Lets Talk Scroungers! 2024
prjavelin reply :
Ive seen quite a hype for it from some of the senior members of the forum. So i bought a couple in 1/8 and 3/32 long bills. I have already rigged some with a tiny fluke, a shad bait, 2 straight tails and a swimbait.
Two questions: how do you fish it and what are the best conditions to fish it?(im thinking a stop and go retrieve will work great in my home lake)
Whats your favorite plastics for it?
Third question: What are the requirements to join the scrounga club?lol
gripnrip reply :
Most of mine are the 1/4 oz. I use a LFT magic shad for a trailer. If I want something more subtle, I'll use a fluke style bait. I never use a boot tail. The reason is I think it works against the bill and you lose some action.
I retrieve mine by yo-yoing or a steady retrieve. I work it like a spinnerbait or a lipless bait. A very versatile bait like the swim jig or bladed jig!
A-Jay reply :
The 3/8 & 1/2 oz Long bill bait has been the most consistent producer for me.
Super and Magnum Fluke, Mag trick worm, & a 6" slug-go all work.
But I'm always hanging anything & everything on the back of the bait looking for a new trailer.
As for the Scounga Club membership - the by laws require the catch & release of a Grande (double digit) Lake Baccarac Bass -
A-Jay
slonezp reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 12:01 AM, A-Jay said:The 3/8 & 1/2 oz Long bill bait has been the most consistent producer for me.
Super and Magnum Fluke, Mag trick worm, & a 6" slug-go all work.
But I'm always hanging anything & everything on the back of the bait looking for a new trailer.
As for the Scounga Club membership - the by laws require the catch & release of a Grande (double digit) Lake Baccarac Bass -
A-Jay
He called you a senior 
slonezp reply :
I catch walleye on them all the time using paddletails and light spinning tackle. Don't think I've caught a bass on one.
A-Jay reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 12:34 AM, slonezp said:He called you señor ~
sure did.
A-Jay
Sam reply :
Writing an article on the Scrounger?
00 mod reply :
On 2/23/2014 at 11:46 PM, prjavelin said:Ive seen quite a hype for it from some of the senior members of the forum. So i bought a couple in 1/8 and 3/32 long bills. I have already rigged some with a tiny fluke, a shad bait, 2 straight tails and a swimbait.
Two questions: how do you fish it and what are the best conditions to fish it?(im thinking a stop and go retrieve will work great in my home lake)
Whats your favorite plastics for it?
Third question: What are the requirements to join the scrounga club?lol
On 2/24/2014 at 12:01 AM, A-Jay said:The 3/8 & 1/2 oz Long bill bait has been the most consistent producer for me.
Super and Magnum Fluke, Mag trick worm, & a 6" slug-go all work.
But I'm always hanging anything & everything on the back of the bait looking for a new trailer.
As for the Scounga Club membership - the by laws require the catch & release of a Grande (double digit) Lake Baccarac Bass -
A-Jay
A-Jay pretty much nailed it!
On 2/24/2014 at 12:34 AM, slonezp said:He called you a senior
I am the junior of the seniors...... 
:grin:
Jeff
WRB reply :
Back in My of '91 fishing lake Castaic and using a modified* original Scrounger I had my best ever day bass fishing in regards to number of 10 lb to 12 lb bass caught in one day; 18.
The modification was cutting off the original 3/0 Mustad hook at the hook bend, straighten the hook shank, cut the lead back on 3/4 oz to about 1/4" behind the collar, the head now weighs about 1/2 oz. Next step was add 6/0 round bend straight shank worm hook by wrapping tight with 25 lb mono and covering the wrap and hook shank with super glue.
I used 6" trout color Sluggo, the wrapped hook shank held the Sluggo from slipping. The trick is to get the Sluggo on as straight as possible to the Scrounger has a tight wiggle.
Fished in about 20' depth parallel to major points. Cast, let sink to depth then retrieve with steady pace until you get bumped, then reel faster.
If interested I could email a photo of modified Scrounger.
Tom
RB 77 reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 9:28 AM, WRB said:Back in My of '91 fishing lake Castaic and using a modified* original Scrounger I had my best ever day bass fishing in regards to number of 10 lb to 12 lb bass caught in one day; 18.
