Hey there...

Looking to try out some paddletails to imitate the threadfin shad...any recommendations? Is it worth it to spend the $10 for the Basstrix or are the others like the Money Minnow better for the money?

I'm looking for a 4 - 5" bait and also want to know which hook you are using. I have a 6'8 MH Dobyns rod...would it be okay for this or should I get another rod?

Should I buy a dedicated small swimbait rod...I've got the Mattlures Bluegill and Baby Bass already and don't have a swimbait rod yet...but if I get one, I need it to be versatile to throw other baits as well.

Thanks

Rob

I really like the basstrix ones... the look great and have a lot of action.. the money minnows are nice too...

I like the slit in the bottom of the money minnow, makes the rigging easier..

if you're looking for a more realistic one, i would have to lean basstrix

I do not like the Money Minnow at all. I really like the Berkley Hollow Belly. I've caught a lot of fish on them and they have great action.

Does the Basstrix have the best action? Cause it appears they have the most realistic color patterns.

The Berkleys are 9.99 and I can get the Basstrix at the same price.

Should I go with the Falcon Jerker Hooks? Which size would you use for the 4" and 5" models?

PM sent

Mattlures minnow for a four inch bait and the Basstrix for a larger bait. Matt's bait has the profile of a threadfin shad while the Basstrix and others don't. None of the basstrix copies I have tried swim like a threadfin shad without some modification.  

Should I go with the Falcon Jerker Hooks? Which size would you use for the 4" and 5" models?

I'm diggin the Plasma Point hooks with the screw in the front. 5/0

http://www.***.com/descpageTERMRSTRIKE-RSPPH.html

Should I go with the Falcon Jerker Hooks? Which size would you use for the 4" and 5" models?

I'm diggin the Plasma Point hooks with the screw in the front. 5/0

http://www.***.com/descpageTERMRSTRIKE-RSPPH.html

If you go into a tackle shop that has the Plasma Point hooks look closely at the point of the hooks on about ten different packs of them. My guess is you will instantly see what I am talking about and no longer dig them. Around half of the packs in three different tackle shops here in GA have bent points. They all ordered at different times so it wasn't one bad run with a problem.  

Randall...

what are your hooks of choice?

Randall...

what are your hooks of choice?

Here is the way I rig some of the knockoffs. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1216323177/8#8

On Matt's baits I use a 4/0or 5/0 Owner Rig'n Hook and the same type of pinch on weights.

My favorite Paddletail is the BK Swimbait from NetBait.  No, they are not super detailed, but they catch fish.

Brad

I really like the Money Minnows, and the Strike King Shadilicious.  I use the hooks that are sold under YUM name, but not sure if somebody else makes them.

Should I go with the Falcon Jerker Hooks? Which size would you use for the 4" and 5" models?

I'm diggin the Plasma Point hooks with the screw in the front. 5/0

http://www.***.com/descpageTERMRSTRIKE-RSPPH.html

If you go into a tackle shop that has the Plasma Point hooks look closely at the point of the hooks on about ten different packs of them. My guess is you will instantly see what I am talking about and no longer dig them. Around half of the packs in three different tackle shops here in GA have bent points. They all ordered at different times so it wasn't one bad run with a problem.

Thanx as always for the heads up Randall!  

I personally like the 4" Hollow Belly by Berkley for a Threadfin immitation.  I rig it with a jighead if I am fishing in open water and the screw in hooks that are similiar to Horney toad hooks if I am around cover.  And the Hollow Bellys are pretty much an exact copy of a Basstrix but without as bad of a scent since they have the Berkley Power Bait in the plastic. JMHO

Berkleys and Basstrix are great but pricey. Try Shadalicious or Bass Magic. Another tip- I boil them for abour 30 seconds and it really improves the softness. I use the 4.5" with a Gammie 5/0 1/8 oz. weighted superline hook. Never fails. I don't fish too many lakes with a population of threadfin shad but my favorite color is Sexy Shad.

Not sure what it resembles but it works!

http://www.***.com/descpageTERMRSTRIKE-RSPPH.html

+

http://www.***.com/descpageSWIMRSTRIKE-RSFHJ.html

My favorite hook and paddletail.