
• Fishing it in open water where the bait is big. This isn't the outer-island bait — that's the PK-5.
• Retrieving it like a 5" bait. Faster doesn't help. Bottom contact and pauses do.

What's Included

Five PK-3 swimbaits per pack, in the color selected. Hooks, jig heads, and the umbrella rig are sold separately. One pack rigs a complete five-arm umbrella rig.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many baits come in a pack?
Five.

What hook size does the PK-3 take?
1/0 or 2/0. Much smaller than the PK-5's 4/0–5/0 — an oversized hook binds the body and kills the tail.

How many packs do I need for a five-arm umbrella rig?
One. Five baits, five arms. It's the only Pickle Kick size where the math is exact.

PK-3 or PK-5?
PK-3 inside harbors, bays, and skinny water where the bait is small. PK-5 for open water, boiler rock, and the outer islands. If fish are following your bigger bait and refusing it, drop to the PK-3.

What jig head weight should I use?
1/4 oz for general harbor bottom work, 1/8 oz in shallow calm water. Keep it light — a slow fall is the point of this size.

Is it weedless?
Yes, when the hook point sits flush in the body slot. That's what lets it come through structure without loading up.

Can I use it in freshwater?
Yes. A 3" paddle tail is a year-round size for largemouth and smallmouth on the same slow, bottom-contact presentations.

What are the Aftco colors?
A collaboration series between Kicker and Aftco. Same body and same specs — the difference is the color pattern.

Gear That Goes With It

• Warbaits Neck Breaker Swing Head — 1/8 oz and 1/4 oz are the weights for this bait.
• Kicker PK-Rig Umbrella Rig — five-arm rig with quick clips.
• Kicker Pickle Kick PK-5 — the everyday 5" open-water size.
• Kicker Pickle Kick PK-7 — the big-profile option.
• Kicker Booty Spin — same family with a spinning blade instead of a paddle tail.

Buy It From People Who Fish It

We sell Southern California saltwater tackle from our shop on Soledad Canyon Road in Santa Clarita, and we fish these baits in the same harbors you do. Not sure whether to size down, or which head weight your water wants? Call us or come in — we'd rather work it out at the counter than have you guess.

The Owner ST-36 Treble Hook is the go-to replacement hook for serious hard bait anglers. Its Super Needle Point is razor-sharp straight out of the package, and the Black Chrome finish provides reliable rust resistance in both fresh and saltwater. Light wire 1X construction keeps the hook weight minimal so your crankbaits, jerkbaits, and topwaters run exactly as designed — no altered action, no nose-diving, just clean, balanced presentation.

It's no coincidence that manufacturers like Lucky Craft spec Owner trebles as OEM hardware. When you're upgrading dull factory hooks or replacing damaged ones, the ST-36 is the benchmark for light wire treble performance. Check out the full line of Lucky Craft Lures.

Best For

• Techniques: Crankbaits, jerkbaits, topwater walking baits, hard swimbaits, inline spinners, spoons
• Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, striped bass, calico bass
• Use Case: OEM replacement hooks, upgrading factory trebles, light wire applications where hook weight matters
• Wire Strength: 1X light wire — ideal when lure balance and action are the priority

Key Features

• Super Needle Point — Surgically sharp out of the box, no honing required
• Black Chrome Finish — Rust-resistant coating for fresh and saltwater durability
• 1X Light Wire Construction — Minimizes hook weight to preserve lure action and balance
• OEM Quality — Used by Lucky Craft and other premium lure manufacturers
• Wide Size Range — Available in sizes 20 through 3/0 to fit virtually any hard bait

Tackle Express Tips:

• Use these 1X light wire hooks for lures that use a lightwire hook from the manufacturer.  If you change the hook to a heavier hook, the lure may not swim correctly.
• Have extra hooks and split ring pliers handy, light wire hooks can break or ben easily when removing the hook from the fishes mouth. Pittbull Split Ring Pliers are very effective.

