Why Hook Choice Is So Important With Z-Man Kicker CrabZ [Underwater Proof]
- By: Matthew Lanier
- on
This underwater proof shows why hook choice is SO important with Z-Man Kicker CrabZ!!!
These have quickly become a mainstay in my everyday tackle box and a lure I rely on to get it done on tournament day.
But if you’re using the wrong hooks, you might not catch as many fish as you should.
Check this out!!
Why Hook Choice Is So Important With Z-Man Kicker CrabZ [VIDEO]
Become A Better Angler While Saving Time & Money
Z-Man Kicker CrabZ Rigging Lesson
Gear Featured In The Video:
Not too long ago, we put out a tip highlighting the most common mistakes anglers make when fishing the Kicker CrabZ.
The issue is many times anglers will overwork the baits and fish them like a jerk shad which is not its intended purpose.
A question that came in after sharing that tip was regarding hook choice.
Hook choice has a huge impact on your presentation and lure performance underwater.
I personally rely on the Z-Man Texas Eye Jigheads when fishing with the Z-Man Kicker CrabZ.
This is because I typically fish it in water that is more than a foot deep right along the bottom.
Also, I have fished this lure with Z-Man ChinlockZ SWS Weighted Hooks as well.
These are another weedless weighted hook option.
The weight on the ChinlockZ is on the shank of the hook while the Texas Eye weight is up at the front of the hook.
Underwater Evidence
The first hook I tested was the Z-Man ChinlockZ SWS Weighted Hook.
All I did was gently raise the rod up and down and it pulls the lure up a foot or more and takes roughly 1-3 seconds to fall back to the bottom.
I would rely on these hooks in super shallow water when I am trying to avoid structure like oyster bars.
On the other hand, Z-Man Texas Eye Jigheads fall back to the bottom much quicker than the ChinlockZ.
I prefer to maintain constant contact with the bottom when fishing the Kicker CrabZ.
These Z-Man baits have buoyant properties and will want to float on their own so when it sits vertically on the bottom, the tail will point up to the surface and wiggle in the current.
As I mentioned before, I don’t recommend retrieving this lure like a paddletail or jerk shad.
Simple, slow pulls of the rod tip to gently drag or bounce the Kicker CrabZ along the bottom is best.
Although both hook styles may have the same exact weight, they will perform much differently underwater.
In water of less than 1 foot, I recommend using the ChinlockZ with the Kicker CrabZ.
But in any situation of 2 feet of water or more, go with the Texas Eye Jigheads to get down to the bottom faster and trigger more strikes.
Become A Better Angler While Saving Time & Money
Finding The Fish Help
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1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)
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2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)
This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.
3. Community Reports (live feed)
The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.
Related categories:
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Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
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- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Thanks, Matt! I was using the hoss helix hooks but now see the benefits of both the Texas eye and chinlockZ.
Good video. Matt! I have started utilizing the kicker crab here in the upper tx coast. I thoroughly enjoy your videos on the use of this lure 👊🏼
Thanks Matt I really enjoyed the kicker crab presentation and often wondered how they would performe💪 I’m definitely about to grab me some for the next Venture on the water💪 I fish a lot of flats with oyster bars and grass lines in the St Augustine area
Is this going to mainly work in clearer water where the fish can see it or will it work in murky water?
It will work in most water clarity. I definitely have success in darker water with this as well!
Great video Matt the pool video really made it easy to understand the different presentations
Glad it was helpful Robert! thanks for watching!
Another very helpful video from Pat in the rigging of these Z-man Crabs and the applications of them …
Job well done Pat and good video for sure
Thanks for the comment Thomas!
Great demonstration Matt. I really like seeing the actual action under water. I have watched several of your videos where these really work for you. Im hoping to try them out this week..
Glad this was helpful Robert!
I think with the Texas Eye Jig head you could probably dead stick it with scent added to it. Matt What do you think?
I agree! When the fish are finicky let them find it that way and they will eat! Good point!
Any of y’all using the hoss helix hooks for these. I’ve done pretty good with the Texas eye.
We have, but the twist lock is tough to get to hold in the material. It will work but can take some more patience to get properly. Thansk for watching Thomas!
Great Demo!!!!
Thanks for watching Amber!