Zoom Brush Hogs 2024
Midnight Splash reply :
I tried these out this past week and caught 25-30 bass. I originally bought 2 packs of the baby's and 2 packs of the regulars. I had good success getting bit on the regulars from the start(went back and got about 10 more packs). I haven't gave the baby's much of a chance(maybe 20 minutes). The bite has been great on the regular size but I am losing a lot of fish. I'd say half of what gets hooked gets off, not to mention the biggest one also. I started off using Gamo EWG 3/0's texas rigged and then switched to 5/0's. The 5/0's seem to do a little better but d**n. Is this a common issue with the regular size brush hogs? Do I just need to try to jerk the lips off when setting the hook or what?
A-Rob reply :
I always used EWG hooks, but switched to 4/0 and 5/0 straight shank hooks. AWESOME switch. I increased my hooking percentage for sure.
At first I wasn't happy with how high maintenance the straight shank was b/c my bait kept slipping down the shank, so....
I would get heat shrink wrap and make my own little bait keeper on the shaft.
They have worked great for me, stick the bass nicely for me. Give them a try in your brush hogs.
Bluebasser86 reply :
What rod/reel/line are you using? You're on the right track going to the 5/0 hook. I like EWG gammies superline hooks. I fish them on on a 7' 3" M/H st.croix LTB rod with 20lb floro and a Revo SX 7.1:1 reel. You have to have a big enough gap, a stout enough rod, and good line to get a good hookset on the fish. Having the fast reel helps me to keep up with them when they swim at the boat. Brush Hogs are a big chunck of plastic though so you have to set fast otherwise they have the chance to ball the bait up in their mouth so when you set there's a good chance you'll set back into the plastic somewhere else on the bait.
WanderLust reply :
hmmm... What are you using for a setup? Braid really helps deliver a great hookset. I use a MH fast rod as well. People love them T-rigged with a bullet weight. Most people use a 3/0 or 4/0 but as long as the hook point is in the center of bait you're golden. I tend to swing for the fences when bottom contact fishing but you could use a sweeping hookset.
Baby Brush hog on a jig is a real favorite of mine.
A flipping hook with a keeper is a good idea as well.
Midnight Splash reply :
New Shimano Citica(6:3:1)
Falcon Original 6' 6" MH FC-5-166 Herm
Trilene XL Smooth Casting 12lb
I hear you on having to reel fast. I had a low gear ratio spinning rod out there as well. I learned that lesson fast and put it down.
WanderLust reply :
QuoteNew Shimano Citica(6:3:1)Falcon Original 6' 6" MH FC-5-166 Herm
Trilene XL Smooth Casting 12lb
I hear you on having to reel fast. I had a low gear ratio spinning rod out there as well. I learned that lesson fast and put it down.
Reel should be fine. Braid or Flouro would help your hookup percentage.
The rod is an all-around deal but obviously a faster tip or more sensitive setup would help a ton.
If that's not an option than I would try braid / Fluoro / Copoly and maybe a straight shank hook.
Fat-G reply :
QuoteQuoteNew Shimano Citica(6:3:1)Falcon Original 6' 6" MH FC-5-166 Herm
Trilene XL Smooth Casting 12lb
I hear you on having to reel fast. I had a low gear ratio spinning rod out there as well. I learned that lesson fast and put it down.
Reel should be fine. Braid or Flouro would help your hookup percentage.
The rod is an all-around deal but obviously a faster tip or more sensitive setup would help a ton.
If that's not an option than I would try braid / Fluoro / Copoly and maybe a straight shank hook.
x10. Your problem is you're using a short rod, very stretchy line, and a big, thick hook for a lure with A LOT of plastic to penetrate on the hookset. I would recommend a longer rod (7'+) and braided line. With braid you can literally just come set on a fish and be fine, all though I wouldn't recommend it. When I say come set, i'm talking about loading up the rod without reeling down and snapping back. Braid will also make your setup much more sensitjve. There's no doubt you will notice it.
