Fished friday, 2/21. I caught and released 10 BSPs with five at 6-7 inches and the other 5 at 10-13 inches (they were fatties). I caught them all on the new Big Hammer 1 3/4 inch perch grubs in moto/red and clear/red flake on a carolina rig. I used some of the Pro-Cure Sand Shrimp bait sauce--it's orange colored and seemed to work well as I was hit hard after first applying it. Water is still pretty cold, was tolerable in shorts and sandals once sun was higher.

I tried a new hooking method. Instead of threading the grub on a #6 baitholder hook, I nose-hooked it on a #4 Hayabusa Octopus hook (like an Owner or Gamakatsu SSW style). It's the way guys nose hook dropshot baits for freshwater bass, but I still fished the carolina rig. I hooked it 2 ribs back (about a 1/4 inch) from the front. I found it to have a little more action since the grub can swing back and forth on the hook. I got bit at least as good as with the old hooking method. Now the big benefit: NO LEADER TWIST! I'm not sure why, but I didn't get a single twisted, curled or kinked leader today. I think the offset bend that baitholder hooks come with may cause the grub to twist on the retrieve. Not so with nose hooking on a short shank like the octopus-style. Also, the grub can't be pulled down or slip down over the bend and barb anymore like with the baitholder.

Big Hammer Swimbaits-Hammerhead Jigheads
www.swimbait.com
Pro-Cure Scents
www.pro-cure.com

How about posting a pic of the new grubs, as they're not on the manufacturer's website yet.

Maybe Pete the owner can take a digital shot of them and post as I don't have a camera. I can try and scan some and post, lol. I believe they will be available at the Fred Hall show.

David


Big Hammer Swimbaits-Hammerhead Jigheads
www.swimbait.com
Pro-Cure Scents
www.pro-cure.com

I may have to try those big hammer's...good going on the perch!

..Nice job on the Bardies! sounds like you got some nice ones! Ive been meaning to get down there and and get in on some..The new grub hookin deal sounds cool and seems to have eliminated alot of those little, minor frustrations :) of carolina riggin..IT totally makes sense!.Probably keeps the hook a little further up the grub which in turn might decrease the chances of those ocasional gut hook fish!! Man sounds good! Id bet some tiny circle hooks would work excelent!! And alot better then threadin it on anyway?and would all come in the lip or corner..the new grubs gotta be sweet seein your guys swimbaits are KILLER! Ill have to peep em at the Hall show..what else is gonna be goin on at the Hammer booth?? You workin? .....
KEEP EM BENT!!!!!!

PHISHuntR

Hi, that's a good thought you have about no deep hooking. I noticed that all my fish were perfectly hooked just behind the upper lip or in the corner with this method. Much easier to deal with, especially on the smaller fish. As far as the show goes, there are some new colors for the swimbaits and they should be featured there. I will be at the booth thurs, fri and sun. Come by and say hi if you are there those days.

Big Hammer Swimbaits-Hammerhead Jigheads
www.swimbait.com
Pro-Cure Scents
www.pro-cure.com

Hey there fongster,

After reading your post, I did as I said on a different board/post, and bent out the off-set in some circle hooks, pinned the grubs by the nose, and fished a carolina slider rig. Super weedless and little twist. Caught some walleye perch, big ol jack smelt, etc. in the bargin on the inside, Alamitos bay.

I don't freshwater bass fish but that technique sure works great in the salt. Thanks

JapanRon

Fongster,

I wish I had read your post about grubs before I left the house this morning for some Perchin'.

I'm interested in those new Big Hammer 1.75" grubs and I'm going to give those hooks a shot as well. Hookin' the grubs on the terminal end like that sounds good. Hope to get out in the morn and give it a shot.

Hope I can find an outlet that will carry those Hammers. Here in San Diego County, Hammer merchandise is hard to come by for whatever reason.

Tight Lines!

Aztecwin

Boss Bait and Tackle has Big Hammer swimbaits. The grubs are so new, the company is trying to get them ready for the show, so cross your fingers.

Big Hammer Swimbaits-Hammerhead Jigheads
www.swimbait.com
Pro-Cure Scents
www.pro-cure.com

Fongster,

I tried your new method of nose hooking the grub and I'm glad I did! Caught some big Bards . Can't elaborate now...gotta get to work.

I'm a believer!

Later

Aztecwin

I wish you can post a picture of how you hook the grub