What Hooks Are You Using For Gambler Ez Swimmer? 2024
Joedodge reply :
I've been using vmc 1/8 ounce 3/0 swimbait hooks. What size are you guys using
Matthew2000 reply :
4/0 at least and 1/4 of a ounce.
Joedodge reply :
Ahh ok. Hmm maybe I should step it up to the 4/0? Any reason to go as heavy as 1/4 ounce tho? Or just preference?
Matthew2000 reply :
On 2/25/2015 at 9:23 AM, Joedodge said:Ahh ok. Hmm maybe I should step it up to the 4/0? Any reason to go as heavy as 1/4 ounce tho? Or just preference?
I'm throwing it on a 7' MH rod with a 6:4:1 ratio reel the 1/4 ounce lets me reel the bait fast but having it still sink down. Also I find it much easier to throw as its double the weight.
Joedodge reply :
Ahh makes sense. I just got a M/H Rod I never thought of using the weight to get a lil more feel
Matthew2000 reply :
On 2/25/2015 at 9:34 AM, Joedodge said:Ahh makes sense. I just got a M/H Rod I never thought of using the weight to get a lil more feel
It's just refrence some people like it light some like it heavy.
RoLo reply :
Living in Florida, I only throw the 'Gambler Big EZ' (never owned an EZ Swimmer)
We rig the 'Big EZ' on a Gamakatsu 1/4oz x 5/0 Superline Springlock Hook
Many fellows opt to Texas-rig the Big EZ, but there are 2 reasons why I prefer a keel-weighted swimbait hook:
1) A T-rigged swimbait is nose-heavy, therefore it 'nosedives' when paused
In contrast, a keel-weighted hook tends to maintain a more horizontal posture
2) A nose-weighted T-rigged swimbait allows the tail-to-wag-the-dog, an unnatural action that deducts from tail throb.
On the other hand, a keel-weighted hook offers a more natural swimming action,
and reducing lateral instability funnels more throbbing action into the paddletail lobe.
Roger
Joedodge reply :
I'm in Florida also. Just felt the big ez re to big for the ponds and canals I fish. Looks like I'm gonna have to step up hook size! Thanks for the great detailed replys everyone!
Mike L reply :
For that size of a soft swim bait I prefer Skinny Dippers and use a 5/0 screw lock 1/4 oz weighted hook.
For the standard size Big EZ I use a 1/4 oz also but a 6/0 hook.
Sometimes depending on clarity I'll rig it with a 6/0 1/8oz gold 3.5 willow Duz-It hook also.
The 1/4 oz. keel weight helps to keep it balanced and rideing straight up especially swimming it through the grass which is the ideal way to use it.
Mike
Joedodge reply :
Awesome! I'll grab some 1/4 also. But man I didn't know yall where fishing such big hooks in these baits lol.
RoLo reply :
On 2/25/2015 at 9:56 AM, Joedodge said:I'm in Florida also. Just felt the big ez re to big for the ponds and canals I fish. Looks like I'm gonna have to step up hook size!
Look at this way Joe, shiner fishermen normally fish with 5 to 8" long baits, some up to 12" long.
Frankly, if the Big EZ was available in 6 inches, that would be my soft swimbait of choice
(until it was discontinued, I used to throw the Berkley 6" Hollow Belly)
Roger
Joedodge reply :
Never looked at it that way! I've always been shy of big baits since I don't wana not catch the lil guys too! But I'll give it a try!
Mike L reply :
On 2/25/2015 at 9:53 AM, RoLo said:Living in Florida, we only throw the 'Gambler Big EZ' (I've never owned an EZ Swimmer)
We rig the 'Big EZ' on a Gamakatsu 1/4oz x 5/0 Superline Springlock Hook
Many fellows opt to Texas-rig the Big EZ, but there are 2 reasons why I prefer a keel-weighted swimbait hook:
1) A T-rigged swimbait is nose-heavy, which therefore 'nosedives' when paused
In contrast, a keel-weighted hook tends to maintain a more horizontal posture
2) A T-rigged swimbait (nose-weighted) allows the tail-to-wag-the-dog, an unnatural action that deducts from tail throb.