The modification was cutting off the original 3/0 Mustad hook at the hook bend, straighten the hook shank, cut the lead back on 3/4 oz to about 1/4" behind the collar, the head now weighs about 1/2 oz. Next step was add 6/0 round bend straight shank worm hook by wrapping tight with 25 lb mono and covering the wrap and hook shank with super glue.
I used 6" trout color Sluggo, the wrapped hook shank held the Sluggo from slipping. The trick is to get the Sluggo on as straight as possible to the Scrounger has a tight wiggle.
Fished in about 20' depth parallel to major points. Cast, let sink to depth then retrieve with steady pace until you get bumped, then reel faster.
If interested I could email a photo of modified Scrounger.
Tom
Top notch!
gripnrip reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 9:28 AM, WRB said:Back in My of '91 fishing lake Castaic and using a modified* original Scrounger I had my best ever day bass fishing in regards to number of 10 lb to 12 lb bass caught in one day; 18.
The modification was cutting off the original 3/0 Mustad hook at the hook bend, straighten the hook shank, cut the lead back on 3/4 oz to about 1/4" behind the collar, the head now weighs about 1/2 oz. Next step was add 6/0 round bend straight shank worm hook by wrapping tight with 25 lb mono and covering the wrap and hook shank with super glue.
I used 6" trout color Sluggo, the wrapped hook shank held the Sluggo from slipping. The trick is to get the Sluggo on as straight as possible to the Scrounger has a tight wiggle.
Fished in about 20' depth parallel to major points. Cast, let sink to depth then retrieve with steady pace until you get bumped, then reel faster.
If interested I could email a photo of modified Scrounger.
Tom
PM sent Tom.
froggerbass reply :
This guy makes a wicked awesome scrounger imo. He has long bills and can go 5/0 or 6/0 on the hook.
http://xtremecustomtackle.com/
A-Jay reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 12:12 PM, froggerbass said:This guy makes a wicked awesome scrounger imo. He has long bills and can go 5/0 or 6/0 on the hook.
http://xtremecustomtackle.com/
Nice looking baits -
Thanks for the link
A-Jay
TrapperJ reply :
I got some Lake Fork Magic shad I need to fire these bad boys on too. Had good luck last year on the fluke.
What about colder what temps?
First event is next Saturday on Eufaula OK and were about to get hit with some more cold weather, water temps will probably be in about 40-45
Glenn reply :
Here's a video of Aaron Martens revealing his scrounger tricks: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/scrounger-head-tricks.html
gripnrip reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 12:34 PM, TrapperJ said:I got some Lake Fork Magic shad I need to fire these bad boys on too. Had good luck last year on the fluke.
What about colder what temps?
First event is next Saturday on Eufaula OK and were about to get hit with some more cold weather, water temps will probably be in about 40-45
Yup. Use the blue gill color. http://www.***.com/Lake_Fork_Live_Magic_Shad/descpage-LFLMS.html#multiview
Also use jigs and other baits that have the browns and orange in them. Siebertoutdoors Brown craw color worked well for me the last 2 times I fished Eufaula.
WRB reply :
The Extreme Custom Tackle Scroungers with larger hooks look good, with 1 exception; the trailer collar tube is smooth. I would prefer the collar tube be smaller in diameter and ribbed to hold soft plastic.
If someone made the oversize hook like the Extreme back the early 80's would have saved me from modifying them, thank you for the link and will give them a try.
Tom
00 mod reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 12:12 PM, froggerbass said:This guy makes a wicked awesome scrounger imo. He has long bills and can go 5/0 or 6/0 on the hook.
http://xtremecustomtackle.com/
On 2/25/2014 at 2:34 AM, WRB said:The Extreme Custom Tackle Scroungers with larger hooks look good, with 1 exception; the trailer collar tube is smooth. I would prefer the collar tube be smaller in diameter and ribbed to hold soft plastic.
If someone made the oversize hook like the Extreme back the early 80's would have saved me from modifying them, thank you for the link and will give them a try.
Tom
I have some of these and will be putting them to the Grande test in 3 weeks. Stay tuned!
Jeff
WRB reply :
Jeff, the key with Scroungers is a little change is pace using reel cadence, not rod action and to increase speed when you feel bumps. What happens sometimes is the baitfish follow the Scrounger, when a big bass shows the bait scatter and the bass chases the Scrounger down that is trying to escape. If you stop the retrieve, everything stops and turns away.
