LABOR DAY TACKLE CLEAROUT

The Gamakatsu Round 211 Jig Head is built for anglers who demand precision in finesse and grub presentations. Its short-shank design keeps your soft plastic tight to the head for a natural, compact profile — exactly what pressured fish respond to.

Fitted with an ultra-sharp Gamakatsu hook and two keeper barb rings behind the head, your plastics stay locked in place cast after cast. The classic round head shape gives you maximum versatility across a wide range of retrieves and depths.

Key Features

• Short-shank round jig head for finesse and grub rigs
• Ultra-sharp Gamakatsu hook for reliable hooksets
• Two keeper barb rings to secure soft plastics
• Versatile round head design — works across multiple presentations
• 5 per pack

Specifications

The Major Craft JigPara Vertical Long Slow is a expertly designed hybrid jig with an asymmetrical profile for both speed and slow jigging. It excels in middle to deep water columns, boasting a unique shape for fast descent and minimal resistance. Beginner-friendly for deep sea jigging, targeting tilefish, snapper, grouper, and more. The center of gravity is strategically placed towards the front, allowing for effortless jerking and maintaining a stable position. On slack line, it flutters horizontally like a wounded baitfish, irresistible to predators. Pair with the Giant Killing Long Fall rod for optimal jigging performance.

Weight and length of Jig (grams, inches)

250g- 8"

300g- 9"

400g- 10"

500g-10 1/2"

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 Halco Roosta Popper is perfect for targeting game fish that are aggressively  attacking bait fish near or on the surface.  The hardware on these poppers is of the highest quality and will stand up to big fish like tuna, GT's, dorado, and peacock bass. They are best used with a heavy spinning rod and reel due to the higher inches of line retrieved per crank.  We prefer to have braided line with a short 3' top shot of monofilament or fluorocarbon.

The Halco Roosta 195 Haymaker is designed for catching some of the toughest fish that swim, from Giant Trevally to Dogtooth Tuna. It is built with extra heavy duty, custom made 7xx fish rings and is equipped with Mustad 5 extra strong 5/0 trebles. While designed with a blooping style retrieve in mind, the Roosta Haymaker can be simply wound in at speed or trolled for excellent results.The recommended method of retrieval for best results is to point the rod tip at the lure, retrieve any slack line and firmly sweep the rod tip in a downward motion approximately 45 degrees. Allow the lure to rest for several seconds and if a fish hasn't taken the lure repeat as necessary.

Roosta Popper 195 Specs

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.

The Owner Darter Jig Heads come with a lead head and a light wire 2/0 hook. They are perfect for smaller shad, fluke, or other small baitfish style plastics. Featuring a lead head and a light wire 2/0 hook, Owner Darter Jig Heads are designed for tackling smaller shad, fluke, and other small baitfish style plastics with ease. These jig heads offer precision and versatility for catching a wider range of fish.

Key Features:

• Lead Head: Optimal weight for casting and depth
• Light Wire 2/0 Hook: Perfect for smaller baits
• Darter Design: Precision jig head shape
• Super Needle Point: Razor sharp hook
• Owner Quality: Premium construction
• Versatile Use: Multiple baitfish plastics
• Precision Design: For wider range of fish

Performance Advantages:

• Light Wire Hook: Perfect for smaller baits
• Precision Casting: Lead head design
• Versatility: Multiple plastic styles
• Super Sharp: Owner sharpness for hooksets
• Wider Range: Catch more fish species
• Easy Rigging: Simple to use

Ideal Applications:

• Smaller shad fishing
• Fluke fishing
• Small baitfish plastics
• Bass fishing
• Largemouth bass
• Freshwater fishing
• Any small baitfish application

Recommended Baits:

• Smaller shad
• Fluke
• Small baitfish style plastics
• Soft jerkbaits
• Paddle tail swimbaits

When you need darter jig heads with lead head, light wire 2/0 hook, precision design, Super Needle Point, and Owner quality for smaller shad, fluke, and other small baitfish style plastics for bass and freshwater fishing, the Owner Darter Jig Heads are the choice of serious soft plastic anglers.

Note: Lead head with light wire 2/0 hook. Perfect for smaller shad, fluke, and small baitfish style plastics. Precision and versatility for wider range of fish.

Dirty Jigs Swim Jigs are a Coosa River style swim jig features a 50 strand full skirt that gives this bait a more bulky profile for use in dirtier water or any time bass are targeting large shad or bream. There is no light wire hook here, the 5/0 3X Mustad hook is sharp enough to stick the fish with little effort but has all the strength of a heavy wire flipping hook.