Owner Treble Hook Strength Guide

The Sound That Bass Can't Ignore

The River2Sea Whopper Plopper 130 is one of the most iconic topwater lures ever made — and for good reason. That deep, hollow whopping sound produced by the rotating tail is unlike anything else on the water. Crawl it so slowly you can barely hear the tail, or rip it fast so it throws water like a swamp buggy. Either way, it gets bit. Cast it a mile, dial in your retrieve speed, and let the sound do the work.

Engineered to Run Perfect, Right Out of the Box

The Whopper Plopper's propeller-style tail is perfectly tuned from the factory and stays flexible and fish-catching forever. No tweaking, no tuning, no adjustments — just tie it on and go. The tail rotates smoothly across a wide range of retrieve speeds, producing alluring rumbles and multi-octave splashing that triggers strikes from bass, pike, musky, and stripers.

Why Standard Prop Baits Fall Short

Most prop baits are noisy at one speed and dead at another. The Whopper Plopper produces fish-catching sound and action from a dead-slow crawl all the way to a fast burn — giving you a versatile topwater that adapts to the mood of the fish. When bass are finicky, slow it down. When they're aggressive, speed it up. The Plopper works either way.

Built to Last, Built to Cast

Pre-rigged with two size #1 premium black nickel treble hooks, the Whopper Plopper 130 is ready to fish the moment it comes out of the package. The durable body handles rocks, wood, and hard-fighting fish without losing its action, and its aerodynamic profile launches exceptionally long casts for a topwater of its size — covering more water and reaching fish that other lures can't.

The Right Pick If...

• You want a topwater that works at any retrieve speed
• You're targeting largemouth, smallmouth, pike, musky, or striped bass
• You need a lure that casts far and covers open water efficiently
• Walking baits and poppers aren't triggering strikes
• You want a proven, tournament-tested topwater with a massive color selection

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Slow Crawl: Barely-there retrieve — just enough to keep the tail ticking. Deadly in calm conditions and post-spawn
• Medium Steady: The bread-and-butter retrieve — consistent tail rotation with a rhythmic whopping sound
• Fast Burn: Rip it across the surface throwing water — triggers reaction strikes from aggressive fish
• Stop and Go: Vary your retrieve speed to create an erratic, fleeing-baitfish action

Best Conditions

• Calm to lightly choppy surface — the tail sound carries best in calmer water
• Low-light periods — early morning and late evening when bass are most active on top
• Post-spawn through fall when bass are chasing baitfish on the surface
• Summer feeding windows over open flats, points, and submerged structure
• Any body of water where big fish are looking up — lakes, reservoirs, rivers, ponds

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Pike, Musky, Striped Bass
• Techniques: Slow roll, medium steady retrieve, fast burn, stop-and-go
• Conditions: Calm to choppy surface, low-light, post-spawn, summer and fall feeding windows
• Water: Lakes, reservoirs, rivers, ponds — anywhere big fish are looking up

Key Features

• Propeller-style rotating tail creates powerful surface commotion
• Produces deep, hollow whopping sound across all retrieve speeds
• Pre-rigged with 2x size #1 premium black nickel treble hooks
• Perfectly tuned tail — no adjustments needed, stays flexible forever
• Exceptional casting distance for a topwater of its size
• Extremely durable body — handles rocks, wood, and hard-fighting fish
• 12 proven color patterns to match any water condition

Models & Specs

Tackle Express Tips

• Start Slow, Speed Up: Begin your retrieve at a slow crawl and gradually increase speed until you find the cadence the fish want that day. The Plopper produces at every speed — let the fish tell you what they want.
• Match the Color to Forage: In shad-heavy lakes, go with Phantom Shad, Chubby, or Crystal Minnow. In perch or bluegill fisheries, try Perch or Munky Butt. In stained water, Blue Blood and Rat Ta Tat create the best silhouette.
• Use a Loop Knot: A loop knot (like a Rapala knot) gives the Whopper Plopper maximum freedom of movement and enhances the tail action, especially at slower retrieve speeds.

FAQ

What rod and line setup works best with the Whopper Plopper 130?
A medium-heavy 7'–7'6" casting rod with 30–50 lb braided line is ideal. Braid floats and keeps the lure riding high on the surface, while the sensitivity lets you feel the tail action and detect any change in retrieve speed.

