Any specific hooks you guys like using for Zoom Horny Toads? I have a weighted screw lock but it seems to stretch the toad out quite a bit, and doesn't have a lot of gap. I believe it's the Owner Weighted Twistlock Light in 4/0, 3/32oz. 

Also, it seems like after I cast the toad stays under the surface far too long. I try to start reeling even before it enters the water but it will still submerge for awhile in the strike zone. Runs more like a wake bait. Using a 6'10" MH/MF with straight braid. What am I doing wrong?

TIA

Use an unweighted spring lock hook and it won’t sink so much. The downside is, with it unweighted the frog will swim upside down sometimes. Or you could switch to a hook with a 1/16 oz weight & see if that’s better. There’s a number of brands out there but I’m partial to Gamakatsu & Owner. 
 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Gamakatsu_Superline_Spring_Lock_Hook/descpage-GSSLH.html

I just use unweighted EWG hooks for all toads.  Usually a larger one, like maybe 4/0 or 5/0 in size.  That seems to provide enough weight to ballast the toad to keep it upright, most of the time.  It might not be "correct", but I've been catching fish like that for years now. 

3/0 EWG gamkatsu nano alpha , no weight. Round bend works too but gets more grass stuck to it 

I like this one.

Gammy G lock Xtra wide gap for me.  

6/0 owner beast. With or without weight. If it’s sinking too fast for you, start reeling right before it hits the surface to take up any slack (or cast without slack) and keep a high rod tip. 

5/0 or 6/0 hook on a Horny Toad!

 

IDK 😉 

 

On 9/17/2024 at 3:57 PM, TnRiver46 said:

3/0 EWG gamkatsu nano alpha , no weight. Round bend works too but gets more grass stuck to it 

 

👍

I think I use a 3/0 1/16 or 1/32 belly weighted EWG hook. Doesnt always keep it right side up but the majority it does. When I used a weightless it was 8/10 flip upside down on me. 

Ditch the belly weight, if you use a XXX shank, it should have enough weight to keep it belly down. I use the Owner Beast 4/0, but I've been messing around with the Mustad Infiltrator 5/0 with good results.

Always had good results on the Zoom hook they made for this. To keel the frog I will wrap 3 or 4 wraps of solder around the lowest portion of the hook and put some heat shrink on. 

 

Allen