Storm Wild Eye Shad - Help! 2024
Darren. reply :
Hey guys,
So I've recently been fishing the Storm Wild Eye Shad in 3" Pearl (have 4" version as well). Has actually worked well, I've caught huge crappie, and one bass so far (only been a week or two fishing this).
Problem is, I've had hooked and lost right at the yak, 6 HUGE bass. Absolutely mind blowing and frustrating beyond belief to lose them like this.
I've seen each and every one of the lunkers as I get them within feet of my net and they jump and spit the bait. I'm so disgusted because I'm virtually certain one or two would have been personal bests for me.
So here's the question: is there a better way to rig these smaller swim baits? Or is it just a case of bad luck? 
I've seen people cut off the single hooks on the larger ones and tie one or two trebles on the back.
As far as gear goes, I've used my Chronarch 50e + a Medium Fast rod. And yesterday I went out and threw on a spinning setup with a softer rod - but I did catch with that setup. Like my casting setup, I got every fish to the side of the boat. I know for bigger swim baits you want a MH - H rod. I didn't think this would be necessary for such a small bait. Oh, I also tried the 4" of the same bait, couldn't buy a bite. But when I put the 3" on they slammed it last night.
00 mod reply :
Heavier rod to set the big jig hook better!
Jeff
Darren. reply :
On 6/2/2014 at 1:39 AM, 00 mod said:Heavier rod to set the big jig hook better!
Jeff
Even the smaller baits? I realize it's a thicker hook all around. Perhaps I need to upgrade one of my setups just for this purpose.
gripnrip reply :
I agree with Jeff. Look at the setup first. Take a file to that hook. I have had the same problem with the wild eye. The hooks IMO aren't the greatest. Then adjust your drag and after the initial hook up, give it a good pump or 2 to get the hook driven home. The toads have a tougher lip! Good luck man!
00 mod reply :
On 6/2/2014 at 1:41 AM, DarrenM said:Even the smaller baits? I realize it's a thicker hook all around. Perhaps I need to upgrade one of my setups just for this purpose.
I was having a hard time with single top hook swimbaits, until I went with a beefier stick. Also what line are you using?
Jeff
Darren. reply :
On 6/2/2014 at 2:14 AM, 00 mod said:I was having a hard time with single top hook swimbaits, until I went with a beefier stick. Also what line are you using?
Jeff
20lb braid + 15lb leader on casting
20lb straight braid on spinning
smalljaw67 reply :
The other guys are right, you need a MH fast rod, the medium power, fast action rod is ok if a bait has light wire hooks but the Storm swimbaits don't, they have a pretty stout hook. I use a MH-F with the 3" and 4" versions, in fact they are pretty heavy, the 3" weighs a little more than a 1/4oz and the 4" is like 1/2oz or close to it. Use the heavier power rod and you'll be fine.
Darren. reply :
On 6/2/2014 at 2:02 AM, gripnrip said:I agree with Jeff. Look at the setup first. Take a file to that hook. I have had the same problem with the wild eye. The hooks IMO aren't the greatest. Then adjust your drag and after the initial hook up, give it a good pump or 2 to get the hook driven home. The toads have a tougher lip! Good luck man!
I did exactly that, perhaps my rods are just too soft. I thought I had them stuck good. Dadgummit, it's making me upset again, LOL...or CryOL....
I also think I'll look at getting a MH spinning rod as I like how my Spirex 2500 works the bait - that plus I can skip it a mile under bridges and such.
gripnrip reply :
I hear ya man. I have also lost countless fish on a shaky head setup. I was afraid to set the hook on smaller flouro. Moved to braid to flouro leader and ZINGA fish on!
Darren. reply :
On 6/2/2014 at 5:07 AM, gripnrip said:I hear ya man. I have also lost countless fish on a shaky head setup. I was afraid to set the hook on smaller flouro. Moved to braid to flouro leader and ZINGA fish on!
I really lost my mind after the 3rd fish off - each of the days it happened.
So I don't have much $$ to spend for this setup (all spent on Chronarchs), I think I'll opt for a Berkley Lightning rod - spinning - MH 6'. I like the shorter rod for kayak fishing, and I fish in tight areas often, so longer rods get in the way too much. I'm going spinning because of the ability to launch the swim baits side handed - skipping - under the tight spots I like to throw 'em. My casting setup - and I have a MH casting rod will work for wide open areas. So I'm covered there.
Thanks for all your help - and everyone else, too! I hope to return with a new PB (next time I'm able to get out, that is, and hopefully with a new setup).
