RRocket

First, I like buzzbaits. But it is been an on-again, off-again relationship. And I don't think it's all the buzz baits fault. In my area, once the weeds get here, THEY ARE HERE. And anything not completely weedless is miserable to fish. So my personal window is pretty small due to that and climate. It's going to be spring and very late fall for most of my practical use. Basically, before and after the weeds arrive. But even in those conditions where it should (allegedly) shine, I find the rigging of baits and getting the buzzbait to run properly are fussy and irritating to me. Getting it to run properly, that is to say with the bait under the prop rather than flopping over to one side (listing? ) seems to be a black art. I'll slide a bait on (currently using Scott Canterbury Pro buzz, 1/4oz paired with a Pit Boss for example) and that baby will fish perfect all day. I'll put another bait on and it will "list" to one side..that is to say the spinner is more beside the bait than over. No rhyme or reason. And it's not me, either. I measured one of my hook jobs on a multi hundred thousand dollar precision measuring machine and it was a mere .005" off center. And yet, it would list. This is surely my love-hate relationship bait. I love it, because it works and is fun to fish. Hate it because (for me) it's finicky to get it to run correctly. Love using it..but ultimately end up irritated. What's your Love-Hate bait?

Yes! 1/4oz jig with 4" Twister tail type plastic. I only used this combo because the dock owner told me that's what worked best. He wasn't wrong!

I call those (right or wrong) paperclip snaps. I have some that are similar.

My tackle box is backpack style. So I just sling it over my shoulder.

I suspect if you can balance, you may be able to ride one. I'm over 50 and this is the first time I've ridden one of these.

But think in more practical terms! Even if it's a 5 minute walk each way...that's becomes nearly 10 minutes of extra fishing time since it takes almost no time on an e-powered vehicle! LOL 😆

There's a place nearby I love to fish. It's a small pond, highly pressured. But it's literally 1 minute away and I've caught 4lb bass in there. Most are in the 1-2lb range. I call it my "test pond". Since its a conservation area, the gated entry is manned April 15-October 15. Which leaves lots of fishing time still on either end. And they allow you to walk in or bike in during the unmanned season, so...... It's over a mile drive to the pond. Bicycle? Nope..I sometimes wear waders or warm coveralls and rubber boots. E-bike? Yes...But too heavy to pull out of the truck. My bulging discs will have none of it! So I decided on an e-scooter. Folds, weighs 50lbs, has a range of about 25 miles. Has nice safety touches like headlight, taillight, side lights, turn signals, horn. Suspension front and rear. And tops out at 25mph, which feels positively terrifying!! But I needed to easily bring my rods. So I made and mounted a bracket to hold 2 Scotty holders. It turned out perfectly! Does not impede folding, either. So overall, very pleased with this purchase. Will help to greatly increase my fishing season at this location.

I REALLY want to try a SwimOn with the Minimax!! Those who've used it, do you prefer over Zako or do you use in addition to? I've used this Decoy Zero Dan Flash Offset with much success. It's basically a bladed Jika Rig (Full disclosure: I'm a big Jika Rig fan). And with the EWG (I use the #1 hook), it's as weedless and snag proof as you can find. Use it like a Jika or swim it like a chatterbait. That being said, I still LOVE the Minimax and look to throw it at every opportunity. The only problem is the cost and my fishing areas can be snaggy. $12 for a lost lure is no joke to me! 😢

In the 1970s for walleye jigging. We'd usually use live worms with a 5/8oz jig head. But if we couldn't get worms we'd use plastic.

I just posted about trailers in another thread with detail and photos. https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/257649-zman-minimax-question/?do=findComment&comment=3017106

How exciting is that!!

Z-man man Purple Rain

The loudest toad I've used is the Incredi-Frog. Check out some of the YouTube vids. It's REALLY loud! https://culprit.com/shop/incredi-frog/

Any idea what's in it...ingredients?

To add action, I don't think anything beats a 3.5" Spunk Shad. And even better, some of the colors were deliberately matched to the Minimax colors. For me, this is the best trailer on the market for the Minimax. But you're absolutely correct. The Zako is a more subdued presentation. But gosh does it look good and fish well! I have a Blue Gill Minimax paired with the Electric Shad Zako. Looks great. From some angles, the back nearly glows purple (see image) and other angles barely visible. It's just a really, really good bait. Oh..I also use a Chartreuse and Yellow Minimax with Chartreuse Electric Blue Zako for Pike! I'm trying to mimic Yellow Perch. But the bass eat it too! (Image)

Excuse my ignorance..But what is hog finisher? Some type of hog food?

For me, it's unquestionably been "poop baits". Finally broke down and bought these and they flat out produced for me during what turned out to be a very tough year. I particularly like the Coverscat and also the Spinnuts. I like the idea of the Yamatanuki, but it didn't produce as well. Honorable mentions: -Dolive Beaver on Free Rig is exceptional. -3" Zako on a Minimax chatterbait is an outstanding trailer.

Thanks for the comments, fellas!

I've been very keen to try one of these. Do you use floating vs sinking toads in different situations?

They break me off because of teeth. No doubt. They aren't THAT big here. 4lb mono just needs the slightest hit from the teeth and you're done. Ditto with Northern Pike here.

I know Z-man makes some called NedLockZ

I think with all things fishing, "it depends". Was windy, overcast, rainy, a bit miserable today. Good chatterbait weather in these parts typically. But because of this thread, decided to throw a worm. Nothing. Zip. Nada. Not even a bite. Switched to a Chatterbait and caught this guy 4th cast. For me, neither is "better". They're both just situational tools which will work brilliantly at times..and less so at other times.

I've put a lot of miles on my Chatterbaitb this year...

I see this color in Japanese baits. It's called "Scuppernong" and there's a variety of craw and worm in this color. Quite a popular color.

These guys will make any color combo you can dream up.. https://siebertoutdoors.com/products/ols/categories/spinner--blade-baits