A keel-weighted swimbait hook offers lateral stability, more natural swimming action and directs more throb to the tail.
Roger
Dang Roger!
If I would have read that before I replyed, I would have kept my mouth shut! 
Thats it
Mike
RoLo reply :
On 2/25/2015 at 10:10 AM, Mike L said:Dang Roger!
If I would have read that before I replyed, I would have kept my mouth shut!
Thats it
Mike
I liked your reply ;-)
Hey, I think Joedodge has a lot to look forward to
Joedodge reply :
Hell yeah I do! I've been using the easy swimmers for a month or so and like them a lot! Easy to fish and I get hits on them! But wasn't sure if my 3-0 hook was enough. How are yall fishing them?
new2BC4bass reply :
On 2/25/2015 at 9:53 AM, RoLo said:Living in Florida, we only throw the 'Gambler Big EZ' (I've never owned an EZ Swimmer)
We rig the 'Big EZ' on a Gamakatsu 1/4oz x 5/0 Superline Springlock Hook
Many fellows opt to Texas-rig the Big EZ, but there are 2 reasons why I prefer a keel-weighted swimbait hook:
1) A T-rigged swimbait is nose-heavy, which therefore 'nosedives' when paused
In contrast, a keel-weighted hook tends to maintain a more horizontal posture
2) A T-rigged swimbait (nose-weighted) allows the tail-to-wag-the-dog, an unnatural action that deducts from tail throb.
A keel-weighted swimbait hook offers lateral stability, more natural swimming action and directs more throb to the tail.
Roger
Used a Big EZ for the first time last year. Tried with a bare hook and a Texas rig. Did not like at all how the lure swam with the weight. I was using a 5/0 EWG on one rig. The Texas rig had a different style hook (that I don't recall the name of, but it had weird bends and may be why the lure ran so bad.). My brother-in-law (lives in Florida and where I first used this lure) doesn't like thick plastic lures because he has trouble setting the hook. He only uses spinning gear (with 40# PP). Don't know if any are MH rods. He uses cheap stuff. I'm talking Walmart cheap. Like most expensive combo is around $60. Catches a lot of fish, tho. I happen to think better tools would yield more fish. 
Anyway I was wondering if you had any tips for us on getting good hook penetration? I use baitcast gear 99.99% of the time. I run the hook in the open channel in the back to keep it weedless. Are we setting the hook too soon? Too late? A better way to hook the bait? Thanks.
RoLo reply :
On 2/25/2015 at 10:16 AM, Joedodge said:Hell yeah I do! I've been using the easy swimmers for a month or so and like them a lot! Easy to fish and I get hits on them! But wasn't sure if my 3-0 hook was enough. How are yall fishing them?
A soft swimbait parts company with a hard swimbait by virtue of the fact that it's "weedless".
In Florida, "weedless" is music to the angler's ear, so exploit that attribute to the hilt, by keeping it in the heaviest cover.
I'm at the K-chain where spatterdock is the king veggie, it may be different where you reside.
Spatterdock looks like water lilies, but rather than lying flat on the surface, spatterdock pads are held above the water.
Bass love spatterdock to death, and soft swimbaits navigate them swimmingly.
A soft swimbait used in this manner is a subsurface lure that runs just a few inches under the water
like a spinnerbait or Johnson spoon & grub. In the beginning I would try a Slow & Steady retrieve
then concoct your own delivery style (there is no one best retrieve). Why "slow & steady"?
Simply because it makes it easier for an old cow to home in on the lure (but exceptions are common).
Roger
Mike L reply :
I use a 7ft H/F Falcon rod with a 7:1 PQ spooled with 30# braid.
You can throw them anywhere, but to me the best way is right threw the grass with a steady retrieve ripping it hard when hung up or just ticking the tops all the way back and letting it fall into any openings or when the grass thins out.
