Kevin Van Dam Forums

Has anybody put an unweighted hook into a swim bait and peg a small tungstun weight? just was wondering if it would work and what type of rod do you use on soff plastic swim baits.

I have used unweighted hooks with the Reaction Innovation swimbaits and they worked well. But, I think a weighted hook is needed on the larger 5 - 6 inch paddle tail baits to help balance the bait and make it run true. Best hook I have found are the Lake Fork swim bait hooks.
For the paddle tail baits ( Berkley hollow belly, shadaliscious, basstrix) I use at least a 7’ H. You need the power to set the hook.

When ever I used a unweighted hook it was a train wreck.  Bait spinning thru the water like the old Roland Martin helicopter lure.  I always use a weighted hook now, here is one trick to try use a rubber core sinker 1/4 oz take the rubber core out open the sinker just a little bit then slide it on the hook shank and crimp it down tight now you have a weighted hook and you don’t tear the nose of the bait up trying to slide it over the weight on the pre done hooks.

I also throw the baits on the same rod as a spinner bait 6’ 10” Quantum Kevin Vandam signature series rod with 20 lb mono or flouro.