How do I know if the tail is tuned correctly?
The tail should rotate freely and consistently at slow retrieve speeds. If it's not spinning, check for debris caught in the tail joint. The Whopper Plopper comes factory-tuned and rarely needs adjustment.

Can I use the Whopper Plopper 130 for pike and musky?
Absolutely. The 5 in, 1 3/8 oz profile is a great pike and musky topwater, especially in summer when fish are shallow and aggressive. Upgrade to heavier treble hooks if you're specifically targeting large musky.

The Lobina Rico and Rio RicoL are the number one fished popper by the pros today, and for good reason! Though these lures may look unassuming, once one is in your hands the quality becomes very obvious. From the razor sharp Gamakatsu hooks, to the hand tied feather trailers and the meticulous paint jobs, these poppers have all the bells and whistles. The cup is precisely tuned on each lure to precisely imitate a fleeing and injured baitfish making the action of this lure quite exceptional. Get yours today and see what all the hype is about!

Walks, Pops, Spits — All in One Bait

The Ima Big Stick is the result of years of development by Ima's Japanese engineering team and professional angler Randy Pringle — and it shows. At 7 inches and 1.75 oz, the Big Stick is a magnum topwater that can spit like a popper, walk like the hardest-sashaying walking bait on the market, and do it all without requiring expert technique or specialized gear. It's designed for conventional tackle, starts working the moment you begin your retrieve, and is built to handle anything from trophy bass to stripers, pike, and musky.

Eight Sound Chambers. One Unforgettable Presentation.

The Big Stick features eight individual sound chambers that create a massive ruckus at fast retrieve speeds — and can be dialed back to a subtle pop along the surface when fish are finicky. The rear-weighted design kicks the action into gear immediately on the retrieve and dramatically increases casting distance and accuracy. A unique head design pushes significant volumes of water on every direction change, creating a surface disturbance that draws fish from a distance.

Built for Trophy Fish, Not Just Bass

Most big topwaters are built for one species. The Big Stick is built for all of them. Wire-through construction, heavier split rings, and Owner ST-66 #1/0 treble hooks mean this bait can handle the shock of a 50 lb striper, a 40-inch musky, or a 10 lb largemouth without failing. The durable finish and premium hardware make it a legitimate multi-species weapon for both freshwater and saltwater applications.

Standard vs. Silent — Two Presentations, One Profile

The Big Stick comes in both a standard (rattling) version and a silent version. The standard model's eight sound chambers create aggressive noise and vibration — ideal for stained water, choppy conditions, and aggressive fish. The silent version relies entirely on its surface action and profile — perfect for clear water, pressured fish, and situations where noise spooks rather than attracts.

The Right Pick If...

• You want a big topwater that walks AND pops without switching baits
• You're targeting trophy largemouth, stripers, pike, or musky on the surface
• You need a topwater that casts far and starts working immediately on the retrieve
• You fish both freshwater and saltwater and want one bait that handles both
• You want a premium Japanese-engineered topwater with tournament-proven action

Best Retrieve Techniques

• Walk the Dog: Rhythmic rod-tip twitches produce a wide, aggressive side-to-side walk — the rear-weighted design makes this effortless
• Popping: Short, sharp twitches to spit water and pause — the unique head design creates a loud, aggressive pop
• Fast Burn: High-speed retrieve to activate all eight sound chambers and create maximum surface commotion
• Subtle Pop: Slow, gentle twitches for a quiet, subtle presentation — or use the silent version for pressured fish

Best Conditions

• Open water, main lake points, and offshore structure where big fish are feeding on top
• Early morning and late evening low-light periods
• Post-spawn through fall when trophy fish are chasing large baitfish
• Saltwater flats, jetties, and inshore structure for stripers and other coastal species
• Any situation where a large, aggressive topwater presentation is needed

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Pike, Musky, Various Saltwater Species
• Techniques: Walk-the-Dog, Popping, Fast Burn, Subtle Pop
• Conditions: Open water, low-light, post-spawn, saltwater inshore, trophy fish situations

