Labor Day 2026 Freshwater

Bullet Weights Worm Weights are great for fishing a Texas rig or Carolina rig for largemouth bass.   The powder coat paint will hold up against the gnarliest cover and the smooth inside won't cause damage to your fishing line.  Lead weights with powder coated finish.

The Dobyns Football Jigs are all hand-tied with custom colored skirts in a combination of round rubber and silicone.  The jigs feature Gary’s all time favorite, the Gamakatsu 604 round bend jig hook, that Gary has been using in his own jigs for 20 years.  Each jig features the special 4 barb bait keeper to hold the jig trailers in place. 

3 Jigs per pack

The Owner ST-35 is the short shank treble hook that belongs on your crankbaits, jerkbaits, and topwater lures. A wider 150° gap opens the hook's catching window, the short shank keeps it from raking up your bait's finish, and the combination of Owner's Super Needle Point and Silky Gray Finish makes it about as sticky as a treble hook gets. Fewer follows that don't convert. Fewer fish that shake off at the boat. More fish in the net.

Short Shank. Wide Gap. Sticky Point.

The ST-35 is engineered around three specific improvements over a standard treble. The short shank reduces the leverage a fish has to throw the hook and prevents the hook from digging into and scuffing the body of hard baits during casts and retrieves. The 150° gap is wider than a standard treble, which means the hook point reaches fish faster on a strike. The Silky Gray Finish reduces friction on entry so the Super Needle Point drives home on light contact without needing a hard hookset.

Why Standard Factory Trebles Cost You Fish

Factory trebles on most production crankbaits and jerkbaits are value-engineered — adequate enough to ship, not optimal enough to keep every fish you hit. Points dull after a few trips, the finish corrodes, and the gap geometry wasn't designed for the specific lure it came on. The ST-35 is a purpose-built replacement: sharper out of the box, stays sharper longer, and the 150° gap is designed to maximize hook contact on reaction strikes where the fish doesn't fully commit.

What Sets Them Apart

• Short Shank Design — Reduces hook rash on bait bodies; less leverage for fish to throw the hook mid-fight
• 150° Wide Gap — Wider catching window than standard trebles; hooks fish that barely touch the bait
• Super Needle Point — Owner's sharpest point; drives home on the lightest contact without a power hookset
• Silky Gray Finish — Frictionless coating reduces resistance on entry; works with the needle point instead of against it
• Forged Construction — Holds its shape under the sustained pressure of hard-fighting fish
• Sizes #6 through 2/0 — Covers the full range from finesse jerkbaits to larger swimbaits and saltwater plugs

The Right Pick If…

• You're replacing dull or corroded factory trebles on crankbaits or jerkbaits
• You want a shorter shank that won't dig into your bait's paint or holographic finish
• You're losing fish at the boat due to hook throws on standard gap trebles
• You fish fast reaction baits where a sticky point on light contact makes the difference
• You fish saltwater and need a finish that resists corrosion between trips

Best Fishing Techniques

• Crankbait fishing — replace all factory trebles before the season; Size #4–6 for most bass cranks
• Jerkbait fishing — short shank reduces hook fouling between front and rear hooks on pauses
• Topwater walking baits — wide gap increases hook contact on explosive surface strikes
• Hard swimbaits — Size 1–2/0 for larger profiles; short shank keeps the hook tight to the bait body
• Inshore saltwater plugs — for snook, redfish, and speckled trout on hard baits

Best Conditions

• Clear water — Silky Gray Finish is low-profile and doesn't flash or spook wary fish
• Reaction bite fishing — fast strikes where the fish barely mouths the bait; wide gap and needle point close the deal
• Saltwater inshore — finish holds up against corrosion better than standard plated trebles
• Tournament fishing — upgrade your whole crankbait box before the season; hooks are the cheapest upgrade with the highest return

Best For

• Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass (crankbaits, jerkbaits, topwater)
• Spotted Bass on finesse hard baits (Size #6)
• Snook, Redfish, Speckled Trout on inshore plugs (Size 1–2/0)
• Striped Bass on large hard swimbaits
• Any hard bait application where hook quality directly affects conversion rate

Models & Specs

Specs are loaded dynamically from product metafields. Available: Size 6 (5635-056, Qty 8), Size 4 (5635-076, Qty 7), Size 2 (5635-096, Qty 6), Size 1 (5635-106, Qty 5), Size 1/0 (5635-116, Qty 5), Size 2/0 (5635-126, Qty 5).