Also, dont let thick hydrilla or milfoil scare you.
Toss that thing as far as you can and drag it along the top, letting it fall on it's own in every hole you find.
Hold on tight!
There are times when I don't put that rod down all day.
Mike
Joedodge reply :
Wow awesome! Thanks for the great advice. I haven't been using them in certain places I fish because of hydrilla and thick surface grass and such because I didn't want to hassle with it! Never mind tho I'm slinging them this weekend!
Mike L reply :
On 2/25/2015 at 10:24 AM, new2BC4bass said:Used a Big EZ for the first time last year. Tried with a bare hook and a Texas rig. Did not like at all how the lure swam with the weight. I was using a 5/0 EWG on one rig. The Texas rig had a different style hook (that I don't recall the name of, but it had weird bends and may be why the lure ran so bad.). My brother-in-law (lives in Florida and where I first used this lure) doesn't like thick plastic lures because he has trouble setting the hook. He only uses spinning gear (with 40# PP). Don't know if any are MH rods. He uses cheap stuff. I'm talking Walmart cheap. Like most expensive combo is around $60. Catches a lot of fish, tho. I happen to think better tools would yield more fish.
Anyway I was wondering if you had any tips for us on getting good hook penetration? I use baitcast gear 99.99% of the time. I run the hook in the open channel in the back to keep it weedless. Are we setting the hook too soon? Too late? A better way to hook the bait? Thanks.
I'll tell ya, a LOT of times I don't even think about setting the hook.
They smack that thing like its thier last meal.
What I do do is let em take it, and swing like you're throwing a Carolina rig keeping constant pressure.
Think about it like trying to hook up with a frog, with out the hard set.
What you may be feeling are smaller bass or bluegill going after the paddle.
If that happens a lot either change color or slow your retrieve down to just fast enough to get the paddle moving.
The rod and braided line I use aren't for thier sensitivity.
I hope this helps
Mike
RoLo reply :
On 2/25/2015 at 10:24 AM, new2BC4bass said:Used a Big EZ for the first time last year. Tried with a bare hook and a Texas rig. Did not like at all how the lure swam with the weight. I was using a 5/0 EWG on one rig. The Texas rig had a different style hook (that I don't recall the name of, but it had weird bends and may be why the lure ran so bad.). My brother-in-law (lives in Florida and where I first used this lure) doesn't like thick plastic lures because he has trouble setting the hook. He only uses spinning gear (with 40# PP). Don't know if any are MH rods. He uses cheap stuff. I'm talking Walmart cheap. Like most expensive combo is around $60. Catches a lot of fish, tho. I happen to think better tools would yield more fish.
Anyway I was wondering if you had any tips for us on getting good hook penetration? I use baitcast gear 99.99% of the time. I run the hook in the open channel in the back to keep it weedless. Are we setting the hook too soon? Too late? A better way to hook the bait? Thanks.
I might've missed it, but I didn't see braided line mentioned.
If you're NOT using braided line, I'm sure that will solve your problem.
If you ARE using braided line, then hook-sets should be a secondary issue,
while maximum weedlessness is the primary goal.
I know I deviate from the norm, but I never tex-skin or tex-pose the point, but BURY it as deep as possible
(with braid you can do that). I'm far more concerned about NOT snagging a bulrush cane, than setting the hook on a bass.
If my lure keeps hanging up in key territory, then I'll never get the chance to miss a hook-set anyway
Differently put, if I can keep my lure in heavy cover, that'll provide more opportunities to miss a hook-set 
Roger
Joedodge reply :
I am using braid. I ne'er thought about not skin hooking it. I was always worried about the hook set that way.
Mike L reply :
Joe...
Go get yourself some keel weighted, 5/0, screw lock, super line hooks.
Tie the best knot you can on your braided line and throw that thing in the jungle.
Swim it up over and through the grass, weeds, pads anything that floats or grows. When you get hit, be ready.