Key Features

• Designed by Ima Japan engineering team and Randy Pringle
• 7 in body length, 1.75 oz (50g) weight
• Eight individual sound chambers — loud at speed, subtle when needed
• Rear-weighted design for immediate action and long casting distance
• Unique head design pushes significant water volume on every direction change
• Wire-through construction for maximum durability
• Heavier split rings and Owner ST-66 #1/0 treble hooks
• Available in standard (rattling) and silent versions
• 16 color patterns for freshwater and saltwater applications

Models & Colors

Standard (Rattling) Versions

Silent Versions

Tackle Express Tips

• Go Heavy on Tackle: The Big Stick is 1.75 oz — use a heavy or extra-heavy 7'6"–8' casting rod with a high-speed reel (7:1+) and 50–65 lb braid. The heavy setup handles the weight, maximizes casting distance, and gives you the power to drive Owner ST-66 hooks home on big fish.
• Standard vs. Silent by Water Clarity: Use the standard rattling version in stained water, choppy conditions, or when fish are aggressive. Switch to the silent version in clear water, calm conditions, or when fish are spooking off noise.
• Match Color to Forage: Sardine, Mackerel, and Ghost Blue Back are go-to saltwater and striper colors. Bone and Red Head are classic low-light and clear-water patterns. Trout and Hatchery Trout shine in trout-forage fisheries and tailwaters.

FAQ

What's the difference between the standard and silent Big Stick?
The standard version has eight internal sound chambers that create noise and vibration at all retrieve speeds. The silent version has no rattle and relies entirely on its surface action and profile — ideal for clear water or pressured fish that spook off noisy baits.

What rod and line setup works best?
A heavy or extra-heavy 7'6"–8' casting rod with a high-speed reel and 50–65 lb braided line is ideal. The 1.75 oz weight needs backbone to cast and the braid gives you the sensitivity to feel the action and the power to set hooks on big fish.

Can the Ima Big Stick be used in saltwater?
Absolutely. The wire-through construction, heavier split rings, and Owner ST-66 hooks are built to handle saltwater species including striped bass, bluefish, and other inshore predators. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after each saltwater use.

The Spro Rock Crawler 55 Crankbait was designed by B.A.S.S. Elite Series Angler Mike McClelland to have a wide wobbling hunting action. It's ability to bounce off cover like no other crankbaits triggers aggressive strikes.

Just hit the rocks and the RkCrawler 55 does the rest while rocking the school of fish. Most crankbait anglers know that deflection is the deal, and the new RkCrawler 55 takes advantage of a predator's built-in instinct and turns those natural instincts into secure hook-ups that show up at the weigh-in!

The Owner Dancing Stinger Monster Hooks are highly recommended for use with jigs. The flexible Technora™ connection prevents fish from leveraging hooks and jigs out of their mouths, greatly increasing hooking power. Our Super Needle Point hooks, coated in durable Titanium Gold Finish, are securely attached with strong Technora loops. This larger model is ideal for catching big, strong game fish.

Key Features:

• Flexible Technora™ Connection: Prevents fish from leveraging hooks out
• Super Needle Point: Razor-sharp for instant penetration
• Titanium Gold Finish: Durable coating for corrosion resistance
• Strong Technora Loops: Secure attachment to jigs
• Monster Size: Larger model for big, strong game fish
• Increased Hooking Power: Flexible connection improves hookup ratio
• 2 Per Pack: Ready to rig your jigs

Performance Advantages:

• Prevents Leverage: Flexible Technora connection stops fish from throwing hooks
• Superior Penetration: Super Needle Point for instant hooksets
• Corrosion Resistant: Titanium Gold Finish for saltwater durability
• Secure Attachment: Strong Technora loops won't fail
• Big Game Strength: Monster size for tuna and other powerful fish
• Improved Hookup Ratio: Dancing action increases hooking power

Ideal Applications:

• Jigging for big tuna
• Vertical jigging for strong game fish
• Replacing treble hooks on jigs
• Situations requiring flexible stinger hooks
• Big game saltwater fishing
• Heavy jigging applications
• Species that leverage hooks out of their mouths

Target Species:

• Tuna (bluefin, yellowfin, bigeye)
• Amberjack
• Grouper
• Other big, strong game fish

When you need stinger hooks with flexible Technora™ connection to prevent fish from leveraging hooks out, Super Needle Point, Titanium Gold Finish, and monster size for big game fish, the Owner Dancing Stinger Monster Hooks are the choice of serious saltwater anglers.