This jig features a bullet head for better movement through vegetation and 3-D eyes for a more realistic look. Available in 1/4oz - 4/0 Hook, 5/16oz - 5/0 Hook, 3/8oz - 5/0 Hook, and 1/2oz - 5/0 Hook. 

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.

 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 Nomad Design DTX Minnow Heavy Duty Lures are a game-changer for trolling enthusiasts, boasting the innovative autotune system, Metal Matrix plate system, Diamond Armor internal strength system, and Hydrospeed belly eyelet technology. The DTX Minnow is in a class of its own, designed and tested by the playful and adventurous Nomad Sportfishing Team in Australia.

These uniquely designed lures are not only durable and strong, but also feature an irresistible action that will have fish biting every time. Each lure is designed for a specific purpose and has been meticulously tested and balanced to work perfectly with the hooks. With decades of guiding experience in some of the most challenging fishing locations in the world, every Nomad Design lure is crafted with skilled expertise and a playful spirit.

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 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

This cost-effective hook offers strength for a range of game fish. The 3X strong Mustad O'Shaughnessy Live Bait Hook is equipped with an ultra-sharp black nickel finish, which resists corrosion. Why is it inexpensive? We can't say, however, we can assure its durability. Give it a go and discover the truth.

The Lead Masters Swimbait Head Plain is the uncoated, bare lead version of the Lead Masters Swimbait Head — no powder coat, no paint, just plain lead. The natural silver-grey lead finish mimics the lateral line and belly color of baitfish in a way that a painted head cannot, and the bare lead surface reflects light differently than a coated head, producing subtle flash and color variation as the jig moves through the water. Features Mustad hooks for reliable hooksets across freshwater and saltwater applications. Hook size scales with weight from 2/0 through 10/0 across 9 sizes from 1/4 oz to 6 oz. 2 per pack (6 oz is 1 per pack).

Key Features

• Uncoated Bare Lead — Natural Baitfish Profile — The plain lead finish is the defining feature of this swimbait head; no powder coat, no paint — just the natural silver-grey color of bare lead; the uncoated lead surface mimics the lateral line and belly color of anchovy, sardine, and other common baitfish; the bare lead also reflects light differently than a coated head, producing subtle flash and color variation as the jig moves and changes angle through the water column; most effective in clear water where fish can inspect the jig head closely and a natural, uncoated profile is preferred.
• Mustad Hooks — Trusted Hook Quality — Mustad is one of the most recognized and trusted hook manufacturers in fishing; Mustad hooks provide consistent point sharpness, hook gap geometry, and wire strength for reliable hooksets on swimbait presentations across freshwater and saltwater species.
• Hook Size Matched to Weight — Hook size scales with jig weight across the full range: 2/0 for the 1/4–3/8 oz, 3/0 for the 1/2 oz, 4/0 for the 3/4–1 oz, 6/0 for the 1.5–2 oz, and 10/0 for the 3–6 oz; the 10/0 hook on the 3 and 6 oz sizes is sized for large saltwater swimbait presentations targeting big game species.
• Wide Weight Range — 1/4 oz to 6 oz — Nine weight options from 1/4 oz to 6 oz cover a wide range of depth, current, and swimbait size requirements; lighter weights (1/4–3/8 oz) for shallow water and finesse presentations, mid weights (1/2–1 oz) for versatile inshore and freshwater applications, and heavier weights (1.5–6 oz) for deeper water, stronger current, and large saltwater swimbait presentations.
• Freshwater & Saltwater — Effective across both freshwater and saltwater applications; the plain lead finish is particularly effective in clear water conditions in both environments where a natural, uncoated head profile outperforms painted heads.
• 2 Per Pack (6 oz: 1 Per Pack) — Two jig heads per pack for all sizes except the 6 oz, which is sold individually.

