I currently use the Z Craw Jr. but I’m growing tired of replacing them every fish.
 

I would like to use an Elaztech craw profile but not sure if Turbo Crawz would be as productive or good of a fit as the Z Craw. They look a bit too big of a profile, Z Craw fits perfectly on a regular bladed jig. If not is there a better elaztech option? What about the Hella Craw? I am pretty set on a craw profile.

 

I’ve seen people swear by certain trailers and that they elicit more strikes with their action, I’m not sure how much validity there is to it but I’m hoping little to none as I would like to just set it and leave it.

I think the trailer you choose is the most important thing for success with a bladed jig. Use one that gives you the right action and one that the fish like more than one that lasts.  

1 hour ago, Reel said:

I think the trailer you choose is the most important thing for success with a bladed jig. Use one that gives you the right action and one that the fish like more than one that lasts.  

Which is what for you?

Interesting.  Never used a craw for a bladed jig trailer. 

 

Personal favorites are..... the Spunk Shad,  Zako, Chatter Spike, and Keitech Swing Impact Fat.

 

OSP also has two great trailers... the Dolive Stick and the Action Trailer.

1 hour ago, ohioguy25 said:

Which is what for you?

I use a bladed jig mostly for smallmouth and I want something that's slim and lets the blade do it's job.  I like the small Zako and similar trailers.  

It's not craw profile, but the DieZel Minnowz (4") is one of my favorite trailers. It's a paddle tail which I usually don't like on bladed jigs, but it's very subtle in it's kicking action. 

 

Also, with any trailer, you can add a drop of super glue to keep them holding on longer. 

22 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

It's not craw profile, but the DieZel Minnowz (4") is one of my favorite trailers. It's a paddle tail which I usually don't like on bladed jigs, but it's very subtle in it's kicking action. 

 

Also, with any trailer, you can add a drop of super glue to keep them holding on longer. 

Unfortunately w the Z Craw they bite them in half, very fragile.

Do you think it really makes a difference what bladed jig trailer you use?

Nope ~As long it's a Yamamoto Zako.

A-Jay

Idk. I only use the spunk shad. Never felt a need to try something different.

45 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Do you think it really makes a difference what bladed jig trailer you use?

Nope ~As long it's a Yamamoto Zako.

A-Jay

 

I've played around with the pin tail trailers like the Spunk Shad and the Freeloader (and I will continue to throw the Spunk Shad more to test), but the Zako is still undefeated for me when it comes to triggering big strikes.

 

To answer the OP, yes I 100% think it really matters.

12 minutes ago, Aaron_H said:

 

I've played around with the pin tail trailers like the Spunk Shad and the Freeloader (and I will continue to throw the Spunk Shad more to test), but the Zako is still undefeated for me when it comes to triggering big strikes.

 

To answer the OP, yes I 100% think it really matters.

I hear that !

I picked up a few Spunk Shad last season as well.

Not sure why because if it were actually Better than the Zako is for me,

I probably won't be able to contain myself.

All that means is I hardly throw the old Spunkster  . . . . 

They do look pretty cool though.

A-Jay

 

I like the strike king rage tail menace.

 

That being said, I am frequently replacing my plastic trailers when the pike are on the rampage, which comes and goes.

 

I have not tried the chatter spike but I intend to this fall. I have a pack of them already.

4 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

I hear that !

I picked up a few Spunk Shad last season as well.

Not sure why because if it were actually Better than the Zako is for me,

I probably won't be able to contain myself.

All that means is I hardly throw the old Spunkster  . . . . 

They do look pretty cool though.

A-Jay

 

 

So far, when I have it paired up with a Spunk Shad it seems to hunt easier without the flat forked tail to act as a keel. But jury's out if it makes a difference to the fish, so far Zako is still the king.

13 minutes ago, Aaron_H said:

 

I've played around with the pin tail trailers like the Spunk Shad and the Freeloader (and I will continue to throw the Spunk Shad more to test), but the Zako is still undefeated for me when it comes to triggering big strikes.

 

To answer the OP, yes I 100% think it really matters.

What about the zako do you suppose elicits more strikes?

 

Are there any elaztech or equivalent trailers that are effective, ie Zman Turbo Crawz? What about Zoom Z Craw Jr?

I prefer a trailer that does not overpower the bladed jig.  I like ones that the bladed jig gives action to the trailer not the other way around.  I have had success with the spunkshad, but like the action of simple a Zoom split tail trailer, and half a trick worm also looks great to me.  I am going to try both of these options this fall and see if the bass think they look well too.

 

I would love to see the Bait Monkey cry when I start recycling tore up trick worms instead of buying new Spunkshads.

One that is not often mentionnend but that I also like is the Jackall Rhythm Wag.  

57 minutes ago, ohioguy25 said:

What about the zako do you suppose elicits more strikes?

 

Are there any elaztech or equivalent trailers that are effective, ie Zman Turbo Crawz? What about Zoom Z Craw Jr?

 

 

It's the profile and how well the tail moves with the blade, in my opinion.

 

The Chattershad would be the closest, but it doesn't have the deep belly like the Zako. I don't mess with elaztech stuff for the most part. I typically catch plenty of fish on a Zako before it's worn out, aside from the random unlucky fish that thrashes one.

I used them without trailers and caught just as many fish.

I primarily use Rage Bug rigged horizontal. Comes through cover far better than anything I have used.  I will use Zako and Spunk Shad sometimes in open water.

2 hours ago, gim said:

I like the strike king rage tail menace.

 

That being said, I am frequently replacing my plastic trailers when the pike are on the rampage, which comes and goes.

 

I have not tried the chatter spike but I intend to this fall. I have a pack of them already.

That’s been my go-to. Good action, not too big. Lasts for several fish. 

I didn't start becoming fond of the bladed jig until last year when I started fishing them deeper and moving up in weight.

 

Always fished them like a spinnerbait higher in the water column and they couldn't compete with a spinnerbait.

 

Once I let them fall deeper with a slower cadence and around structure they've held their own.

 

I'm still a rookie with these baits but caught fish with these colors with Zako trailer.

 

4 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I hear that !

I picked up a few Spunk Shad last season as well.

Not sure why because if it were actually Better than the Zako is for me,

I probably won't be able to contain myself.

All that means is I hardly throw the old Spunkster  . . . . 

They do look pretty cool though.

A-Jay

 

My routine,  Spunk Shad (pin tail style) in warm water and Zakos in cold water. The Chatter Spike is the go between.  Dirty water or if I want to run it in straight over something, I go with a fat paddle tail. 

I use mainly chatter spikes, Fluke Jr, or a boring old 4” grub. 

No craws. Minnows. No Coke. Pepsi.

I almost exclusively use a flapper style trailer for craws and a straight tail minnow trailer for shad imitations. The freeloader, zako or mooch minnow for shad and the z craw and z craw JR. for crawfish