In a recent announcement, Zoom Bait Company introduced two new innovative products to its lineup: the Thick Trick worm and the Midsize Z Craw. Both creations are a result of collaboration with the Zoom Pro Staff, aimed at addressing the needs of anglers navigating challenging fishing conditions.
The Thick Trick is engineered as an evolution of the renowned Trick Worm, featuring a more robust profile. This design bridges the gap between standard trick worms and bulkier stick baits, presenting a "meatier" option that boasts a high salt content.
"meatier"
Brandon Cobb, a professional angler affiliated with Zoom, elaborated on the advantages of the Thick Trick, stating, "The tail would vibrate. And I caught a lot of fish this year... on this worm by pulling it, which is unique." This vibrating action is designed to draw strikes that a conventional worm might miss.
Additionally, Cobb praised its application when Neko rigged: "When I pull this worm with my wacky hook, it would actually vibrate," he noted. This unique action enhances its effectiveness for anglers using this popular rigging technique.
"When I pull this worm with my wacky hook, it would actually vibrate,"
Cobb also highlighted the Thick Trick's success on a shaky head rig, sharing, "I'm really liking this Thick Trick. It's just a little meatier, kind of more of that Ned rig look, that stubby stump worm. And I think sometimes it's better." He emphasized its efficacy around shallow structures, where it's garnered attention from spotted bass.
To maximize performance when rigging the Thick Trick, Cobb provided a notable tip: when utilizing a Neko rig with a nail weight, he advises inserting the tungsten from the back side, preserving the integrity of the head and preventing the weight from dislodging during casts.
Available in natural colors, Cobb revealed that his go-to shades include Green Pumpkin and other natural tones.
Zoom's Midsize Z Craw arrives as a solution for anglers seeking a versatile bait that fills the gap between the Z Craw Junior and the standard Z Craw. Measuring 4.0 inches, the Midsize Z Craw is a perfect fit for various flipping and jig trailer applications.
"Depending on the lake and the conditions, sometimes the Z Craw Junior is a little small, and the Z Craw is a bit too big," Cobb explained, underscoring the demand for a mid-size option. He noted that the Midsize Z Craw's size allows for optimal pairing with a 3/0 flipping hook, enhancing its performance over its smaller counterpart.
"Depending on the lake and the conditions, sometimes the Z Craw Junior is a little small, and the Z Craw is a bit too big,"
For pitching, Cobb recommends a 5/16 oz weight, which hits a sweet spot between the 3/8 oz weight for the standard Z Craw and the 1/4 oz for the Z Craw Junior, thereby providing enhanced flipping performance.
Moreover, adjustments to the Midsize Z Craw's design, such as the removal of one hook slot, allow anglers to Texas rig it more effectively. Cobb elaborated, saying, "This provides a little more meat to put that hook in and helps the hook stay concealed, preventing it from poking out and getting snagged on grass or wood."
With regard to its use as a jig trailer, Cobb claimed that the Midsize Z Craw exhibits the "perfect ratio of hook to soft plastic on a swim jig," which promotes better hook-ups compared to the larger model.
The Midsize Z Craw will initially be offered in ten established Zoom colors, with Cobb recommending hues like White Pearl, Tilapia, and Green Pumpkin, alongside Black Blue.
As anglers gear up for the upcoming fishing seasons, these two new additions from Zoom Bait Company promise to enhance fishing experiences, providing innovative solutions to tackle technical fishing scenarios effectively. The advancements in bait technology, combined with insights from seasoned anglers, make the Thick Trick worm and Midsize Z Craw significant tools for both competitive and recreational fishing enthusiasts.