Size Selection Guide

Best For

• Clear Water — Natural Uncoated Profile — The primary advantage of the plain lead head; most effective in clear water where fish can inspect the jig head closely and the natural silver-grey lead color provides a more realistic baitfish profile than a painted or powder-coated head; the bare lead surface reflects light naturally and produces subtle flash that a coated head cannot replicate.
• Paddle Tail & Swimbait Presentations — Rig a paddle tail swimbait or shad-style soft plastic on the plain swimbait head and retrieve steadily; the uncoated head lets the swimbait’s color and action take center stage without a painted head color competing with the trailer.
• Calico Bass & Inshore Saltwater — Effective for Calico Bass, Halibut, and inshore species with paddle tail swimbaits in clear water; the plain lead finish is a proven inshore swimbait head option when fish are pressured and a natural presentation is needed.
• Large Saltwater Species — 3 & 6 oz — The 3 oz and 6 oz sizes with 10/0 hooks are purpose-built for large saltwater swimbait presentations targeting big game species in deep water and strong current; the 10/0 hook provides the hook gap and wire strength needed for large fish.

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.

Izorline First String Clear Wind-On Top Shots are the fastest, Stronest, and easiest way to connect Spectre/Braid to Mono. There is a small learning curve to fishing Wind-On Top Shots.

Izorline First String Clear Wind-On Top Shots have a spectra loop on the end so you're going to need to serve a loop in your hollow core spectra to make the loop to loop connection and if you do not have hollow core then, you'd have to tie a Bimini twist loop in the end of your solid spectra to make the right connection.

A Wind-On Top Shot is one of the most in-line connections from braid to mono making it virtually silent and smooth going through the guides on the rod. Also a Loop to Loop connection is the strongest connection for spectra to mono.  Some anglers like monofilament over fluorocarbon because monofilament has more stretch.  That stretch acts like a rubber band and give a shock absorber when a fish trashes or changes direction quickly.  Fluorocarbon is harder for the fish to see and is generally better during the daytime hours.

Standard Top-Shot sizes:
LBS TEST            FIRST STRING
                                 CLEAR
25                         50yds or 125yds
30                         50yds or 125yds
40                         50yds or 125yds
50                         25yds or 50YDS 
60                         25yds or 50YDS
80                         25yds or 50YDS or 100yds
100                       9yds or 25yds or 50YDS or 100yds
135                       25yds or 50YDS or 100yds
150                       25yds or 50YDS or 100yds
200                      25yds or 50YDS or 100yds
300                      25yds or 50YDS or 100yds
400                      25yds or 50YDS or 100yds

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 Strike King Pro Model 5XD was built to go where the Series 5 can't. A newly designed bill drives it 4–5 feet deeper than the standard model, reaching down to 15 feet — right where big bass stack up on ledges and deep structure. Kevin VanDam didn't just test this bait; he used it to come from behind in the final Post Season events at Lake Jordan and the Alabama River to claim the 2010 Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. At 2.5 inches and 5/8 oz, it casts well and tracks true, with 23 color options to match any forage or water condition.

Key Features

• Dives to 15 feet — 4–5 ft deeper than the standard Series 5
• Newly designed bill — faster depth acquisition and better bottom tracking
• KVD-tested and tournament-proven — used to win the 2010 Bassmaster AOY title
• 2.5" compact profile — matches shad forage on deep ledges and structure
• Available in 23 proven color patterns

Specifications

The Salas O Pop is the widest-body iron Salas makes — 3.2 oz with a concave cupped face that pushes and displaces water on the retrieve. Where a standard surface iron swims side to side on a flat face, the O Pop creates surface commotion: a popping, splashing action that draws fish from distance and triggers strikes from yellowtail, dorado, and surface-feeding pelagics that are looking for a noisy, high-visibility target. It's not a replacement for the 7X Light or 7X Jr — it's a different tool for a different situation, and on the right day it outperforms every conventional surface iron in the box.

The Concave Face Changes Everything

The O Pop's cupped face is what separates it from the rest of the Salas surface iron lineup. On a standard retrieve, the concave face catches water and creates a popping splash with each sweep of the rod or turn of the handle. This surface disturbance does two things: it draws fish from a distance who feel the pressure wave before they see the lure, and it creates a feeding trigger for fish that are keyed on baitfish being pushed or injured at the surface. In flat-calm conditions when a standard iron's subtle action isn't enough to pull fish from depth, or when birds are working and you want to match the commotion of the feeding frenzy, the O Pop is the call.

Hand-Cast in Southern California

The O Pop is hand-cast in California like all Salas irons — individually poured in small runs. Eight colors cover the full range of conditions: sardine and mackerel patterns for forage-matching, Rainbow Sardine and Dorado for offshore and mixed-bait situations, and Scrambled Egg and Mint White for low-light and overcast conditions.

The Right Pick If...