Tackle Express Tips

• Match size to the split ring, not the lure body. The hook gape needs to clear the lure body during a strike without the shank fouling. On most standard bass crankbaits, Size #4 is the correct fit. Size #6 for smaller finesse cranks; Size #2 or larger for magnum crankbaits and swimbaits.
• Re-hook your whole box at the start of the season. If you're still running factory trebles from last year, you're fishing with dull hooks. ST-35s are inexpensive enough to re-hook your entire hard bait collection at the start of the season — and the difference in conversion rate on reaction strikes is immediate.
• Check points after every rocky bottom contact. The Super Needle Point is sharp but thin. A single hard strike against a rock can roll the tip. Run your thumbnail across each point after fishing rocky cover — if it doesn't drag, swap it.

FAQ

Q: What's the difference between the ST-35 and a standard Owner treble?
A: The ST-35 has a shorter shank and a wider 150° gap compared to standard treble geometry. The shorter shank reduces hook rash on the bait and gives fish less leverage to throw the hook. The wider gap increases the catching window on reaction strikes. The Silky Gray Finish is specific to the ST-35 and reduces entry friction on hooksets.

Q: Can these be used in saltwater?
A: Yes. The Silky Gray Finish provides reasonable corrosion resistance for inshore saltwater use. Rinse your lures with fresh water after each saltwater trip to extend hook life.

Q: How do I know if my hooks need replacing?
A: The thumbnail test — drag the hook point across your thumbnail with light pressure. A sharp hook will catch and drag slightly. A dull hook will slide across without catching. If it slides, it's time to replace. Don't wait until you're losing fish to check.

Gamakatsu Split Shot, Drop Shot Hooks have the right bend to make the bait presentation at the right angle.  The preferred knot is the palomar but make sure you take your tag line and run it through the eye of the hook to finish the knot.  

We like this hook because it's very sharp and has the perfect angle for drop shot rigs and split shot rigs.  The wire is thin so hookups are solid, allowing you to get the fish in.  Even though they are thin, they are still pretty tough considering the wire size.  There are 6 hooks per pack but we also have bulk packs for a better value. 

Ideal for fishing Swimming Senkos, swimbaits, flukes, and other small-profile soft plastics, the Owner Weighted TwistLock Light Hook not only helps "swim" a rigged bait down into the strike zone, it also helps increase casting distance. The weight is positioned low on the shank to provide a "keel" effect so that baits rigged weedless-style will swim naturally.

Owner's unique Centering-Pin Spring (CPS) allows baits to be "permanently" secured by inserting the center pin and screwing the TwistLock coil spring into the nose of the bait. Also featuring Owner's Super Needle Point construction, X-Strong forging, and a 30-degree eye-bend with an open gap, the Owner Weighted TwistLock Light Hook serves up quality hooksets, excellent rigging, and maximum fish penetration.

Key Features:

• Centering-Pin Spring (CPS): Permanently secures baits
• Weighted Shank: Positioned low for keel effect
• TwistLock Coil Spring: Screw into bait nose
• Super Needle Point: Maximum fish penetration
• X-Strong Forging: Enhanced strength
• 30-Degree Eye-Bend: With open gap
• 3 Per Pack: Ready for multiple setups

Performance Advantages:

• Swim Baits Down: Weight helps reach strike zone
• Increased Casting Distance: Added weight for longer casts
• Keel Effect: Low weight position for natural swimming
• Weedless Swimming: Baits swim naturally when rigged weedless
• Permanent Rigging: CPS keeps bait secured
• Quality Hooksets: Super Needle Point and open gap

Ideal Applications:

• Swimming Senkos
• Swimbaits
• Flukes
• Small-profile soft plastics
• Weedless rigging
• Situations requiring weighted hooks
• Applications needing increased casting distance

Recommended Baits:

• Swimming Senkos
• Swimbaits
• Flukes
• Small-profile soft plastics

When you need weighted hooks with Centering-Pin Spring, TwistLock coil spring, low-positioned weight for keel effect, Super Needle Point, X-Strong forging, and 30-degree eye-bend for Swimming Senkos, swimbaits, flukes, and small-profile soft plastics, the Owner Weighted TwistLock Light Hooks are the choice of serious soft plastic anglers.

Note: 3 per pack. Weight positioned low on shank provides keel effect for natural swimming action. CPS allows baits to be permanently secured.