Good luck with your trip and looking for a teener!
Tom
froggerbass reply :
a jackall i-shad on the back of a scrounger is pretty awesome too
roadwarrior reply :
Hmm...
Some tackle I have had for a few years, but never fished...Time to try something new!
Lucky Craft Man reply :
On 2/24/2014 at 12:01 AM, A-Jay said:
As for the Scounga Club membership - the by laws require the catch & release of a Grande (double digit) Lake Baccarac Bass -
A-Jay
Where would a 7 pound Lake Erie Smallmouth get you in this club?
A-Jay reply :
On 2/26/2014 at 3:21 AM, Lucky Craft Man said:Where would a 7 pound Lake Erie Smallmouth get you in this club?
Different Club.
That's the Mutant Micropterus Dolomieu Club ~ and one that incidentally, I am Not a member of.
As you already know, the founder, charter member & long standing President of that very limited and prestigious club happens to be one Dwight Hottle - known to many as The Jerk Bait King.
As I have no affiliation to this club (yet), you will have to contact his highness directly.
I am looking forward to applying for membership in this club ASAP, as I hear the induction ceremony is most memorable.
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 2/26/2014 at 3:21 AM, Lucky Craft Man said:Where would a 7 pound Lake Erie Smallmouth get you in this club?
You sir are guility of asking a question that you already have the answer. Your official scrounga club welcome pack is in the mail.
00 mod reply :
On 2/26/2014 at 3:41 AM, A-Jay said:Different Club.
That's the Mutant Micropterus Dolomieu Club ~ and one that incidentally, I am Not a member of.
As you already know, the founder, charter member & long standing President of that very limited and prestigious club happens to be one Dwight Hottle - known to many as The Jerk Bait King.
As I have no affiliation to this club (yet), you will have to contact his highness directly.
I am looking forward to applying for membership in this club ASAP, as I hear the induction ceremony is most memorable.
A-Jay
I will be looking to join this club as well. And as long as it is 1 oz bigger, even have the hat to prove it!!!!!
Jeff
Crider reply :
Hey guys, This is Zach Crider with Xtreme Custom Tackle. Just wanted to say thanks to the guys that have commented on my scroungers. If you have any questions about them feel free to ask. Thanks
Hanover_Yakker reply :
I roll with a 1/4oz scrounger head and a PowerTeam Lures 3.6" JP Hammershad in a variety of colors depending on water clarity. I fish it using a custom 7'6" Bull Bay Rods Spectrum Professional spinning rod (M/XF) paired with a Shimano Stradic 3000FJ spooled with 20 lb. Kanzen braid and a 12lb. FC Sniper or 15lb. PLine Flouroclear leader.
A-Jay reply :
On 2/27/2014 at 10:36 AM, Crider said:Hey guys, This is Zach Crider with Xtreme Custom Tackle. Just wanted to say thanks to the guys that have commented on my scroungers. If you have any questions about them feel free to ask. Thanks
Hello (again) Zach and Welcome to BR ~
Thanks for the call & the order update today.
I really appreciated it.
A-Jay
WRB reply :
What hook do you use? A list size by weight would help!On 2/27/2014 at 10:36 AM, Crider said:Hey guys, This is Zach Crider with Xtreme Custom Tackle. Just wanted to say thanks to the guys that have commented on my scroungers. If you have any questions about them feel free to ask. Thanks
Tom
WRB reply :
Whenever I have posted the 18-10 ( 18 LMB over 10 lbs in 1day) there has been a lot of discussion and claims of fraud or disbelief. I hesitated to post this because of static from the past.
Here is the story;
A friend, Gary Gerber, asked me to teach him how to fish jigs so he could add a kicker fish when tournament bass fishing. We fished out of his BassCat and spent the morning jig fishing with some success and around 10 in the morning decided to make a run about 2 miles to another area on a different arm. While running at 60+ as a passenger I noticed several blue herons standing on a point in the water, very unusual. Tapped Gary on the shoulder and motioned for him to slow down so we could take a look. What the herons were doing was feeding on trout being pushed onto the bank. I had 1rod rigged with the Scrounger, didn't have a swimbait rig with me. Gary didn't have any big bass tackle in his boat. We put the trolling motor down and moved within casting distance and the school of big bass stayed in the area until the count reached 18 big bass, Gary watched and kept count. Wide open bite that may never be repeated.
