Why Hook Choice Is So Important With Z-Man Kicker CrabZ [Underwater Proof]

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:

• Z-Man Kicker CrabZ
• Texas Eye Jigheads
• ChinlockZ SWS Weighted Hooks

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

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

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.

Smart Fishing Spots App

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.

Community Platform