Alonerankin2 reply :
I have used those with good results... I have too lost fish at the landing... I use a heavy moderate fast rod... I don't think the hooks are bad.... Just have to have a good power stroke ! Lol!!! Good fishing to you...
00 mod reply :
On 6/2/2014 at 2:59 AM, DarrenM said:20lb braid + 15lb leader on casting
20lb straight braid on spinning
I think the line is fine. The rod would be where I would look.
Jeff
Darren. reply :
On 6/2/2014 at 8:42 AM, 00 mod said:I think the line is fine. The rod would be where I would look.
Jeff
Thanks, Jeff. I'll make that change and hope for the best.
SirSnookalot reply :
I use the 1/4 oz for bass, works well but a it's bait I have to fish slow. The 1/2 oz size is one of my go to snook and tarpon lures, again I fish it slow. Never had problem setting a hook on a tarpon and their jaw is like concrete. Both of these fish are inhalers so the strike isn't that hard.
Darren. reply :
On 6/2/2014 at 2:48 PM, SirSnookalot said:I use the 1/4 oz for bass, works well but a it's bait I have to fish slow. The 1/2 oz size is one of my go to snook and tarpon lures, again I fish it slow. Never had problem setting a hook on a tarpon and their jaw is like concrete. Both of these fish are inhalers so the strike isn't that hard.
I will guess you are using a much stouter rod than I have been using? Medium Moderate Fast - Fast is what I've used. Every time I thought I drove the hook home. Hoping a MH spinning rod will help here.
quanjig reply :
When I get them good on those swimmies, most of the time I can't even see the bait till they are in the net and it's just totally engulfed! I have had days when they do that, just throw the bait at the end, very frustrating indeed. I also think sometimes the bigger fish will just have the bait locked in their crushers and blow the bait! You can't fix that with any rod, reel, or line...... It just happens!
SirSnookalot reply :
On 6/2/2014 at 9:47 PM, DarrenM said:I will guess you are using a much stouter rod than I have been using? Medium Moderate Fast - Fast is what I've used. Every time I thought I drove the hook home. Hoping a MH spinning rod will help here.
I don't think on the level of med moderate fast or xf, this rod for this kind of lure and that one for treble hooks, and omg I don't have a specific drop shot rod. My thoughts are simpler, set the hook and reel it in.
The rods I use with 1/2 oz wild eyed shad are the same exact rods I use to throw every other lure I own. They are med and mh spinning, can't say they are stouter or not compared to other brands. It's seldom I use a 1/2 oz bait for bass, I mostly use a ml rod for them and use 1/4 and 1/8.
Darren. reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 2:22 AM, quanjig said:When I get them good on those swimmies, most of the time I can't even see the bait till they are in the net and it's just totally engulfed! I have had days when they do that, just throw the bait at the end, very frustrating indeed. I also think sometimes the bigger fish will just have the bait locked in their crushers and blow the bait! You can't fix that with any rod, reel, or line...... It just happens!
As hard as I set the hook on those bass, I was super surprised when they spit it out at the boat. I can see how a stouter rod would provide more oomph on a hookset, so that's probably what I'll try, cheaply...
A-Jay reply :
I use that bait off & on and have had decent success with it - almost all of which was on the 4 inch model.
I have used it both on casting & spinning tackle (depending on the cover). I've also used both braid and a leader and straight mono (believe it or not). I will tell you that I have not Lost many fish at the boat on that bait.
You stated that you're fishing from a Kayak (I fish from a canoe) Something that anglers who aren't fishing from a smaller craft don't have to deal with (or might not even realize) is that during a hook set and often times during a fight with a decent fish, (bass or anything else) unless you're anchored some how, the boat moves toward the fish. I know you know this, but I think it's something that has to be considered when you are taking about losing fish; especially if you think the hook set may be the cause. This forward vessel movement is something I had to learn to deal with especially fishing baits like frogs, and pitching in slop or pads. It can be counter acted by having the boat at a 90 degree angle to the fish but then you risk the possibility of a roll over. Braided line helps but when combined with a fast action rod could cause some fish loss when slack gets in the line.
After it's all said & done - I believe a braided line, a medium or medium heavy action rod, and a reel with sufficient gear ratio to allow you to get a good hook set, keep up with the boat movement and the fish so you can keep a bend in the rod. That underlined part is the key. Think about it - how many times have we put a fish in the net and the bait falls right out ? There was no hook set there but the bent rod kept the fish on.
Any how - just some thing to think about. Hope it helps.