Tom
Jigs 4 Pigs reply :
On 2/27/2014 at 12:01 PM, WRB said:Whenever I have posted the 18-10 ( 18 LMB over 10 lbs in 1day) there has been a lot of discussion and claims of fraud or disbelief. I hesitated to post this because of static from the past.
Here is the story;
A friend, Gary Gerber, asked me to teach him how to fish jigs so he could add a kicker fish when tournament bass fishing. We fished out of his BassCat and spent the morning jig fishing with some success and around 10 in the morning decided to make a run about 2 miles to another area on a different arm. While running at 60+ as a passenger I noticed several blue herons standing on a point in the water, very unusual. Tapped Gary on the shoulder and motioned for him to slow down so we could take a look. What the herons were doing was feeding on trout being pushed onto the bank. I had 1rod rigged with the Scrounger, didn't have a swimbait rig with me. Gary didn't have any big bass tackle in his boat. We put the trolling motor down and moved within casting distance and the school of big bass stayed in the area until the count reached 18 big bass, Gary watched and kept count. Wide open bite that may never be repeated.
Tom
18 over 10lbs in 1 day? Holy Crap!!!
basshole8190 reply :
On 2/27/2014 at 12:01 PM, WRB said:Whenever I have posted the 18-10 ( 18 LMB over 10 lbs in 1day) there has been a lot of discussion and claims of fraud or disbelief. I hesitated to post this because of static from the past.
Here is the story;
A friend, Gary Gerber, asked me to teach him how to fish jigs so he could add a kicker fish when tournament bass fishing. We fished out of his BassCat and spent the morning jig fishing with some success and around 10 in the morning decided to make a run about 2 miles to another area on a different arm. While running at 60+ as a passenger I noticed several blue herons standing on a point in the water, very unusual. Tapped Gary on the shoulder and motioned for him to slow down so we could take a look. What the herons were doing was feeding on trout being pushed onto the bank. I had 1rod rigged with the Scrounger, didn't have a swimbait rig with me. Gary didn't have any big bass tackle in his boat. We put the trolling motor down and moved within casting distance and the school of big bass stayed in the area until the count reached 18 big bass, Gary watched and kept count. Wide open bite that may never be repeated.
Tom
That's a heck of a wolf pack. very rare but not unheard of mike long did some underwater observation and videoed some dd bass waiting for stocker trout to be released i think in the article he said it was 14 bass there over 10lb
WRB reply :
When lakes Castias and Castaic were in their prime, before stripers infested Castaic and trout plants stopped at Casitas, wolf packs of giant bass would occur occasionally. I witnessed one wolf pack at Casitas off shore but couldn't get more than 2 bass to strike a swimbait from that school, they moved too fast The Scrounger bass were at Castaic and that was the only time I witnessed a big school of big bass near shore.
I have been blessed to catch several 50 lb and one 62 lb 5 bass limits, not more than 3 giant bass from one location. The Scrounger bite lasted over an hour, very unusual event.
The location was more than 2 miles from the launch ramp, mid week before any trout stocking was going on.
These bass hearded a big school of trout up against the bank and was lucky to see it and be there at the right time with the right lure. Could have driven past the feeding spree and missed that bite, if it wasn't for seeing the blue herons.
Lesson, keep your eyes open for feeding activity and use your instincts.
Tom
Teal reply :
Tom, I don't doubt you for one min. I've had wonderful days striper fishing that didn't amount to 62 lbs in my 5 best. That's an amazing feat.
And you are right on with watching the birds. I've had a couple great days that hinged on me spotting some ospreys and eagles hard at work.
Sounds like I need to fly out to CA and fish with Tom for a few days. Lol.
A-Jay reply :
On 2/27/2014 at 10:36 AM, Crider said:Hey guys, This is Zach Crider with Xtreme Custom Tackle. Just wanted to say thanks to the guys that have commented on my scroungers. If you have any questions about them feel free to ask. Thanks
I just received mine today and they look excellent. Nice long bill, large sharp quality hook and a premium snap.