The Battlestar XLS Weighted Swimbait Hooks are high-performance, weedless hooks designed for Texas rig surf fishing, particularly effective with 5" and 6" ribbed swimbaits like the Battlestar 5" Rib Bait. These hooks are favored for targeting species such as halibut, white sea bass, calico bass, and rockfish.

Key Features

• Extra-Long Shank (XLS) Design: Provides improved hooksets and increased landing ratios.

• VMC 5/0 Heavy-Duty Hook: Ensures durability and strength.

• Hydrodynamic and Aerodynamic Construction: Delivers maximum weedlessness and improved casting distance.

• Black Nickel Coating: Offers saltwater corrosion resistance.

• Spring Bait Keeper: Secures soft plastics firmly in place.

• Slow Sink Design: Ideal for a slow, steady retrieve with pops and pauses.

Premium Long-Range Jig Head for Distance Casting

The Owner Range Roller Jighead delivers premium long-range jig head performance designed for serious anglers who need maximum casting distance. Built with Owner's legendary sharp hook and aerodynamic roller design, this jig head provides exceptional casting range, natural rolling action, and proven effectiveness for targeting bass and other gamefish at long distances. The Range Roller represents Owner's commitment to creating the world's sharpest long-range jig heads.

Advanced Range Roller Design

• Aerodynamic Shape: Streamlined design maximizes casting distance
• Rolling Action: Unique shape creates natural rolling motion on retrieve
• Owner Sharp Hook: Legendary cutting point ensures instant penetration
• Long-Range Optimized: Designed specifically for distance casting applications
• Versatile Design: Works with various soft plastics and swimbaits

Premium Construction Features

• Legendary Sharpness: Owner's precision-ground hook provides instant penetration
• Streamlined Profile: Aerodynamic design cuts through air for maximum distance
• Quality Construction: Durable materials withstand repeated casting and use
• Balanced Design: Optimized weight distribution for accurate long casts
• Owner Quality: Japanese precision engineering and craftsmanship

Long-Range Fishing Applications

The Range Roller Jighead excels in long-range fishing applications. Perfect for covering water with long casts, targeting distant structure and cover, fishing open water for suspended bass, searching for active fish, or any situation where casting distance is critical. The aerodynamic shape allows maximum casting range while the rolling action creates natural movement that triggers strikes. Owner's legendary hook sharpness ensures instant penetration on long-distance hooksets while the streamlined design provides accurate casts to distant targets.

Key Features

Owner Quality

Owner has been creating the world's sharpest fishing hooks for serious anglers worldwide, and the Range Roller Jighead continues this tradition with legendary hook quality and innovative aerodynamic design. Every jig head is manufactured to exacting Japanese standards to ensure consistent performance. From weekend anglers to serious long-range specialists, the Range Roller delivers the casting distance and sharpness that demanding anglers require.

Experience the legendary hook sharpness that serious anglers trust. The Owner Range Roller Jighead isn't just a jig head—it's precision-engineered equipment built for long-range fishing success.

Cover more water with Owner Range Roller Jighead—where aerodynamic design meets legendary Owner sharpness.

The Z-Man Finesse ShroomZ is a specialized mushroom-style jighead designed specifically for Ned rigging and other light-line finesse techniques. It is widely credited as the first dedicated jighead to bring the "Midwest Finesse" style to the mainstream market.

Key Features & Design

• Mushroom Head Shape: The signature flat-top head allows buoyant soft plastics to stand perfectly upright on the bottom, mimicking a feeding crawfish or baitfish.

• Welded Wire Keeper: Features a unique wire keeper welded directly to the hook shank that locks ElaZtech® plastics securely in place without the need for glue.

• Premium Hooks: Built with high-carbon, black nickel needlepoint hooks (typically size 1 or 2) that are "sticky sharp" for easy penetration on light tackle.

• Variety of Weights: Available in weights ranging from 1/20 oz to 1/5 oz, allowing you to fine-tune your fall rate based on depth and fish activity.

Roboworm's finesse line up of 5 1/2" curly tail worms are  simply deadly on largemouth and smallmouth bass. Featuring Roboworm's exclusive "salt release technology", these worms offer a subtle, thin curly tail that really draws in the strikes. These worm's feature our hand poured style, triple color pours, in all of our most popular colors.

The 5.5" model is textured for added realism. Great for drop shotting, split shotting, darter heads, shakey heads, or a finesse Carolina rig. Made in the U.S.A.

