Zara Spook Setup

[Felix77]

What rod, reel line combination do you use for the Zara Spook? Does it change for the Zara Spook Jr?

I am trying to learn it and need some advice on my setup.

Thanks.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

I use a pistolgrip 6 footer with a 6.4 great reel and 12lb yozuri

[aavery2]

What rod, reel line combination do you use for the Zara Spook? Does it change for the Zara Spook Jr?

I am trying to learn it and need some advice on my setup.

Thanks.

The Zara Spook is a bait that can be cast a good distance so you need a rod with enough length and fast enough action to get a good hookset at 30 plus yards out. I like to use a rod of at least 7' length to help move line, and a mod fast action, you have to be careful with the treble hooks that you don't rip a hole on the hookset but need enough tip to work the bait properly and to pull the hooks through a gill plate or roof of the mouth. Reels are a personal choice but I prefer a reel that moves around 26 IPT faster than that and I find it hard to keep a good rhythm while working the bait and keeping slack line reeled in. Line, I prefer a copolymer line, one with just a little stretch but no too much because of the distance that you have to make a hookset once in a while.

This is what works for me, it may not for you, but it will give you some info to consider when making your choice.

[Megastink]

Powell Max 7' MEF, Lews Tournament pro 6.4:1 and 30lb Powerpro. Rod is perfect for it. This combo also doubles for swim jigs and chatter baits.

[iabass8]

68mxf ltbc

curado 51e

14#(might be 15 it's been a long times since ive had to buy mono) trilene xl

i use the same set up for zara puppies/spook jrs.

[Grantman83]

Dobyns savvy 703 with a lexa 7.1 and 30lb pp. this is my all round setup and does everything from spinnerbaits, chatter baits, buzzbaits. I have found that spooks can be worked with a heavier action rod compared to say a popper. Generally they have bigger hooks

People say dobyns rods are generally underrated for their power so this MH might be more like another companies medium action. However, I feel they are rated correctly, just they have a softer tip that most. The true power of the rod is in the backbone, so I can get away with using a heavier power rod while still having enough give to play the fish out and not dear him spitting the lure. Also, I mostly use the spook jr. It still casts like a bullet

As was mentioned, you can cast a spook a long way and braid and a longer rod will really help you out.

[Bluebasser86]

I fish mine on a 6' 6" MH/F LTB with a 6:4 Lew's with 14lb Mustad Ultra line. I can cast it a mile and have no problem sticking fish. Fish will miss a spook fairly often so I make sure to wind down and feel the fish before I swing. As long as you have good, sharp hooks they'll start to dig when you crank down on them and when you sweep after you feel the weight it will bury them. I use the same setup for full size or Super Spook Jr.

[Will Wetline]

 This bait can be frustrating to learn to work properly. There are three elements of the retrieve that must be coordinated to make the bait walk: Rod tip should be angled close to the water; there must be slack in the line; the speed at which you reel must be aligned with the slack. Experiment and practice because it's a great classic bait to have in your arsenal.

 

Here's a true fish story starring a Super Spook Jr.:

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/122073-sploosh/

[buzzfrog]

I use the sellus 6'8 MHXF worm and jig rod form most of my hard bait topwaters. with a quantum tour 7.1. I am horrid teacher at trying to explain but the above members have done the job. I think that rod excels with the  "dog" baits weather Kvd dawg, the one knocker, puppy, spook or the Sammy.

[Sam]

6'8" to 7' medium heavy rod.

6:1 or 7:1 baitcaster depending if around pads, grass, lilies or weeds.

12 pound test mono line.

 

Will go shorter if necessary but nothing less than 6'6" and always medium heavy.

 

Retrieve can be reeled back slow or fast with no stops or with a cadence to stop and go the bait.

 

The fish will tell you what they want after a few test casts and retrieves.

 

Consider adding a touch of orange on the front underside of the Spook using nail polish. Cover the orange with a clear polish to protect it. Just a thought to consider.

[buzzfrog]

6'8" to 7' medium heavy rod.

6:1 or 7:1 baitcaster depending if around pads, grass, lilies or weeds.

12 pound test mono line.

Will go shorter if necessary but nothing less than 6'6" and always medium heavy.

Retrieve can be reeled back slow or fast with no

stops or with a cadence to stop and go the bait.

The fish will tell you what they want after a few test casts and retrieves.

Consider adding a touch of orange on the front underside of the Spook using nail polish. Cover the orange with a clear polish to protect it. Just a thought to consider.

Sam you are so confident in what you always say, I always read your post in a kvd voice, lol don't know why, not saying it is a bad thing or not sucking up either

[hike4steel]

I prefer a shorter rod for my spook time but I also fish out of a small row boat and am not as high in the water as you are in a traditional bass boat. I use a 6' shirmano clarus, med power, fast action. Reel speed is not as important here IMO because you move and work the bait with your rod. the reel just picks up the slack line, till you hook up. 6 or 7 to whatever ratio. whatever your comfortable with.

[Felix77]

Thanks for the input guys.  I decided to try out the following setup based on feedback here and some tournament buddies who are big in this technique.

 

6'6" MH Fast Tip

6.4:1 Reel

17lb P-Line CoPoly

 

Took the Zara Spook out for a test drive this AM and boy did it work.  4 fish in about an hour and a half!  I had much better action and when I did get a strike the stretch in the P-Line kept me from ripping it from them.  Tonight I am going to try the smaller walk the dog's to see how this rig works out across all the sizes.  It's a little blurry but here's a pic of the biggest one I caught.  I would say it was around 2-2.5 lbs.

 

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/998733_10151784789019238_1590519048_n.jpg

 

Thanks a ton for your help.  I am well on my way ...

[J Francho]

I use an Avid AVC62MXF.  I recently switched to a high speed Zillion, though used an Alphas in the past.  For line, 10# CXX treated with KVD L&L works fine.  This setup can handle big 115 size Sammies down to Rico poppers and small jitterbugs.  The short handle, and short length work well for down strokes for walking and suspending baits.  The x-fast tip recovers quickly from twitches, and the medium power flexes enough to protect the trebles from tearing, but has plenty of strength for big fish.  I've caught mid teens northern pike with this setup, so I have no issue with black bass.