Heddon Origional Zara Spook 2.0

[Brian Brazier]

I recently picked up a few of the Origional Heddon Zara Spook Cigar Lures, these come with hook hangers that go through the hook eyelet, which really restricts hook movement, and makes changing hooks difficult. I started looking through my overflow of stuff and found some Owner Hyper #2 Split rings and some Eagle Claw Lazer #2 Treble Hooks, and decided to modify the Zara Spook, and make changing hooks easier. Since these use hook hangers and they go through the hook eyelet I had 2 options, cut the hookor or unscrew the screws that hold the hanger to the lure. Unscrewing them sounded easier so I grabbed a phillips head and got to it. The screws came out relatively easy, it is not necessary to remove both screws, just loosen the forward screw and remove the rear, this will allow you to slide the hooks off the hanger. Then I installed the hooks on the split ring, slid the split ring onto the hanger and tightend down the screws, be carful not to cross thread or overtighten the screws, it could dmage the lure. I would also suggest using a #3 or #4 Owner Hyper Split Ring, the #2 works fine, it just seems a little small compared to other similar lures, also with a larger split ring you might want to go with a regular shank treble hook, but its up to you on how long you want the hook to hang. I am very happy with the results, thehooks move freely, and storage is much easier. Also now if I do decide to go with bigger split rings and different hooks they can be simply removed with split ring pliers, and new hardware installed. I will post step by step pictures very soon.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Crazy glue each one u take out also when u screw it back

[Brian Brazier]

Thanks Maxximus, I thought about some glue or red thread lock, I will have to do that.

[buzzed bait]

Did this recently and put a dressed treble on the back of a couple

[Trailer]

This has crossed my mind but I do the lazy thing and pick up a Super Spook Jr. Maybe I'll knuckle down like you. Good info and post.

[SENKOSAM]

Wondering if a tail dressing might restrict action. I can see it for an XRap but not a Spook.

I think I might have done the split ring-to-hook idea. Will check and will make the mod. - makes sense.

 

Funny though how I've gotten away from the cigar shaped topwater and been more of a banana shape guy. The banana shape walks so much easier with less effort.

[smalljaw67]

I did that and there are 2 things I'll share with you, the first is you need to use super glue or epoxy and put it on the threads of the hook hanger screws when you put them back in. The second thing is be careful of the split ring size, too small will not give you any benefit as the movement will still be restricted so when you put the spilt ring on hold the hook and move it around and make sure there aren't any spots for the ring to get jammed or stuck. You also need to worry about too large of a split ring, that shows up in a cast or two as you will begin to foul your line, I tend to leave my old model spooks alone, I know the hook hangers aren't great but they hold good and the only ones I ever had that let loose were ones I did exactly what you did and that is why I recommend epoxy of super glue on the threads, preferably epoxy.

[Brian Brazier]

Smalljaw67 I will be bumping the split ring size up one size, the Owner #2 is just a tad small, I think #3 will be perfect. Also I did put some Zap a Gap CA (super) Glue on the threads. I dont know if Zap a Gap Glue is used by many fishermen, but it is excellent glue, as the name entails you can use it to fill gaps, glue lmost anything together, and it dries clear. I have used Zap a Gap for many years for repairing carbon fiber, glueing tires to rims, and many other things in the RC Car Racing world, its great stuff.

[Brian Brazier]

SenkoSam, I agree, cigar shaped took me a little while to figureout, my LC Sammy 115's were much easier to walk. I think everyone who wants to learn how to walk the dog should pickup at least one Sammy, they get on a plane quicker than any other lure I have tried to walk. I have a few cheap banana shaped walkers from Cabelas and BPS that I could never really get good action out of, but since I have been using Sammys, I amgetting better action out of them. They were maybe $3 each I didnt have high expectations, but overall I am happy.

[Jigfishn10]

Wondering if a tail dressing might restrict action. I can see it for an XRap but not a Spook.