Note: Package image is for reference only, the size you order will have the correct packaging. 2 per pack.

 SEAGUAR ABRAZX
Seaguar Abrazx Fluorocarbon Fishing Line has unparalleled abrasion resistance and amazing knot strength.  We love it when fishing around cover that is sharp and can cause abrasion to your line.  Increased exposure to abrasion will cause your line to break under its original line strength.  We find it great for jigs, flipping, bottom fishing, and many other conditions.

Rocks, weeds, docks. Hit the heavy cover with confidence. Now your whole spool can handle the toughest conditions with a main line fluorocarbon designed with unparalleled abrasion resistance. 

Seaguar Abrazx can be used in both spinning reels and bait casting reels but we find it better on casting reels. The line has exceptional knot and impact strength and is extremely soft and sensitive for better feel and smoother casting. As with all 100% Fluorocarbon products, Abrazx is much less visible underwater than monofilament line and virtually invisible to fish. The line is also UV resistant, chemical resistant, non-absorbant, high-density and impervious to cold conditions.

• 100% Fluorocarbon• LB. Test: 4 LB. - 25 LB.
• Diameter: .165 mm/.007 in. - .435 mm/.017 in.
• Spool Lengths: 200 Yards

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 Gamakatsu Round Bend Treble Bronze Hooks are very sticky hooks.  They aren't the strongest hooks with only 1X strong wire, but the thin wire sticks better than a stronger hook.  

If you're fish are coming off once hooked, consider going to these and see the difference.  You may need to change your hook out more often because they get bent, but at least you landed the fish.

The Frog That Changed Everything

The SPRO Bronzeye Frog 65 is the Dean Rojas Signature Series hollow body frog that redefined topwater frog fishing. Tournament-proven and angler-trusted, this is the lure that raised the bar — and it's still the benchmark every other frog is measured against. Whether you're punching through thick lily pads or walking it across open water, the Bronzeye 65 delivers.

Built for the Strike Zone

At 5/8 oz and 65mm, the Bronzeye hits the sweet spot between castability and profile. It's weighted to land belly-down cast after cast, so you spend more time fishing and less time re-rigging. The soft hollow body collapses on the hookset, and the specially designed Gamakatsu Double Frog Hooks drive home with authority.

Where Standard Frogs Fall Short

Most hollow body frogs either ride too high in the water, spin on the cast, or land hook-side up. The Bronzeye 65 was engineered to solve all three. Its precision weighting system ensures a consistent belly-down landing, its aerodynamic profile cuts through wind for long-distance casts, and its hook geometry maximizes conversion on explosive topwater strikes.

Soft Body, Hard Results

The collapsible soft body is the key to the Bronzeye's legendary hookup ratio. When a bass blows up on it, the body compresses instantly — exposing both Gamakatsu hooks for a solid, deep hookset. No more short strikes. No more missed fish.

The Right Pick If...

• You're fishing matted vegetation, lily pads, or slop where other lures can't go
• You want a frog that walks easily with minimal rod work
• You need a lure that casts far and lands right every time
• You're targeting largemouth bass in warm-water conditions
• You want tournament-proven performance in a proven color lineup

Best Frog Fishing Techniques

• Walking the Dog: Twitch the rod tip rhythmically to create a side-to-side walk on the surface
• Dead Sticking: Let it sit motionless over a pocket in the weeds — let the bass come to it
• Burning: Reel fast across open water to trigger reaction strikes
• Popping: Short, sharp twitches to create a splash-and-pause action

Best Conditions

• Summer and early fall when bass are shallow and aggressive
• Overcast days when bass are more likely to be on top
• Low-light periods — early morning and late evening
• Heavy cover: lily pads, hydrilla mats, duckweed, and emergent vegetation
• Post-spawn when bass are guarding shallow flats

