JediAmoeba

You southern boys acting like 50's is cold. 55 - I would be fishing in shorts and flip flops.

Almost always weightless - any weight kind of kills the action.

@Hook2Jaw Grandmas couch color still available.

Sounds like a floater. That's important if you are trying to get the same one - also important with rip baits that small to have the same size/type line on and the way you have it rigged up to keep the action the same. But sometimes you may want to change up the action... Looks like the color you are looking for is Baby Brook Trout. https://www.ebay.com/itm/233560694821

I use owner twistlocks - 4/0 size I believe. There are a lot of options though - you can use a wacky style hook and nose hook it, a regular offset hook and thread it on...just depends what action and how you are going to fish it. I like to do the donkey rig with two flukes a lot of the time in the summer. Edit - I would like to add, I rig mine weedless and "upside down", if you will

Looks like a Yo Zuri Pins minnow to me. Does it float, suspend or sink?

I started on braid with a baitcaster 25 years ago and have never looked back. I have no problem using straight mono or fluoro but still prefer the feel and control of braid. I employ leaders for the most part, anywhere from 6' to 30' depending on what I am doing. I have always felt braid was especially made for baitcasters as it is way easier to handle and you dont have to worry about random knots/loops forming like on spinning rigs...

With a neko I find myself using a floating Wormz from zman and an open hook. With a shaky head I am using some sort of trick worm and hooking it weedless. So basically what team9nine said is spot on.

And just because the pro is using said bait, doesn't mean it is the production model available to us... Companies make special runs for pros...and oft times you cant trust the information at face value.

I have a couple of these and the problem I am having is the front treble hooks on the line far more often than any other jerkbait. TBH I don't notice a huge uptick in casting ability with this version over the original but the action is great. Has anyone else had the front treble hangup more often than others? I have had this occur with the stock hook and replacements. I am using a 10# fluoro leader more often than not.

You need to get the winn grips for the full sexy blue effect. Lol