Momma will come at you from any angle and at any speed.
Keep constant hard pressure from hook up all the way back.
Have Fun!
Mike
HookdUP reply :
I'm using their heavy cover swim jig for them
Joedodge reply :
Thanks guys!! In headed to te tackle shop at 2 o'clock lol
0119 reply :
I have better luck with the standard size EZ. Check out how Swedish Pike anglers rig soft swimbaits with standard hooks and a hookless jighead. Helps when landlocked snook and tarpon hit your bass tackle.
Joedodge reply :
Well I snagged some 4/0 unweighted and 3/0 1/8 swim bait Hooks. These are the colors I've been trying out.
Mike L reply :
Tip...
When useing the unweighted hook, you may want to peg the smallest tungsten bullet weight you have. Or find the glass ones.
It will help the hook eye from dragging grass.
At least for me it does.
Mike
Joedodge reply :
Oh huh excellent idea! I grabbed the unweighted because the guy I know at the local shop basically fishes these and the big ez exclusively. And that is what he throws them on so I figured I'd give it a try
0119 reply :
I use the Copperfield and Smokin Shad colors. Not a lot of luck weightless as they always torque sideways except at the slowest speeds. If you find that to be a problem dont discard the hook but add a pinch weight or wrap a little solder on the hook. Hooks are way too expensive to not use!
JGBassinAL reply :
Guy just won the FLW Rayovac on Okeechobee with a pegged texas rigged swimbait and a punch skirt between the weight and the hook...
Mike L reply :
On 2/26/2015 at 10:29 PM, JGBassinAL said:Guy just won the FLW Rayovac on Okeechobee with a pegged texas rigged swimbait and a punch skirt between the weight and the hook...
Punch skirt?....Mmmmmm
Mike
Joedodge reply :
Oh ok excellent idea! Are you just spiral wrapping the solder on the hook?
new2BC4bass reply :
Thanks, Mike and Roger. Sorry I didn't get back sooner. My brother-in-law uses nothing by 40# PP. I'd almost be willing to bet all his rods are Medium power. He only uses spinning gear. I was using 12# mono. Normally I only take one reel with braid, and it has a worm on it most of the time. Will take a second reel with braid this year and give the advice in this thread a shot.
0119 reply :
On 2/26/2015 at 11:30 PM, Joedodge said:Oh ok excellent idea! Are you just spiral wrapping the solder on the hook?
Yup almost to the bend usually
Joedodge reply :
Man I gotta try that!! That's a great idea to add just a lil weight to the hook!
dead end canal reply :
RoLo or A-Jay (or anyone else), there's a canal I fish with a 10-11 foot deep channel and I'm looking for a way to run a Big EZ along the bottom of the channel and up the drop-off.
The heaviest swimbait hook I've found is 3/8 oz. Would that be heavy enough to work a Big EZ properly on the bottom, or would a 1/2 or 3/4 oz jig be more appropriate?
Shanes7614 reply :
On 6/25/2015 at 2:04 AM, dead end canal said:RoLo or A-Jay (or anyone else), there's a canal I fish with a 10-11 foot deep channel and I'm looking for a way to run a Big EZ along the bottom of the channel and up the drop-off.
The heaviest swimbait hook I've found is 3/8 oz. Would that be heavy enough to work a Big EZ properly on the bottom, or would a 1/2 or 3/4 oz jig be more appropriate?
3/8ths is plenty. Just work it slow. Cast out and let sink to the bottom and then start your retrieve.
Dwight Hottle reply :
Owner Flashy Swim 5/0 1/4 works well with the Big EZ if it is not too weedy.
dead end canal reply :
On 6/25/2015 at 4:13 AM, Shanes7614 said:3/8ths is plenty. Just work it slow. Cast out and let sink to the bottom and then start your retrieve.
Quote
Owner Flashy Swim 5/0 1/4 works well with the Big EZ if it is not too weedy.
Thanks, guys!
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