I think I might have done the split ring-to-hook idea. Will check and will make the mod. - makes sense.

 

Funny though how I've gotten away from the cigar shaped topwater and been more of a banana shape guy. The banana shape walks so much easier with less effort.

Last year Heddon was selling Super Spooks with dressed rear hooks and I haven't looked to see if they are still doing it. I did this one about 3 years ago and it works great. Granted this only has 6 feathers on it, but it works great none the less:

[Brian Brazier]

Looks good, I havent seen any Heddon Dressed Spooks, but I havent checked much online. I just picked up some supplies to dress my own, found most everything at a local craft store, much cheaper than a fishing shop or fly supply. They are also a great place to find beads cheaper than the fishing store packs.

[SENKOSAM]

It seems even the light tail feathers would change the action dramatically causing a tail drag.

[Jigfishn10]

Actually, it has a real nice "snakeyness" to it...but I know I'll lose this debate, right Sam? LOL

[Brian Brazier]

Here is one of my finished products, the Perch has been a great color for me

[SENKOSAM]

Actually, it has a real nice "snakeyness" to it...but I know I'll lose this debate, right Sam? LOL

Actually I think that design conscious anglers appreciate hidden attributes that enhance a lure's effectiveness. When a particular design or modification works, whose to say it didn't?

 

I've been fascinated by lure designs that have worked ever since I first caught bass on a Mr.Twister 6" purple, with fire tail, Phenom worm and a 3" bright yellow grub. Did I think the bass thought the lures represented anything? Just the unnatural colors demolished that thought for good! But the unnaturalness of color and action got me to thinking that the little things do count!

 

I've been using tail hook feathers on Heddon Poppers for years and even put some on their Spooks. Does it help catch bass? I'll never know because my personal tradition dictates I always use them, at least on poppers, and that goes for many original baits right-out-of-the-package.

 

In your case, I'm sure it's angler skill and confidence more than tail feathers that help you catch bass on it. LOL

[Jigfishn10]

Actually I think that design conscious anglers appreciate hidden attributes that enhance a lure's effectiveness. When a particular design or modification works, whose to say it didn't?

 

I've been fascinated by lure designs that have worked ever since I first caught bass on a Mr.Twister 6" purple, with fire tail, Phenom worm and a 3" bright yellow grub. Did I think the bass thought the lures represented anything? Just the unnatural colors demolished that thought for good! But the unnaturalness of color and action got me to thinking that the little things do count!

 

I've been using tail hook feathers on Heddon Poppers for years and even put some on their Spooks. Does it help catch bass? I'll never know because my personal tradition dictates I always use them, at least on poppers, and that goes for many original baits right-out-of-the-package.

 

In your case, I'm sure it's angler skill and confidence more than tail feathers that help you catch bass on it. LOL

Part of the lure fishing experience for me is the modification part of it. I do appreciate the majority of lure designs out on the market and do fish them right out of the box, but there are some that you see that make you shake your head and think: "boy, if you do this, this and this, I can have more confidence with this lure." And you must agree, that having conviction to the lure you're fishing is a big nut to crack, otherwise you're wasting time out on the water. Below is one of those types of lures where I had the whole: "boy, if..." I got these at DSG for like $2/ea. The top one has been modified and the bottom is the original. For me, I would fish the top one hands down. I couldn't fish the bottom with any conviction. 

 

Thanks for posting Sam, I really enjoy reading your posts when it come to lure mods.

 

EDIT:

BTW, In keeping with the OP's original topic, that Zoom Mini Tube on the rear treble works great as a teaser tail as well as the feathers...believe it or not!

[SENKOSAM]

Thanks for the kudos.

I used to paint patterns on crankbaits, caught a few bass on them and still wonder if the paint jobs made any difference. I don't paint them anymore because presentation and lure design/ action seem to take priority over fancy paint jobs any day! Now I just stay with a few colors I like and do okay.

 

BTW - those lures are walleye baits are they not?