 Style: Curly Tail Floating Worm

Size 5 1/2"

Qty: 8 Per Pack

The Z-Man ChatterBait Elite EVO is a high-performance bladed jig designed to deliver the premium features of elite baits like the Jack Hammer but at a more accessible mid-market price point. It features a unique head and blade geometry that produces a radical, unpredictable hunting action that fish find hard to ignore.

Key Performance Features

• Instant Start-Up: Features Z-Man’s patented direct head-to-blade connection and a signature hex-shaped ChatterBlade, ensuring the lure starts thumping the second you turn the reel handle.

• Erratic Hunting Action: The blade-to-head angle and blunt nose design cause the bait to wander and dart randomly during retrieval, mimicking a distressed baitfish.

• Upgraded Durability: Equipped with a wire-tied 100% silicone skirt that provides more natural flare and longevity compared to standard rubber collars that can dry out and slip.

• Advanced Trailer Retention: Uses a hybrid molded split-grip and wire keeper system to lock soft plastic trailers securely in place, even when ripping through heavy grass.

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 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 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 Smart Mouth Plus Fish Head Jigs are designed to be fished in both fresh and saltwater and fulfills the demand for an assortment of hooks in a broad range of sizes from 1/8oz up to 2 oz.

The 3X Strong Mustad Ultra Point hook assures good hook penetration that will not open on the set and can handle big fish. Equipped with a double bait keeper, one on the collar and a wire barb on the hook shaft will keep your plastics secure cast after cast.

Our heavier sizes come equipped with up to a 7/0 hook to accommodate large swim baits and allow a fast retrieve over deep ledges while still keeping contact with the bottom and initiate a strike.

Smart Mouth Plus heads are matched perfectly for rigging on all Picasso products including; Bait Balls, V Rigs and Inviz Wire Pro spinnerbaits. Available in 5 fish catching colors

• 1/8 oz - 2/0 & 3/0 Mustad Hooks - 3 Pack
• 3/16 oz - 2/0 & 3/0 Mustad Hooks - 3 Pack
• 1/4 oz - 2/0, 3/0 & 4/0 Mustad Hooks - 3 Pack
• 3/8 oz - 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, & 5/0 Mustad Hooks - 3 Pack
• 1/2 oz - 3/0, 4/0 & 5/0 Mustad Hooks - 3 Pack
• 3/4 oz - 4/0, 5/0 & 7/0 Mustad Hooks - 2 Pack
• 1 oz - 5/0 & 7/0 Mustad Hooks - 2 Pack
• 1.5 oz - 5/0 & 7/0 Mustad Hooks - 2 Pack
• 2 oz - 7/0 Mustad Hook - 2 Pack

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.

Unlock the ultimate finesse presentation with the Z-Man ShroomZ Micro Finesse Jig, a compact, skirted jighead designed to entice even the most finicky predators. Built on the legendary mushroom-shaped head that popularized the Ned Rig, this micro-sized jig adds a flowing, lifelike attraction that excels in clear water and high-pressure situations.

The standout feature of the ShroomZ Micro Finesse Jig is its 100% silicone skirt, custom-designed to deliver a tantalizingly slow fall rate and a realistic profile that mimics small crawfish or aquatic bugs. Despite its small size, it is built with high-quality hardware, including a size 1 black nickel light-wire hook that ensures effortless hook sets on light tackle.

Key Features:

• Mushroom-Style Head: The signature flat-bottom design allows your bait to stand straight up on the bottom, creating a natural, defensive posture.

• Slow, Tantalizing Fall: The fine-cut silicone skirt creates extra water resistance, slowing the descent to keep the bait in the strike zone longer.

• Adjustable Wire Weedguard: Features a dual multi-strand wire guard that provides snag resistance in wood and rocks without hindering hook penetration.

• Welded Wire Keeper: A specialized mid-shank keeper that locks ElaZtech trailers firmly in place, allowing you to catch dozens of fish on a single bait.

• Perfect Pairings: Optimized to work seamlessly with downsized trailers like the Finesse TRD, TRD CrawZ, or CrusteaZ.

• Weight & Color Options: Available in 1/8 and 3/16 oz weights and a variety of custom forage-mimicking colors like Green Pumpkin, PB&J, and Candy Craw.

The Berkley Powerbait Floating Trout Worm is a small worm bait used for trout fishing applications. The Floating Trout Worm exhibits buoyancy which allows it to float above the bottom suspending directly in the strike zone for big trout.

The Floating Trout Worm has a natural profile with colors that catch the eye of roaming trout. The slightest movement or current activates this baits awesome action.

Length: 3"

Qty: 10