• Fish are on top but the bite is slow and a standard surface iron isn't drawing strikes
• You're fishing in a feeding frenzy or birds are working and you want an iron that matches the surface commotion
• Dorado or other surface-oriented pelagics are in the area and responding to noisy presentations
• Conditions are flat calm and you need a lure that creates its own surface disturbance to draw fish up
• You want a surface iron option that triggers reaction strikes from fish that have seen too many standard irons

Best Fishing Techniques

• Pop-and-pause: Cast, let the iron settle on the surface, then pop with a sharp rod sweep and pause — the concave face throws water on the pop and the iron sits briefly before the next sweep; effective for dorado and yellowtail staged near the surface
• Fast erratic retrieve: Crank fast with the rod tip low to keep the iron working the top 1–2 ft; the cupped face creates a splashing, churning action that triggers reaction strikes from fish already in feeding mode
• Walk the dog: Slow, rhythmic rod tip twitches with controlled slack — the wide body and cupped face make the O Pop walk side to side with more splash than a standard cigar-shaped iron
• Cast into the melee: When birds are working or a school is visibly busting, cast the O Pop into the fray and retrieve fast — the surface commotion matches the feeding energy and draws immediate strikes

Best Conditions

• Flat-calm to moderate surface conditions when fish are visible on top
• Active feeding frenzies — birds working, fish busting, bait being pushed to the surface
• Dorado, yellowtail, and offshore pelagics that are up and looking for noise
• Clear water conditions where the surface splash is visible to fish from depth

Best For

• Yellowtail — surface feeding conditions and situations when standard irons go ignored
• Dorado (mahi-mahi) — aggressive surface feeders that respond strongly to popping presentations
• Bluefin and yellowfin tuna — when busting on top and looking for commotion
• Bonito and barracuda — fast, aggressive surface feeders that react to noise and flash

Key Features

• Weight: 3.2 oz
• Concave cupped face — creates surface splash and water displacement on the retrieve; unique in the Salas lineup
• Widest body in the Salas surface iron lineup
• Hand-cast in Southern California
• 8 color options covering sardine, mackerel, rainbow, dorado, and low-light patterns
• Rigged with split ring; add your preferred treble or single hook

Color Guide

Tackle Express Tips

• The O Pop works best with a rod that has enough tip flex to generate the pop action without snapping the iron out of the water — a moderate-fast 7–8 ft spinning or conventional rod in the 20–40 lb class gives you the right loading to throw water on each sweep without ripping the lure sideways. Too stiff a rod and the pop becomes a jerk; too soft and you lose the sharp snap needed to move water.
• For yellowtail on the surface in flat-calm conditions, try a pop-and-pause cadence with 3–5 second pauses between pops. Let the iron sit still on the surface after each pop — the pause gives staged fish time to commit. Yellowtail will often circle the lure on the pause and strike when it moves again.
• Dorado color tip: Dorado on the surface respond exceptionally well to the Dorado and Rainbow Sardine patterns — both have the yellow-green flash that matches the baitfish dorado are typically eating offshore. If you're in dorado territory with birds working, these are your first two choices before going to a natural sardine pattern.

FAQ

How is the O Pop different from the 7X Light or 7X Jr?
The 7X Light and 7X Jr are standard flat-body surface irons that swim side to side on the retrieve. The O Pop has a concave cupped face that displaces water and creates surface splash — it's closer in concept to a metal popper than a traditional surface iron. Use the 7X series when you want a subtle, swimming presentation; use the O Pop when you want noise, splash, and surface commotion to draw fish from distance or trigger reaction strikes.

What size treble hook works best on the O Pop?
Most local anglers run a #1 or 1/0 treble (Owner ST-36 or similar) on the tail split ring. The wider body means you can slightly upsize the hook compared to the 7X Jr without affecting the lure's action significantly. For dorado and larger yellowtail, a 2/0 treble gives more hook exposure. Single Siwash hooks in 3/0–4/0 also work well and reduce fouling on the cast.

Can the O Pop be yo-yoed?
It's a surface iron — the cupped face creates drag on a vertical retrieve and it won't yo-yo effectively. For yo-yo coverage use the Salas 6X Heavy or 7X Heavy.

Shop More Salas Irons

• Salas 7X Light — 3.5 oz standard surface iron for distance and classic action
• Salas 7X Jr — 2.1 oz for small bait and picky fish on light tackle
• Salas 6X Heavy — 6.4 oz yo-yo iron for when fish hold deep