This is a hook size question. Does anyone know if the Chatterbait Custom has a smaller hook on 3/8 size? What I mean is, Evergreen has a 5/0 hook, so does Elite, Mini Max has a 2/0, but I have some Zman's I bought a couple years ago and they appear to have a 3 or 4/0. I was thinking about picking up a few of the Chatterbait Customs they have on clearance on TW, that's what they look like, and I prefer that smaller hook. I was thinking the 3/8 ounce Custom might be what I'm looking for. Also want to make sure I buy the right size Spunk Shads to go with them, I have 4.5 inch on my 5/0 Evergreens, would the 3/8 Custom work with that or the 3.5?

 

One of my fisheries is mostly 1-3 pounders and a lot of smallies, that 5/0 is just overkill there. Thanks.

What's noteworthy about the Minimax is while the hook is small(ish), it's very robust. Definitely not fine wire...and can handle large pike.

 

Is the profile size of the Minimax too small? I LOVE these with a Spunk Shad

I know the Custom has its flaws but for $6 and some different colors available I was going to pick up a few to fill out my spring TW order.

3 minutes ago, Swest18x said:

I know the Custom has its flaws but for $6 and some different colors available I was going to pick up a few to fill out my spring TW order.

At that price, you could pick up some Siebert skirts and make some truly custom colors...

3.5 spunk on the mini?

8 minutes ago, Swest18x said:

3.5 spunk on the mini?

Not the Mini! 

 

The Minimax! 

 

But yes, 3.5" Here's a few I had rigged with different baits. These are all Minimax.

 

Sorry for poor quality

What bait is that fork tail?

^^^Yamamota Zako 

Yamamoto Zako Swimbait | Tackle Warehouse

On 3/16/2024 at 4:09 PM, Swest18x said:

What bait is that fork tail?

3" Zako. The Sexy Shad color is excellent. It looks fairly muted, but in certain lighting the colors pop! See image. That bait in no way looks that purple when just handling it. But in certain light? Wow! 

 

Another I use (but regrettably have no photo of) is the Big Bite Baits Kamikaze Swim On. More tail flap than the Zaco, but far less hunting/zagging than the Spunk Shad.

 

 

On 3/16/2024 at 4:12 PM, AlabamaSpothunter said:

^^^Yamamota Zako 

Yamamoto Zako Swimbait | Tackle Warehouse

A keen eye! 

Thanks a lot you just added about 5 items to my TW cart!

I must be blind because Custom hook sizes are listed on TW. 4/0 and 5/0 is available. Thanks for the input!

9 hours ago, Swest18x said:

Thanks a lot you just added about 5 items to my TW cart!

 

 

On 3/16/2024 at 4:36 PM, Swest18x said:

This is a hook size question. Does anyone know if the Chatterbait Custom has a smaller hook on 3/8 size? What I mean is, Evergreen has a 5/0 hook, so does Elite, Mini Max has a 2/0, but I have some Zman's I bought a couple years ago and they appear to have a 3 or 4/0. I was thinking about picking up a few of the Chatterbait Customs they have on clearance on TW, that's what they look like, and I prefer that smaller hook. I was thinking the 3/8 ounce Custom might be what I'm looking for. Also want to make sure I buy the right size Spunk Shads to go with them, I have 4.5 inch on my 5/0 Evergreens, would the 3/8 Custom work with that or the 3.5?

 

One of my fisheries is mostly 1-3 pounders and a lot of smallies, that 5/0 is just overkill there. Thanks.

Yes, the hooks on the customs are smaller.  You used to be able to choose hook size between a 3 or 4/0 in the 3/8.  It's not so much the bite of the hook, but the length of the shank.  The short shank on the customs allow you to really tighten that profile up if you trim the skirt.  The 4.5 spunks fit a little better if you're using the bait in a more traditional sense.  I liked to fish the bottom with them in late winter and I do much better with a smaller profile.  With the skirt trimmed, a 3.5 fits, but the tail is shorter, more subtle than 4.5.