Good Luck
A-Jay
Darren. reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 10:54 AM, A-Jay said:I use that bait off & on and have had decent success with it - almost all of which was on the 4 inch model.
I have used it both on casting & spinning tackle (depending on the cover). I've also used both braid and a leader and straight mono (believe it or not). I will tell you that I have not Lost many fish at the boat on that bait.
You stated that you're fishing from a Kayak (I fish from a canoe) Something that anglers who aren't fishing from a smaller craft don't have to deal with (or might not even realize) is that during a hook set and often times during a fight with a decent fish, (bass or anything else) unless you're anchored some how, the boat moves toward the fish. I know you know this, but I think it's something that has to be considered when you are taking about losing fish; especially if you think the hook set may be the cause. This forward vessel movement is something I had to learn to deal with especially fishing baits like frogs, and pitching in slop or pads. It can be counter acted by having the boat at a 90 degree angle to the fish but them you risk the possibility of a roll over. Braided line helps but when combined with a fast action rod could cause some fish loss when slack gets in the line.
After it's all said & done - I believe a braided line, a medium or medium heavy action rod, and a reel with sufficient gear ratio to allow you to get a good hook set and keep up with the boat movement and the fish so you can keep a bend in the rod. That underlined part is the key. Think about it - how many times have we put a fish in the net and the bait falls right out ? There was no hook set there but the bend rod keep the fish on.
Any how - just some thing to think about. Hope it helps.
Good Luck
A-Jay
Everything helps about now, A-Jay 
I'm with you on experience fighting fish from canoe/kayak, and I feel I've done everything correctly. I will say, one of the six fish was a complete fluke where I reeled in with my Chronarch and the lanyard on my iPhone Lifeproof lifejacket got caught in the handle a couple wraps, and I helplessly watched as the bass jumped at that precise time. I could do nothing but stare and jaw drop at the stupid occurrence.
I've since removed the lanyard, LOL. Each successive fish has been, I've thought, solidly fought to the yak. Rod bent, sometimes almost at a 90 degree angle. I thought if I were quicker on the net, I'd have landed them. Perhaps true. Some I was perpendicular to the fish (kayak perpendicular), in no cases was I anchored, but I did use my trolling motor to maintain pressure in a couple cases.
Don't think I've got anything to lose adding a MH spinning rod to the mix. And at the inexpensive price for a Lightning rod I won't have broken any bank account. The Shimano Spirex I'll put on it has plenty of heft, my hand is always on the handle ready for the fight. Perhaps MH is the missing link in this situation. Only time will tell.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 11:09 AM, DarrenM said:Everything helps about now, A-Jay
I'm with you on experience fighting fish from canoe/kayak, and I feel I've done everything correctly. I will say, one of the six fish was a complete fluke where I reeled in with my Chronarch and the lanyard on my iPhone Lifeproof lifejacket got caught in the handle a couple wraps, and I helplessly watched as the bass jumped at that precise time. I could do nothing but stare and jaw drop at the stupid occurrence.
I've since removed the lanyard, LOL. Each successive fish has been, I've thought, solidly fought to the yak. Rod bent, sometimes almost at a 90 degree angle. I thought if I were quicker on the net, I'd have landed them. Perhaps true. Some I was perpendicular to the fish (kayak perpendicular), in no cases was I anchored, but I did use my trolling motor to maintain pressure in a couple cases.
Don't think I've got anything to lose adding a MH spinning rod to the mix. And at the inexpensive price for a Lightning rod I won't have broken any bank account. The Shimano Spirex I'll put on it has plenty of heft, my hand is always on the handle ready for the fight. Perhaps MH is the missing link in this situation. Only time will tell.
Sounds like you're on it - knew you would be.
But some where during that blitz of lost fish, if it were me, I'd be checking that bait for a hook ~ or at least a decent bard - probably several times . . . . .
A-Jay
Darren. reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 11:18 AM, A-Jay said:Sounds like you're on it - knew you would be.
But some where during that blitz of lost fish, if it were me, I'd be checking that bait for a hook ~ or at least a decent bard - probably several times . . . . .
A-Jay
Do you think it's too small a bait to cut the single hook and tie on a treble hook with one hook buried into the back along the dorsal fin? I've seen the big ones hooked that way after the single hook is cut off.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 11:20 AM, DarrenM said:Do you think it's too small a bait to cut the single hook and tie on a treble hook with one hook buried into the back along the dorsal fin? I've seen the big ones hooked that way after the single hook is cut off.
You could try it - but I would say that it's really unnecessary.