Best For

• Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Pike, Muskie
• Techniques: Topwater, Frog Fishing, Heavy Cover, Open Water Walking
• Conditions: Warm water, heavy vegetation, low-light, post-spawn

Key Features

• Dean Rojas Signature Series design
• 5/8 oz weight — optimal for long-distance casting
• 65mm profile — natural baitfish/frog size
• Precision belly-down weighting system
• Specially designed Gamakatsu Double Frog Hooks
• Collapsible soft hollow body for maximum hookup ratio
• 24 color patterns to match any water condition
• Fishes effectively in heavy cover and open water

Models & Colors

Tackle Express Tips

• Go Heavy on Braid: Use 50–65 lb braided line for frog fishing. Braid cuts through vegetation and gives you the power to horse fish out of heavy cover.
• Match the Color to Clarity: In stained or dark water, go with dark colors like Midnight Walker or Black Widow. In clear water or bright sun, try Natural Green or Albino.
• Pause After the Splash: When a bass misses the frog, resist the urge to reel away. Let it sit for 3–5 seconds — a second strike is very common.

FAQ

What size rod should I use with the SPRO Bronzeye Frog 65?
A heavy or extra-heavy 7'–7'6" baitcasting rod is ideal. You need the backbone to drive the hooks home and pull fish out of thick cover.

Is the Bronzeye Frog 65 weedless?
Yes. The hooks ride point-up against the soft body, making it virtually snag-free through lily pads, hydrilla, and other heavy vegetation.

How do I know when to set the hook?
Wait until you feel the weight of the fish before setting. Count "one-one-thousand" after the strike, then sweep hard to the side with a powerful hookset.

The Halco Max 220 Lure is a massive 220mm long and weighs a substantial 180 grams and its slender profile casts like a bullet into the strongest breezes. It has been designed to run straight and true several meters below the surface in the roughest of sea conditions. The streamlined design allows for high operating speeds and maximum hook exposure, so critical in lure design.

Max’s effective operating envelope is exceptional, ranging from a fast hand retrieve to a racy 14 knots while trolling.  You can troll it up to 21 knots but there is no need to troll it that fast.  That just demonstrates that it can be trolled fast and has a nice tight wobble.

Like all Halco lures, Max is constructed out of high tech polymers and has been built with strength and durability in mind. Heavy duty Halco Fish Rings and 2 extra strong Mustad hooks are standard equipment on Max and it is available in nine fish catching colors.

Specifications

The Owner Barbless No Escape is a factory barbless hook that complies with all barbless regulations. Very similar to Owner's SSW design, but incorporates a "V" bend deep in the gap and an elongated point to encourage hooked fish to remain hooked in that deep throat. A slightly up eye allows the hook to be threaded through bait with minimal damage. Features include forged shank, Super Needle Point, and Black Chrome finish.

Key Features:

• Factory Barbless Design: Complies with all barbless regulations
• "V" Bend in Gap: Deep bend encourages fish to stay hooked
• Elongated Point: Promotes deep throat hookups
• Slightly Up Eye: Thread through bait with minimal damage
• Forged Shank: Added strength without excess weight
• Super Needle Point: Razor-sharp for instant penetration
• Black Chrome Finish: Corrosion resistance and sleek appearance

Performance Advantages:

• Regulation Compliant: Factory barbless for all barbless waters
• No Escape Design: "V" bend and elongated point keep fish hooked
• Deep Throat Hookups: Encourages fish to remain hooked securely
• Minimal Bait Damage: Slightly up eye for easy threading
• Superior Penetration: Super Needle Point for instant hooksets
• Enhanced Strength: Forged shank for fighting fish

Ideal Applications:

• Barbless regulation waters
• Catch and release fishing
• Live bait presentations
• Freshwater fishing for trout, bass, and other species
• Situations requiring barbless hooks
• Waters with mandatory barbless requirements

Recommended Baits:

• Live bait (worms, minnows)
• Cut bait
• Soft plastics
• Natural baits

When you need factory barbless hooks with "V" bend in gap, elongated point, slightly up eye, forged shank, Super Needle Point, and Black Chrome finish that comply with all barbless regulations while keeping fish hooked, the Owner Barbless No Escape Hooks are the choice of serious anglers fishing barbless waters.