Thanks again
A-Jay
Crider reply :
Glad you like the scroungers A-Jay and thanks for the order.
Here is a list of the hook sizes for the heavy wire hook I use
1/4 and 3/8oz is a 4/0
1/2oz is a 5/0
3/4oz is a 6/0
Also they are not on my site but I have 1 and 1 1/4oz scroungers available if anyone is interested in the bigger sizes.
gripnrip reply :
On 3/3/2014 at 11:13 PM, Crider said:Glad you like the scroungers A-Jay and thanks for the order.
Here is a list of the hook sizes for the heavy wire hook I use
1/4 and 3/8oz is a 4/0
1/2oz is a 5/0
3/4oz is a 6/0
Also they are not on my site but I have 1 and 1 1/4oz scroungers available if anyone is interested in the bigger sizes.
With those hook sizes, I may have to order some for myself!
A-Jay reply :
On 3/3/2014 at 11:35 PM, gripnrip said:With those hook sizes, I may have to order some for myself!
Do it.
A-Jay
WRB reply :
Hook sizes are perfect!
Will order some when I get back from this trip.
I don't use the snap because prefer a tighter wiggle, the snap gives the Scrounger a wider wiggle.
The 1 and 1 1/4 oz should be good with 8" and 10" Sluggo's.
Tom
Aluma-Bass reply :
On 3/3/2014 at 11:13 PM, Crider said:Glad you like the scroungers A-Jay and thanks for the order.
Here is a list of the hook sizes for the heavy wire hook I use
1/4 and 3/8oz is a 4/0
1/2oz is a 5/0
3/4oz is a 6/0
Also they are not on my site but I have 1 and 1 1/4oz scroungers available if anyone is interested in the bigger sizes.
What is the difference in medium and long bill?
stratoliner92 reply :
Hi guys
Ya'll got my intrest in these now. How well do they work around wood cover regarding hangups?
gripnrip reply :
On 3/5/2014 at 12:00 AM, deadadrift89 said:Hi guys
Ya'll got my intrest in these now. How well do they work around wood cover regarding hangups?
They'll work excellent. The bill helps it from getting hung up. I fish them around floating docks during the summer. Grand lake in particular. Dock owners always sink brush tied to heavy string. I have only gotten hung one time on one of those brush piles.
WRB reply :
The long bill tends to be move snag resistant and a little slower wiggle action. As long as you keep the Scrounger moving forward it will go through brush, don't kill your retreive let it sink down into the brush.
You can cast a Scrounger and let it sink, then retreive it up and over a brush pile.
Tom
stratoliner92 reply :
Thanks guys i'll be picking some up. I caught alot fish on chatterbaits last year and this sounds like a great option to them in same conditions.
Nice_Bass reply :
On 3/3/2014 at 11:46 PM, A-Jay said:Do it.
A-Jay
Just did as well- I will give these a shot. I don't fish them all that often but needed a few more good quality, with larger hook.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/6/2014 at 4:21 AM, Nice_Bass said:Just did as well- I will give these a shot. I don't fish them all that often but needed a few more good quality, with larger hook.
Cool - when I first started fishing them I was using too heavy a weight and fishing them too fast - at least for my areas. the long bill 3/8's bait is most versatile and the best trailers for it seem to be thinner profile and between 5-6 inches.
Good Luck.
A-Jay
Nice_Bass reply :
On 3/6/2014 at 4:31 AM, A-Jay said:Cool - when I first started fishing them I was using too heavy a weight and fishing them too fast - at least for my areas. the long bill 3/8's bait is most versatile and the best trailers for it seem to be thinner profile and between 5-6 inches.
Good Luck.
A-Jay
we must fish similar water! I also prefer 3/8 long bill with sluggo 6"
although, that is all I have used on them- have only played around a bit with them for a year or so.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/6/2014 at 4:34 AM, Nice_Bass said:we must fish similar water! I also prefer 3/8 long bill with sluggo 6"
although, that is all I have used on them- have only played around a bit with them for a year or so.
That's my bait of choice as well . . . White Ice
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
Just got off the phone with Zach Crider. His standard 1oz scrounger is with a 6/0 hook. He is malking me a couple with 7/0 hooks. Very good customer service & a great product.
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