Saltwater Soft Baits

Hookup Baits Large Jigs have to be one of the most popular sizes Hookup Baits produces, the 5/8oz Red Crab and Mint are known as the "White Seabass Special"

There are many ways to fish the hookup bait but casting it out and letting it fall on a tight line will pendulum it down in an arc.  This can be very effective since it allows the bait to swim as it falls.  This is effective when fish are suspended in the column and not on the top or bottom.

If fish are on the bottom, we like to let it sink to the bottom and pop it off the bottom and then allowing it to sink back down.  Continue this retrieve all the way back to the boat or shore.

If they are in the upper part of the column, cast and start retrieving soon after the lure hits the surface.  Most of the time a slow and steady retrieve works best but you can also burn it on the surface for very active surface feeding fish.

Tie a Hookup Bait on and see what method works best for you.  The bottom line is these baits get bit on salt and fresh water fish.

• 4"
• 3/8oz and 5/8oz 
• 2 Per Pack

Hookup Baits Medium Jigs are a 3" tube jig pre-rigged with a 1/8oz or 1/4oz jighead in a pack of three. The Hookup Baits have been proven to catch the hard to catch bass and trouts in the lake all the way to the SoCal finicky Bluefin on micro-bait.

There are many ways to fish the hookup bait but casting it out and letting it fall on a tight line will pendulum it down in an arc.  This can be very effective since it allows the bait to swim as it falls.  This is effective when fish are suspended in the column and not on the top or bottom.

If fish are on the bottom, we like to let it sink to the bottom and pop it off the bottom and then allowing it to sink back down.  Continue this retrieve all the way back to the boat or shore.

If they are in the upper part of the column, cast and start retrieving soon after the lure hits the surface.  Most of the time a slow and steady retrieve works best but you can also burn it on the surface for very active surface feeding fish.

Tie a Hookup Bait on and see what method works best for you.  The bottom line is these baits get bit on salt and fresh water fish.

• 3"
• 1/8oz and 1/4oz
• 3 Per Pack

The 6.5-inch Big Hammer Swimbait is the second-largest size in the Big Hammer™ lineup, delivering a lifelike swimming action that attracts trophy fish. A top choice for calico bass and striped bass anglers in saltwater, this swimbait is also highly effective in West Coast freshwater fisheries, especially in trout colors for giant largemouth bass and landlocked striped bass. Additionally, it's a go-to bait for pike and musky anglers across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Whether you're fishing saltwater or freshwater, the Big Hammer 6.5" Swimbait offers unmatched versatility and fish-catching performance. Upgrade your tackle box today!

In 2020, the color Toast was changed to Toasted.  The difference between the two is Toasted has a black tail.  We think it's a great change to the color making it an even more effective bait.

Jig Heads: The 6½" Hammer works well with all sizes of Hammer Heads™ from 3/4 oz. to 1.5 oz. with a 5/0 hook.

Sold Individually

Big Hammer 3" Swimbaits are in a class of their own.  They have a square tail which creates a more erratic swimming action that entices a variety of fish to strike.  The soft yet durable plastic allows multiple fish per bait for the less toothy variety.  Rig it with a Big Hammer head and either slow wind it or burn it back.  

Can be fished in all depths of water depending on how heavy the jig head is or how long you let it sink before starting your retrieve.  We suggest glueing the head to the plastic once rigged to keep the fish from pulling the body away from the head during short strikes.  Using the Owner Stinger Harness can be an effective way to keep short bites at a minimum.

Sold individually  

The Big Hammer Sledge Hammer is 9 inches of fish killing plastic (please don't kill them.)  This has been a calico catching machine for us at the islands off Southern California for years and it's swimming action and durability make it a seek and destroy mission for big fish.  It's also great for Ling Cod, stripers, largemouth, pike and muskie.  

Let us know what fish you catch with it and we'll expand our list of targeted species.  Match it up with a War Bait Slayer Head and the fish don't have a chance.

In 2020, the color Toast was changed to Toasted.  The difference between the two is Toasted has a black tail.  We think it's a great change to the color making it an even more effective bait.

Sold Individually

Experience the bait that started a revolution in the fishing industry. The Basstrix Paddle Tail 3.5" is the original hollow-body swimbait, meticulously designed to provide a level of realism that solid-body plastics simply cannot replicate. At 3.5 inches, this bait is the perfect "match-the-hatch" size for a variety of forage, including threadfin shad, smelt, and small minnows, making it a staple for tournament anglers across the country.

The secret to its success lies in its hollow-body construction, which allows the bait to collapse easily upon a strike for superior hook-up ratios. This design, combined with the signature Basstrix paddle tail, creates a high-frequency kicking action and a subtle body roll that triggers aggressive strikes even in high-pressure or clear water conditions.

Key Features:

• Original Hollow-Body Design: Engineered to provide a lifelike feel and natural buoyancy, ensuring the bait swims perfectly at both high and low speeds.

