The fishing world is buzzing with excitement as the Snag Proof Zoo Kick, a new soft plastic frog lure, is set to debut in early 2025. This creation is not just another lure; it is the revival of the beloved Wobbletron Frog, a sought-after item from the mid-2010s, and aims to surpass its success.
Crafted by the American Baitworks Company, the Zoo Kick is the result of a collaboration among notable names in the fishing industry. Bobby Barrack, known for his success with the original Wobbletron, played a key role in its development, while acclaimed decoy artist Andrew Gardner provided the artistic touch that brings the lure to life. Additionally, Tuscaloosa, Alabama's Elite Series Pro Justin Hamner contributed his extensive bass fishing experience to the design process, making the Zoo Kick a truly collaborative effort.
Hamner has been testing prototypes of the Zoo Kick for over a year, eagerly anticipating its market introduction. "Man, I love that bait," stated Hamner, 33. "It’s a no-brainer if you have one frog to pick; you don’t have to choose between a hollow body or a traditional toad frog."
The versatility of the Zoo Kick is one of its standout features. Hamner explained, "You can fish it like a toad frog in duckweed or as a walk-the-dog frog in open water." His confidence in the lure is evident as he plans to utilize it extensively during the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2025, particularly at the Sabine River and the Mississippi River. "There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that I’ll be using it a lot in those tournaments. It’s so versatile," he affirmed.
On October 26, during an American Baitworks Open tournament at Lake Guntersville, Hamner showcased the lure's potential. Fishing alongside his father, Carl Hamner, they found remarkable success with the Zoo Kick, catching four out of five bass using it. The duo had previously relied on the old Wobbletron Frogs, which were gifted to Hamner by Barrack, highlighting their long-standing appreciation for the brand.
Impact and Legacy
As fans of the original Wobbletron celebrated its legacy, the decision to develop a successor led to the birth of the Zoo Kick. "Hamner, Gardner, and others began working on the design at least a year ago," Hamner noted. The task of perfecting the design included adjusting various features of the original frog, underscoring the collaborative spirit behind its creation.
"Hamner, Gardner, and others began working on the design at least a year ago,"
Among the improvements made to the Zoo Kick are enhancements aimed at addressing specific complaints about the Wobbletron. Hamner indicated that they worked on preventing the weight from falling off, especially concerning the water evacuation system, which had been a notable issue with earlier models.
Furthermore, the construction of the hook was beefed up, addressing durability and efficiency concerns. One of the key challenges involved perfecting the placement of the frog’s legs, which end in a paddle shape. Hamner explained, "The legs were the hardest part to get right. If they were too stiff, they’d be too hard to manipulate, but if they were too soft, they would just float around. We really focused on getting that balance right."
Career Journey
The Snag Proof Zoo Kick is not just another addition to the fishing tackle box; it represents a thoughtful evolution in design, merging artistic precision with practical engineering. As it gears up for its early 2025 release, anglers old and new will be keen to see how the Zoo Kick performs in various fishing conditions and environments. Whether it will match or exceed the original Wobbletron remains to be seen, but the enthusiasm from those involved in its creation suggests a bright future for this innovative lure.
