Pro Tips Weekly: Scott Martin

Straight swimbaiting is essential

Rigging a soft-plastic swimbait so that it runs perfectly straight is essential. If the hook is off-center in the bait, either at the line tie or where the point goes into the belly of the bait, it will affect how it runs. The result is that you won’t get bit – period.

My favorite hook is a 5/0 to 7/0 Trokar Swimbait Hook with a spring at the eye that can be screwed into the head of the lure. This is really a good setup for skipping under docks because the hook is secure and won’t work itself out.

— Scott Martin, Clewiston, Fla.