• Signature Paddle Tail Action: Delivers a realistic, thumping vibration that mimics the movement of fleeing baitfish to call in predators from a distance.

• Hand-Painted Realism: Each bait features the iconic Basstrix multi-dimensional finish, complete with lifelike eyes and holographic scale patterns for unmatched visual appeal.

• Versatile Rigging Options: While it excels on a weighted swimbait hook for a weedless presentation, it is equally effective on a ball-head jig or as a premium trailer for umbrella rigs and vibrating jigs.

• Proven Multi-Species Appeal: A powerhouse for targeting largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as well as various saltwater species like Calico Bass.

Qty: 4

With a square tail which creates a more erratic swimming action, this plastic swimbait entices a variety of fish to strike.  The soft yet durable plastic allows multiple fish per bait for the less toothy variety.  Big Hammer 5" Swimbaits are in a class of their own.  Rig it with a Big Hammer head and either slow wind it or burn it back.

 Can be fished in all depths of water depending on how heavy the jig head is or how long you let it sink before starting your retrieve. Using the Owner Stinger Harness can be an effective way to keep short bites at a minimum.

In 2020, the color Toast was changed to Toasted.  The difference between the two is Toasted has a black tail.  We think it's a great change to the color making it an even more effective bait.

Sold individually 

These P-Line Ling Cod Rigs are ready to hit the water.  They include the line, swivels, hooks, and two plastic squids.  The Ling Cod Rig is a larger version of the highly effective Rock Cod Rig. At 5 inches these squid are the perfect length for larger ling cod. This version is also tied on 50 pound leader, but uses a larger 7/0 hook. When it’s time to load the cooler with a limit of Ling Cod you’d better have one of these rigs in your arsenal.

Here at Tackle Express, we like to put a small piece of squid or some gel fish attractant on the squid.  The gel scent can be Hookup Baits Mermaid Milk, Smelly Jelly, Hot Sauce, or any kind of scent that stays on well.  We like to put it inside the squid so it releases slowly. 

Add a weight that is heavy enough to get to the depth of water you're fishing, hit the bottom and jig it up and down 3 feet at a time using the rod tip.  After a few times, send it to the bottom again since the terrain can change as the boat drifts.

Quantity 2

5"

These P-Line Rock Cod Rigs are ready to hit the water.  They include the line, swivels, hooks, and two plastic squids.  The Rock Cod Rig is a smaller version of the highly effective Ling Cod Rig. At 3.5 inches these squid are the perfect length for school sized rockfish. This version is also tied on 50 pound leader, but uses a smaller 5/0 hook. When it’s time to load the cooler with a limit of Rock Cod you’d better have one of these rigs in your arsenal.

Here at Tackle Express, we like to put a small piece of squid or some gel fish attractant on the squid.  The gel scent can be Hookup Baits Mermaid Milk, Smelly Jelly, Hot Sauce, or any kind of scent that stays on well.  We like to put it inside the squid so it releases slowly. 

Add a weight that is heavy enough to get to the depth of water you're fishing, hit the bottom and jig it up and down 3 feet at a time using the rod tip.  After a few times, send it to the bottom again since the terrain can change as the boat drifts.

Quantity 2

3"

The Berkley Gulp! 8" Saltwater Grub is a premium soft plastic bait engineered for saltwater anglers targeting large predatory fish such as halibut, striped bass, and fluke. Its substantial size and dynamic tail action make it an excellent choice for deep-water jigging and surfcasting.

Key Features

Large 8-Inch Profile: Ideal for mimicking sizable prey like squid, mackerel, and sea robins, attracting bigger game fish.

Enhanced Tail Action: The oversized swirl tail activates with minimal rod movement, delivering a lifelike swimming motion that entices strikes.

Powerful Scent Dispersion: Made from natural ingredients, the Gulp! formula releases scent up to 400 times more than traditional plastic baits, expanding the strike zone and increasing catch rates. 

Versatile Rigging Options: Effective when used on jigs, bucktail trailers, or baitholder hooks, accommodating various fishing techniques. 

Biodegradable Composition: Environmentally friendly design ensures the bait breaks down naturally, reducing ecological impact.

Quantity 2

The Berkley Gulp 6" Saltwater Grub is capable of catching larger species such as ling cod and halibut. Strategically partnered with a Lead Masters Scampi Lead Head, its ribbon tail design provides increased action. Its biodegradable plastic is infused with the renowned Berkley scent.

Furthermore, the Grub can be used in a drop shot rig with the addition of squid, sardine, or mackerel for extra appeal.

The package includes a quantity of 4.

Big Hammer Perch Grubs are great in the surf for halibut, surf perch, corbina, and croaker. In addition to catching surf fish, it works good on smaller saltwater bass and shallow rockfish. We also use them in freshwater for crappie, bass, panfish and smallmouth. Give them a try the next time you need a grub, you won't be disappointed. 