Georgia Jeff reply :
switch to braided line and don't change anything else
Midnight Splash reply :
I just got this rod about 2 weeks ago from academy. I could probably exchange it still. There is not an upgrade at this academy available in the Falcon line above the original. Would a 7' MH or M be better? Also I have never used braid or floro. Which brand and model would work best with this setup? Do they cast as far or farther then mono? Thanks for your help guys.
rubba bubba reply :
Straight shank with heat shrink shaped for your keeper just like Adam said.
Braid will help your hook percentage, though, but the ultimate issue is the EWG.
Midnight Splash reply :
Sufix Performance Braid
This one looks real popular on Bass Pro. I see it jumps from 10 to 20lb. Would this be a good choice of braid for this setup. Also 10 or 20lb? 8-9lb bass max this small lake out.
WanderLust reply :
QuoteSufix Performance BraidThis one looks real popular on Bass Pro. I see it jumps from 10 to 20lb. Would this be a good choice of braid for this setup. Also 10 or 20lb? 8-9lb bass max this small lake out.
I didn't like Suffix Performance on my BCs. It was too stiff for my liking. Berkley Fireline Braid was fairly limp and worked well. Daiwa Samurai is incredible and pretty much all I use now.
I would say 30# and up is your best bet.
Most people use 30# on BC's and that seems to work fine.
Midnight Splash reply :
I'm fishing in a private 25 acre pond/lake daily. These fish tend to stay within 15 feet of the bank(2-6ft of water). Last year I used Senkos for numbers this time of year and I killed em. I just hate spending more on Senkos per day then I do on Bud Light and smokes ;D. They just tear too d**n easy. I have the wacky tool and O rings but looking for a more cost effective yet plastic. I caught somewhere around 1,000 bass last year. This plastic seems to get me close to the same bite as a senko at close to half the price. I was just shocked at how many were getting off this past week.
Sam reply :
Brush Hogs Rule!!!
Fished Texas style with a bullet weight or on a jig head, they are excellent.
I like the Baby Brush Hogs best.
At this time I am using the weedless straight shank hooks because I flip and pitch them into all types of cover and structure. The weedless hooks work great.
What size weedless hook? I use from a 2/0 to a 3/0, with the 2/0 being my favorite.
As for hooksets - cross their eyes but don't fall out of the boat.
Line, 8 pound flouro on a spinning rig and 12 pound flouro on a baitcaster.
You have found one of the "best" baits out there so keep it a secret!!! 
Avalonjohn44 reply :
QuoteI always used EWG hooks, but switched to 4/0 and 5/0 straight shank hooks. AWESOME switch. I increased my hooking percentage for sure.At first I wasn't happy with how high maintenance the straight shank was b/c my bait kept slipping down the shank, so....
I would get heat shrink wrap and make my own little bait keeper on the shaft.
They have worked great for me, stick the bass nicely for me. Give them a try in your brush hogs.
I whole heartedly agree with going straight shank as well. I made the switch to straight on all of my beaver and brush hog style baits and it made a world of difference in keeping more fish.
Instead of going through all of the shrink wrap, I bought some Parasite weight and parasite clips, these keep the bait from sliding very well.
Midnight Splash reply :
I'm going to pick up some 50lb Power Pro braid on my lunch hour. As far as an easy straight shank set up, do you think this would do the trick?
http://www.basspro.com/Gamakatsu-Heavy-Cover-Worm-Hooks-with-Wire-Keeper/product/10210189/-1741303
WanderLust reply :
That hook would work fine. Let us know how it turns out!
Raul reply :
To my eyes the problem is not the rod; I fish with 6 ft rods and hardly ever miss a fish, 3/0 hook is good for baby brush hogs but a little small for regular brush hogs 5/0 will do better, reel is good but the line ...... I love XL but won 't use it for fishing hogs, it 's too elastic. Change your line for something stiffer, Big Game and XT will do a better job if what you want is nylon, CXX or braide line will do a much better job.
A-Rob reply :
I think you'll notice a big difference with everyone's advice. You are really going to stick those bass!