Note: Similar to Owner's SSW design but with unique "V" bend and elongated point to encourage hooked fish to remain hooked in deep throat.

The Owner Offshore Bait Hooks are saltwater fishing hooks that are known for their curved blade-like, sticky-sharp offset point. They are made with XX strong heavy gauge wire and feature a Super Needle Point design for extra strength. The hooks are available in sizes 8/0 to 12/0 without rings.

Owner Offshore Hooks make fantastic bait hooks, featuring a totally unique offset, super-sharp forged point for instant sticking. XX strong and corrosion resistant Black Chrome finish round out the Offshore Hooks.

Key Features:

• Curved Blade-Like Point: Sticky-sharp offset design
• XX Strong Wire: Heavy gauge construction
• Super Needle Point: Extra strength and sharpness
• Forged Point: Instant sticking power
• Black Chrome Finish: Corrosion resistant
• Unique Offset: Totally unique design
• Owner Quality: Premium saltwater construction

Performance Advantages:

• Sticky-Sharp: Curved blade-like point for instant sticking
• XX Strong: Heavy gauge for big game fish
• Super Sharp: Super Needle Point for penetration
• Forged Strength: Extra strength for offshore fishing
• Corrosion Resistant: Black Chrome for saltwater
• Fantastic Bait Hooks: Designed for offshore bait fishing

Ideal Applications:

• Offshore bait fishing
• Big game saltwater fishing
• Tuna fishing
• Large bait presentations
• Heavy tackle fishing
• Deep sea fishing
• Any offshore application

Available Sizes:

• 8/0 (without ring)
• 9/0 (without ring)
• 10/0 (without ring)
• 11/0 (without ring)
• 12/0 (without ring)

When you need offshore bait hooks with curved blade-like sticky-sharp offset point, XX strong heavy gauge wire, Super Needle Point, forged point for instant sticking, and Black Chrome finish for big game saltwater and tuna fishing, the Owner Offshore Bait Hooks are the choice of serious offshore anglers.

Note: Known for curved blade-like, sticky-sharp offset point. XX strong heavy gauge wire with Super Needle Point. Available in sizes 8/0 to 12/0 without rings.

Seaguar Gold Label Fluorocarbon Leader is not only thinner, it's even less visible underwater than all other fluorocarbon leaders.  You also get the advantage of more natural presentations and better catch-rates on finicky fish. Made with our exclusive double-structure process, we combine two custom Seaguar fluorocarbon resins to create a leader with smaller diameters yet with exceptional knot and tensile strength. It’s softer as well and cinches easily for fail-safe knots.

Features:

• 18% Thinner Diameter
  
• 17% Better Knot/Tensile Strength
  
• Extremely soft and supple and cinches easily for fail-safe knots
  
• Lowest Line Memory, making line management more user friendly
  
• 100% Fluorocarbon Leader
  
• Double Structure Fluoro
  
• Level Wind Technology
  
• Spool Length: 50 Yards
  

Seaguar Pink Label™ 100% fluorocarbon leader material is made from exclusive Seaguar resins. Pink Label is soft and supple with superior strength, abrasion resistance and minimal stretch. It's also lightweight and buoyant, so it can cast farther and perform better underwater than other fluorocarbon lines. 

The pink color is one of the first colors to disappear in water making it even more invisible than other colored or non colored lines.  We have had bites where they would only bite pink label, it's worth a try if you haven't already.

The Nomad Design DTX Minnow 180 Heavy Duty Shallow FLT is the ultimate trolling minnow, capable of diving 10-12ft at 18+ knots. With patented features like the Autotune System and Metal Matrix Plate System, it offers maximum action and side-to-side body wiggle at all speeds. Perfect for high-speed or slow-speed fishing.

Crafted by decades of experience on the water, the Nomad Design DTX Minnow 180 Heavy Duty Shallow FLT lure is designed and tested in Australia for maximum toughness and durability. Its unique colors and highly effective shape and action make it a must-have for catching more fish.