"From the surf to the freshwater, Big Hammer Perch Grubs are a versatile option for catching a variety of fish. Whether you're targeting halibut, bass, or panfish, these grubs will have you hooked (literally and figuratively). Don't believe us? Take them for a test run and see for yourself!"

Big Hammer 1.75in Grubs

Perch Grubs

25 per pack

Experience the lure that redefined the industry and remains the gold standard for high-performance soft plastics. The Basstrix Paddle Tail Swimbait is the original hollow body design, meticulously engineered to provide a level of realism that solid-body baits simply cannot match. With a storied history of over a million dollars in tournament winnings on the Bassmaster, FLW, and Major League Fishing trails, this swimbait is a proven tool for both tournament pros and trophy hunters.

The secret to its dominance is the hand-poured, hollow body construction, which allows the bait to collapse easily upon a strike for a superior hook-up ratio. Combined with its signature paddle tail, it delivers a realistic side-to-side shimmy and a hard-kicking vibration that starts the moment it hits the water—even at ultra-slow retrieve speeds.

Key Features:

• Legendary Hollow Body Design: Provides a lifelike feel and natural buoyancy, allowing the bait to glide effortlessly through the water column.

• Hand-Painted Precision: Every bait is hand-made in the USA, featuring multi-dimensional color patterns and holographic eyes that fool the wariest clear-water predators.

• Versatile Rigging Options: Perfectly suited for a variety of applications, from weighted belly hooks for weedless performance in heavy cover to swimbait jig heads for dredging deep structure.

• Multi-Species Dominance: Available in a range of sizes to match any forage, making it a "must-have" for targeting largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as well as coastal saltwater species.

• Dynamic Swimming Action: Delivers a high-frequency thumping vibration and subtle body roll that triggers instinctive reaction strikes in all water conditions.

Size: 6"

Qty: 3

Experience the lure that redefined the industry and remains the gold standard for high-performance soft plastics. The Basstrix Paddle Tail Swimbait is the original hollow body design, meticulously engineered to provide a level of realism that solid-body baits simply cannot match. With a storied history of over a million dollars in tournament winnings on the Bassmaster, FLW, and Major League Fishing trails, this swimbait is a proven tool for both tournament pros and trophy hunters.

The secret to its dominance is the hand-poured, hollow body construction, which allows the bait to collapse easily upon a strike for a superior hook-up ratio. Combined with its signature paddle tail, it delivers a realistic side-to-side shimmy and a hard-kicking vibration that starts the moment it hits the water—even at ultra-slow retrieve speeds.

Key Features:

• Legendary Hollow Body Design: Provides a lifelike feel and natural buoyancy, allowing the bait to glide effortlessly through the water column.

• Hand-Painted Precision: Every bait is hand-made in the USA, featuring multi-dimensional color patterns and holographic eyes that fool the wariest clear-water predators.

• Versatile Rigging Options: Perfectly suited for a variety of applications, from weighted belly hooks for weedless performance in heavy cover to swimbait jig heads for dredging deep structure.

• Multi-Species Dominance: Available in a range of sizes to match any forage, making it a "must-have" for targeting largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as well as coastal saltwater species.

• Dynamic Swimming Action: Delivers a high-frequency thumping vibration and subtle body roll that triggers instinctive reaction strikes in all water conditions.

Qty: 4 

Experience the lure that redefined the industry and remains the gold standard for high-performance soft plastics. The Basstrix Paddle Tail Swimbait is the original hollow body design, meticulously engineered to provide a level of realism that solid-body baits simply cannot match. With a storied history of over a million dollars in tournament winnings on the Bassmaster, FLW, and Major League Fishing trails, this swimbait is a proven tool for both tournament pros and trophy hunters.

The secret to its dominance is the hand-poured, hollow body construction, which allows the bait to collapse easily upon a strike for a superior hook-up ratio. Combined with its signature paddle tail, it delivers a realistic side-to-side shimmy and a hard-kicking vibration that starts the moment it hits the water—even at ultra-slow retrieve speeds.

Key Features:

• Legendary Hollow Body Design: Provides a lifelike feel and natural buoyancy, allowing the bait to glide effortlessly through the water column.

• Hand-Painted Precision: Every bait is hand-made in the USA, featuring multi-dimensional color patterns and holographic eyes that fool the wariest clear-water predators.

• Versatile Rigging Options: Perfectly suited for a variety of applications, from weighted belly hooks for weedless performance in heavy cover to swimbait jig heads for dredging deep structure.

• Multi-Species Dominance: Available in a range of sizes (from 2.5" to 7") to match any forage, making it a "must-have" for targeting largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, as well as coastal saltwater species.

• Dynamic Swimming Action: Delivers a high-frequency thumping vibration and subtle body roll that triggers instinctive reaction strikes in all water conditions.

Qty: 4