Good luck bro!
IntroC reply :
Brush hogs are one awsome bait.
The first thing that jumped out at me when seeing your equipment was the 12XL mono. If the water your fishing is on the stained side I would definately go to braid.
Midnight Splash reply :
The water right now has a green tone with about a 1 1/2- 2 ft down visibility. I have noticed the water is usually clearer during the colder parts of the year and then gets murky by summer. Maybe because all the rain we get here in Houston during the warmer months? I picked up the 50lb Power Pro braid in Moss Green color. It said the 50lb was the same size diameter of 12lb mono. I had used 10, 12, & 14lb mono on the Citica and preferred the 12lb, so I went with the equivalent size 50lb braid. Gander didn't have the hooks I linked above so I will order them from BPS. I will try the braid and report back. Thanks for all of your help
Raul reply :
Order to BPS in Houston ? :-? they don 't have them at Katy Mills ? :-?
Midnight Splash reply :
I'm not driving all the way out to Katy after any work day just for hooks. That's my fishing time. I just ordered them online and pay $5 bucks for shipping. It would cost me three times that in gas.
ABLE2DISABLE1 reply :
I use 2,and 3/0's for the majority of my plastic's.5-7/0's on my plastic swimbaits,and that's it.I don't lose Meany fish,secret is to take a pair of pliers,and bend the tip up enough to pick your skin up from the palm of your hand.Hope this Helps.
Midnight Splash reply :
I had time to go out for about half an hour. d**n! I'm loving this braid so far. 5 bites/3 boated/1 spit at the boat(still Gamo 5/0 EWG). I immediately noticed a big difference in the sensitivity from the mono to the braid. I could also notice a much tighter hook set. I caught the second and third fish on back to back cast. My hands were still wet after the second fish and when I set the hook hard on the 3rd the d**n reel nearly slipped out of my hand. That was only a 3lb fish and it felt like I hung a tree on the hook set. When I get the right hook on there I believe I might have found my Senko replacement. ;D
Midnight Splash reply :
QuoteI use 2,and 3/0's for the majority of my plastic's.5-7/0's on my plastic swimbaits,and that's it.I don't lose Meany fish,secret is to take a pair of pliers,and bend the tip up enough to pick your skin up from the palm of your hand.Hope this Helps.
Locked N' Loaded. I will give it a go tomorrow. Does that look about right? Thanks!
Midnight Splash reply :
Rubba: For 25 for $6 I'll give em a try. I have never heard of them. Is the action/effectiveness close to the Senko? If so, hell I'll ship you a case of Bud Light!
Fat-G reply :
I wouldn't worry about bending the hook, especially now that you have the braid.
PowerPro is some gooooooood stuff.
fishingkidPA reply :
QuoteRubba: For 25 for $6 I'll give em a try. I have never heard of them. Is the action/effectiveness close to the Senko? If so, hell I'll ship you a case of Bud Light!
try yum dingers, if im not mistaken there as cheap or cheaper and i honestly think they perform as well as senkos.
WanderLust reply :
I just bought (10) bags of Yum Dinger 5" / 4" in Watermelon...
Good sub for senkos and way cheaper. If only I could find an effective replacement for the fat IKA.
rubba bubba reply :
QuoteRubba: For 25 for $6 I'll give em a try. I have never heard of them. Is the action/effectiveness close to the Senko? If so, hell I'll ship you a case of Bud Light!
They're the same as the Yum Dinger, made by the same mfctr. They fish fine; I've used Yamamoto's but switched to these because I can't tell a difference but my wallet can. Make sure you buy as many bags of the Dents N Dings as the site allows because those are a true killer deal.
central.PA.bass reply :
I love bruch hogs.. especialy if you dye the tips of them chartruese! I usually just use a 3/0 offset shank hook and works well..
central.PA.bass reply :
QuoteI just bought (10) bags of Yum Dinger 5" / 4" in Watermelon...Good sub for senkos and way cheaper. If only I could find an effective replacement for the fat IKA.
hmm.. ive never had luck on yum dingers.. they dont have the movement of a senko in my opinion.