I've caught both lmb and several smb with them along with many pike & walleye. It's a good bait and as long as the hook is sharp you should be fine. We use them in Mexico without changing anything on the bait with good results.
Perhaps your day was Just a Freak. Someone already said it here, when the fish want it - they pretty much swallow the thing and the hook set is more of a formality at that point.
Try a rod with a little more lower end - I bet that'll do it.
A-Jay
Darren. reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 11:26 AM, A-Jay said:You could try it - but I would say that it's really unnecessary.
I've caught both lmb and several smb with them along with many pike & walleye. It's a good bait and as long as the hook is sharp you should be fine. We use them in Mexico without changing anything on the bait with good results.
Perhaps your day was Just a Freak. Someone already said it here, when the fish want it - they pretty much swallow the thing and the hook set is more of a formality at that point.
A-Jay
You had to bring up Mexico, didn't you! LOL
And yes, every hook has been sharp, checked each one with blood!
The fish I have landed, the smaller ones, did swallow the baits. So I know they're good to go.
Freak day(s) plural. If it happens a third time, I will officially do or say something I shouldn't. 
A-Jay reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 11:30 AM, DarrenM said:You had to bring up Mexico, didn't you! LOL
And yes, every hook has been sharp, checked each one with blood!
The fish I have landed, the smaller ones, did swallow the baits. So I know they're good to go.
Freak day(s) plural. If it happens a third time, I will officially do or say something I shouldn't.
I heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over & over but expecting different results . . . . .
But then I thought - isn't that the very essence of bass fishing ?
A-Jay
Darren. reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 11:35 AM, A-Jay said:I heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over & over but expecting different results . . . . .
But then I thought - isn't that the very essence of bass fishing ?
A-Jay
Oh now that was funny. I appreciate good humor! We need to have a beer some day. Maybe in Mexico, my friend.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 11:36 AM, DarrenM said:Oh now that was funny. I appreciate good humor! We need to have a beer some day. Maybe in Mexico, my friend.
Oh go ahead - Twist My arm.
A-Jay
Darren. reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 11:37 AM, A-Jay said:Oh go ahead - Twist My arm.
A-Jay
But first I'll prove to you and the rest of the Mexico Bass Contingent that Virginia has beasties in her waters!!!
Consider the arm twisted.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 11:38 AM, DarrenM said:But first I'll prove to you and the rest of the Mexico Bass Contingent that Virginia has beasties in her waters!!!
Consider the arm twisted.
Sounds good - and now that you're learned how to make them jump all over the lake, perhaps you could coax a few into the net for a brief photo op . . . .
A-Jay
Darren. reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 11:41 AM, A-Jay said:Sounds good - and now that you're learned how to make them jump all over the lake, perhaps you could coax a few into the net for a brief photo op . . . .
A-Jay
You know how to make a guy feel better about his mishaps with big bass, don't you. HA! <wags finger> I'll show you! </wags finger>
My wife might will make me wait for a Mexico bassresource trip until all our boys are out of the house. That's quite a few years from now...perhaps a lottery win?
wisconsin heat reply :
On 6/2/2014 at 2:02 AM, gripnrip said:Take a file to that hook.
^^ Amazing how helpful this can be. Moving to a MH rod like others have said probably will help you out. But sharpening the hook would be the first, and second thing I would do.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 11:44 AM, DarrenM said:You know how to make a guy feel better about his mishaps with big bass, don't you. HA! <wags finger> I'll show you! </wags finger>
My wife
mightwill make me wait for a Mexico bassresource trip until all our boys are out of the house. That's quite a few years from now...perhaps a lottery win?
Fishing's fishing where ever we do it - and it's all good ~ as long as we get to do it.
And if bassing south of the border is in that cards for you, I hope I'm there too.
A-Jay
Darren. reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 11:49 AM, A-Jay said:Fishing's fishing where ever we do it - and it's all good ~ as long as we get to do it.
And if bassing south of the border is in that cards for you, I hope I'm there too.
A-Jay
And with that, I bid you a good night! May our paths cross some day on the water!
Darren. reply :
On 6/3/2014 at 11:45 AM, wisconsin heat said:^^ Amazing how helpful this can be. Moving to a MH rod like others have said probably will help you out. But sharpening the hook would be the first, and second thing I would do.
I think if I go out before I get a MH rod, I'll make sure to give a few extra HOOO-AH hooksets to drive that puppy home moreso than I would ever do. And sharpening the hook an extra bit wouldn't be a bad idea, either.
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