Don’t skimp where it counts the most – terminal tackle. Hooks, weights, jigheads and the like are the keys to taking all those new soft baits and swimbaits to the fish, hooking them and getting them in the boat. Here’s the best stuff we saw on the floor at ICAST 2015.
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Outkast 401Kraw Jig
The 401Kraw Jig’s head is shaped like a craw tail, making it perfect for any soft-plastic craw bait. The jig is designed to be fished in a similar way as a square-bill, where it is always moving and keeps in constant contact with the bottom.
The jighead comes with a 4/0 Gamakatsu hook and is available in four different colors. It’s sold two to a pack for $6.99.
Mustad Fastach X-rig
This unique rig is perfect for fishing floating soft plastics. The Fastach quick-connect joint brings together a hook with a dropper weight, leaving the bait free to flutter around just off the bottom.
The rig has a 1/4-ounce weight and comes in both 2/0 and 3/0 hook sizes. It retails for $5.99.
Gamakatsu G Finesse
This innovative new drop-shot rig eliminates line twist with a built-in swivel. A new Nano-smooth coating and tournament-grade wire allow for better hooksets.
The rig comes in four hook sizes. It has not yet hit the market but is expected to retail for $8 to $9 for a three-pack.
Advantage Bait Company Spinner Blades
These blades come with a machine-etched pattern, which reflects light in many different directions. The extra light increases the size of the strike zone and makes it more visible in clear water.
The blades come in five colors and retail at $4.20 for a two-pack.
Greenfish Shin Spin
Greenfish has expanded on its swimbait jighead lineup with 3/4- and 1-ounce sizes. The larger sizes are perfect for 6- and 7-inch swimbaits. Of course, the most unique feature is a small spinning prop on the nose that moves more water and makes extra noise to draw in fish.
The Shin Spin retails for $4.29.
Eagle Claw 5/0 Flipping Hooks
Eagle Claw has made two improvements to its line of hooks. First is the addition of Teflon coating, which protects the hook and gives it a slick feel. It helps with hook penetration and reduces rust. The second addition is a clip in the packaging that runs through all the hook eyes and holds the hooks together. It is a simple addition but adds a valuable organization tool.
The new line of hooks is expected to hit the market in the next couple of months and should sell for around $4 for a five-pack.