WanderLust reply :
QuoteQuoteI just bought (10) bags of Yum Dinger 5" / 4" in Watermelon...Good sub for senkos and way cheaper. If only I could find an effective replacement for the fat IKA.
hmm.. ive never had luck on yum dingers.. they dont have the movement of a senko in my opinion.
I use Senkos (t-rigged or wacky) as well but when filling out my plastics library I wanted to ensure I had an adequate supply.
I absolutely crushed smallies on the 4" dinger weightless last year, especially when they are hitting on the fall.
Rusty Shackleford reply :
What colors work best for you guys on brush hogs? I think I'm going to pick up a bag or two...
Avalonjohn44 reply :
My primary colors are Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Gold, and Blackberry. Blackberry is my favorite, It is a very dark purple, almost black, with lighter purple fleck. Very good color around here (VA/WV).
Also use the superhog a lot. It is a slightly bulkier version of the BBH, and has a more beaverlike appendage at the end. Another very good bait.
Five-Alive reply :
I have caught a lot of fish on the Yum Dingers but have noticed they are not always consistent in how they sink. Some of them don't sink nearly as fast as others.
IntroC reply :
QuoteWhat colors work best for you guys on brush hogs? I think I'm going to pick up a bag or two...
Watermelon Seed has been a great color for me in slightly stained water. I'd base it on the water color in your area. I'd pick up about ten bags to start out with cause I'm sure you'll be going back to get more.
eyedabassman reply :
Try the Candy Bug color. I smoked them on this color last year.
Midnight Splash reply :
Watermelon Seed is the killer for me right now. Slightly stained green water. I Have about 8 different colors right now and have tried a few so far. The watermelon seed is hard to take off the hook right now. 3 for 3 on a short period of time tonight on bass w/braid. I hooked into what at first I thought was that hog full of eggs . Got the heart pumpin and told my buddy to get the net only to see that ugly head come up. 7-8lb Cat :'(
A-Rob reply :
Red Shad or Candy Bug in dark water
Watermelon or Pumpkin red/magic/blue flash/whatever in clear water
A-Rob reply :
I actually stumbled across the Wave Worm style senkos. A lot cheaper and a decent action to them.
B A S S E R reply :
green pumpkin and watermelon red for baby brush hogs here in northern IL
STL BassMan reply :
I've always had the best luck with watermelon seed and green pumpkin.
Midnight Splash reply :
I bought the trigger 6'6" MHF St. Croix Avid out of the flea market and hopefully will have it next week. Will I notice a big difference from the 6'6 MHF Falcon Original? The braid itself was an excellent upgrade for me from the Trilene XL for the brush hogs. I thank you all for your help. I'm truly glad I found this forum.
WanderLust reply :
QuoteI bought the trigger 6'6" MHF St. Croix Avid out of the flea market and hopefully will have it next week. Will I notice a big difference from the 6'6 MHF Falcon Original? The braid itself was an excellent upgrade for me from the Trilene XL for the brush hogs. I thank you all for your help. I'm truly glad I found this forum.
You should notice a serious difference. Avid + braid + the right bait = WIN
Enjoy!
Midnight Splash reply :
Guess I'll be "WINNING"! ;D
oteymc reply :
This is probably not a big revelation, but I like using the hooks with an offset shank, but a round bend hook. Kind of the best of both worlds.
Vinny Chase reply :
QuoteWhat colors work best for you guys on brush hogs? I think I'm going to pick up a bag or two...
Besides the usual colors...okachobee craw and watermelon candy are my favorites
WanderLust reply :
QuoteQuoteWhat colors work best for you guys on brush hogs? I think I'm going to pick up a bag or two...Besides the usual colors...okachobee craw and watermelon candy are my favorites
Watermelon or Pumpkin magic both work well too. Great bait.
Quillback reply :
I fish black/blue flake at night during the summer. I love fishing at night when you can't see your rod tip, dragging that brush hog, then you feel that thump...
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