Anyone using these?

 

I bought a bunch when they first came out, because GYCB stuff is pretty good, and the zako in particular is great. But they just sit in the box because I can't figure out when I might use them instead of a Keitech. I have a story that maybe they are good on a chatterbait because the tail is built in a way it doesn't create lift so I don't need to rig upside down, but maybe that's just made up. Last time I needed a big loud trailer on a chatterbait I just put a rage craw on vertically.

 

 

Popular as a swim jig and chatterbait trailer . For chatterbaits , I like a non-paddle tail Zako better .

On 4/9/2022 at 4:19 AM, ChrisD46 said:

Popular as a swim jig and chatterbait trailer . For chatterbaits , I like a non-paddle tail Zako better .

Thanks. On a swim jig, what's the circumstance where it would be better than a Fat Impact?

I bought a pack of them last season, used a few. They do work, I rigged them on an open hook jig head. They’re just really soft and not durable at all. I do think they offer a slightly different profile than a Keitech or Rage Swimmer because of the wider body but I probably won’t buy them again.

I looked at them alot for swim jigs because i use the regular Zako on chatterbaits but when I put one on a swim jig i didn't like that it didn't really move the Zako unless I was twitching the rod. But I got to BPS and saw the Sungill color in the Berkley Power Swimmers and went with them because they are really durable and that extra second they may hold on because of the Powerbait is always helpful to me. 

Used them as chatterbait trailers. Worked great but got torn up quick (especially when a pike hits). I started using Z-man razor shads. More durable and they catch just as many fish. 

1 hour ago, ErieCan said:

Used them as chatterbait trailers. Worked great but got torn up quick (especially when a pike hits). I started using Z-man razor shads. More durable and they catch just as many fish. 

What's been weird for me is the Zako has been plenty durable for me. I havent had to swap new ones on yet, but the BBB Swimon tore up second fish and has been less than desirable in the durability dept.

I find that zakos hold up really well.  I can usually get 4 or 5 fish before they start sliding down the shank.  Even then it's an easy fix with mend it.

 

Obviously the paddle tail has more action and can be rigged as a stand alone.  The fork tail has very little action and needs the chatterbait to give it some.