The Owner 4301 X-Strong Single Replacement Hook Pro Pack is the go-to upgrade when trebles are working against you. Built with extra-strong wire, a forged shank, and Owner's Super Needle Point, these hooks are designed to punch through heavy grass, navigate thick cover, and still drive home on the strike — all while being far gentler on fish at the boat.

Built for the 4301 Series

The 4301 was engineered specifically as a treble hook replacement for crankbaits, jerkbaits, swimbaits, and multi-hook lures. X-Strong wire construction handles the shock of aggressive strikes without bending out, and the Black Chrome finish fights corrosion in both freshwater and inshore salt environments. Pro Pack quantities mean you stock up and stay fishing.

Why Trebles Fail in Cover

Treble hooks are a liability the moment you're near grass, laydowns, or dock pilings. Three exposed points means three times the snag risk. They also make clean catch-and-release harder — tangled trebles cause deeper wounds and longer handling time. The 4301 solves this: one strong point, far less drag through cover, and a hook removal at the livewell that takes seconds, not minutes.

What Sets It Apart

• X-Strong Wire — Extra-heavy gauge holds up in matted vegetation and under hard-fighting fish
• Super Needle Point — Bites fast on light pressure; no need to power-set to get purchase
• Black Chrome Finish — Resists rust in freshwater and inshore saltwater conditions
• Forged Shank — Maximum strength without adding unnecessary weight to the lure
• Treble Drop-In Replacement — Matches standard split ring sizes; swap in minutes
• Pro Pack Quantities — Bulk counts per size so you're never caught short mid-season

The Right Pick If…

• You fish crankbaits or jerkbaits in grass, hydrilla, or heavy cover
• You practice strict catch-and-release and want faster, cleaner releases
• You're in a jurisdiction or tournament with single-hook requirements
• You want to reduce hook tangles during lure retrieval and netting
• You fish inshore or freshwater and need corrosion-resistant hardware

Best Fishing Techniques

• Crankbait fishing in submerged vegetation — replace all trebles before the first cast
• Jerkbait fishing over shallow flats — reduces fouling and improves lure action
• Swimbait rigging on larger profile baits (1/0–2/0)
• Topwater walking baits — front hook forward, rear hook rearward for clean hookup geometry
• Inshore plugging for snook, redfish, and trout

Best Conditions

• Heavy grass, hydrilla, milfoil — single hook slides through where trebles hang up
• Dock and structure fishing — less fouling on posts and cables
• Shallow flats and grass beds — inshore single-hook regulation areas
• Tournament fishing — cleaner C&R means healthier fish in the livewell

Best For

• Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass (crankbaits, jerkbaits)
• Snook, Redfish, Speckled Trout (inshore plugging)
• Tournament anglers in C&R-focused events
• Anglers fishing single-hook-only regulation waters
• Any lure angler who fishes in or near vegetation

Models & Specs

Specs are loaded dynamically from product metafields. Sizes available: #6, #4, #2, #1, 1/0, 2/0 — Pro Pack quantities vary by size.

Tackle Express Tips

• Orient hooks correctly. Front hook faces forward, rear hook faces rearward. This isn't optional — wrong orientation kills hookup ratio and throws off lure balance.
• Size to the split ring, not the lure. Match the hook gape to the split ring diameter on your existing lure. A hook that's too large will kill action; too small and you'll miss fish.
• Keep extras on the boat. Pro Pack quantities exist for a reason. These are consumable — keep a spare pack in your tackle tray so a bent hook doesn't end your day.

FAQ

Q: Will replacing my trebles with single hooks affect lure action?
A: Minimally, if you size correctly. The 4301 is designed to closely match the weight profile of standard trebles. In most cases, lure action improves slightly because there's less hook drag through the water column.

Q: Can I use these in saltwater?
A: Yes. The Black Chrome finish provides solid corrosion resistance for inshore use. Rinse with fresh water after saltwater exposure to extend hook life.

Q: How do I know which size to buy?
A: Match the hook size to your existing treble — if you're running #4 trebles, start with #4 single replacements. Check Owner's sizing chart for gape width if you're unsure, or ask us at Tackle Express.