I purchased some of the new GZ 6.5" and a few bags of the big 8" GZ Swimbaits, and although I was hesitant to go up to such a large bait, I am starting to see why "Bigger is sometimes Better". 

 

I can remember buying the 5" Big EZ years ago and thinking they were kind of big, alot of plastic, but I quickly learned that around grass, it is hard to beat this model paddle tail once you get them rigged on the right hook, weight, jig head etc...I prefer the Weighted EWG Beast Hooks for the Big EZ, and a few different jig heads depending on weight, but I am not sure about the most efficient size hook for these bigger baits.

 

I am currently using large EWG superline style hooks and using pinch weights on the shank since I tend to catch more fish with weighted hooks and exposed jig heads, than I do using a pegged bullet weight (I rarely do as well with a pegged bullet weight on paddle tails when I need them to sink, or to kill it after a missed strike). For swimming over grass, I will use the punch skirt with a weight that creates plenty of sound and allows long casts since its really a wake/buzz bait at that point.

 

My issue is finding the right sized hook for both the 6.5" & 8". I have been using some saltwater Jigheads for open hook which ok, but not sure if anyone has found a good weedless EWG & weight size for fishing grass. I have messed around with nose hooking them for fishing slowly, and have had some success but they do not always run naturally that way. 

 

Hoping someone has been throwing these and can tell me if i need to go super big, since I can't find anything bigger than 6/0 locally.

 

Thanks in advance....When you first see the really big 8" version that comes 1 per bag, it is kind of like seeing a 16" worm for the first time, but in both ponds and lakes, they seem to pull fish in from longer distances. 3lb bass eat 8" shiners with ease, not sure why I was shying away from really big soft swimbaits, I think I was hesistant after my big segmented swimbait/Glide bait binge a few years ago which never became a producer for me...

 

I prefer the slower horizontal fall on paddle tails most of the time, these are much bigger than the Culprit Incrediswim & 6" Bass Trix which are the only other 2 I really fish anymore. 

 

With Labor day sales, I was hoping to maybe find a cheaper way to rig these than Owner Beast Locks if possible, or Trokars...VMC any good? That weight looks funny how its placed for some reason.

 

For the regular sized EZ (not the swimmer) I use a 1/4 oz keel weighted 5/0 Owner twist lock hook w/ centering pin but not too crazy about it. 

 

When I want to use an under spin I use a 6/0 Gambler Duz-it. 

To me there is no reason to nose hook them regardless of the size. When I kill it, I want it to fall natural.  

 

Ok back to the hook. 

 A 5/0 for the current standard size is a little on the small side for my taste, but I've been successful with it so I keep useing them for now. 

With a weighted keel hook I'd rather use a 6.

For those big ones, which I probably won't use, I'd be starting at a 6 and probably ending up a 7. 

 

Check Gamblers site they may recommend what to use. 

 

Good Luck

 

 

Mike