Different versions of the Spook? I'm confused!

[michael1]

I wanted to pick up a Super Spook or two to try out but I am confused at all the different types being sold. The Jr size difference is easy enough to understand but I see Super Spooks, Zara Super Spooks, and some that are a salt water version. Assuming I just want "the normal standard model" which model to I want to make sure I get? I thought this would be fairly obvious LOL

[JediAmoeba]

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Heddon_Zara_Spook_Walking_Bait/descpage-HZS.html

 

The saltwater version will just have hardware for saltwater use.  You don't want it for freshwater bass.

Super Spook: 5" - 7/8oz

Zara Spook: 4 1/2 - 3/4 oz.

Super Spook Jr.: 3 1/2" - 1/2 oz

Zara Puppy: 3" - 1/4 oz.

 

 

For walk the dog baits I think the Megabass Giant Dog or the Lucky Craft Sammy are better and easier to walk.  The spooks work great but require a bit more work with the rod tip IMO.

[Heartland]

9 minutes ago, JediAmoeba said:

  You don't want it for freshwater bass.

Super Spook: 5" - 7/8oz

Zara Spook: 4 1/2 - 3/4 oz.

Super Spook Jr.: 3 1/2" - 1/2 oz

Zara Puppy: 3" - 1/4 oz.

Why?

[Dogface]

Bigger and heavier hooks that take more effort to set.

[Smells like fish]

Spooks will give you a headache for sure. You can get a 2 treble hook or 3 treble hook model. Normal rattles or one knockers both in a saltwater or freshwater version. The Super Spook is available in a 3/4oz, 7/8oz or the 1oz XT model with saltwater hardware. The Super in a 5" 7/8oz size and Super jr 3.5" 1/2oz also has a feathered treble option if you please. The Spook one knocker and Rattlin Spook also comes equipped with Mustad Triple Grips, the only models that come with these premium hooks. The Zara has the 2 hooks with the old screw mounted hardware that folks like to take loose and add split rings to it. Then there is the Chug'n Spook 1oz and Chug'n Spook Jr 1/2oz. Fun huh? There is also a Rattlin Spook 4.5" 3/4oz containing tungsten bb's for added volume. Then you can go smaller with a Zara Puppy 3" 1/4oz. As well as a prop on both ends model called the Wounded Spook.  Discontinued but still on the auction is the Swayback Spook and a couple more vintage varieties even some called Heddon Spooks but not resembling the current form as we see them in store. Lol

It is also interesting to note that the full size (4.5-5") models come with either 1/0, #2 or #4 hooks depending on model. 

[Heartland]

3 minutes ago, Dogface said:

Bigger and heavier hooks that take more effort to set.

You do know you can change he hooks if you don't care for them.

 

[soflabasser]

Get the spook you feel will work best in the place you fish. Bass will hit a saltwater spook and other saltwater lures.

[primetime]

Some are one knockers, some are not...I know the chug n spook is a one knocker, then the Jr. as well, at least the ones I have. They have a bunch of versions, it is confusing, but they all work.

 

I have a bunch that I believe are older and are silent. Sometimes you can find the spooks in the dollar bin at walmart, and when they have silver hooks, it is the same lure, just saltwater trebles which I dont mind since I use heavy line....Easy to change hooks on a walking bait. 

 

They should have descriptions on the Pradco site, or heddon website.

 

[papajoe222]

If it's going to be your first, I suggest one of the two hook versions. You'll get more bites with those from the bass up here. I do throw the Super Spook a lot on a couple of Wisc. lakes for pike and catch a number of nice bass on it. The main reason I use it then is the action isn't influenced as much by the leader that's a must for pike fishing.

[a1712]

Someone ask Tom Mann once, "Why do you have so many different colors of worms?". He replied "I have a lot of fisherman to catch". Brian

[WRB]

Heddon Zaragosa Spook was the 1st walking lure that dates back over 70 years.

Zara Spook with 2 hook hangers and no rattles is the plastic version of the original wooden Spook.

I fished Spooks a lot they are fun to use. I never had good strike to hook set ratio with the 2 hook model. The spook type walking lure that works well isn't a Heddon Spook although they have a cult like following. I would suggest buying 1 LC wooden Sammy instead of 3 Heedon spooks. 

The wooden Sammy hasn't been availble for 20 years until now.

Tom

[Bankbeater]

A few year back I decided I was going to learn how to walk the dog with a spook if it killed me.  For me, the super spook and original zara spook are the easiest to work with a baitcaster, but I get more hits on a spook jr. 

[WRB]

If you like smaller size and what more strikes use a Owner Cultiva Zip n Ziggy baby bass, east to cast and easier walk.

Tom

[scaleface]

18 hours ago, WRB said:

I never had good strike to hook set ratio with the 2 hook model.

I never had a good ratio with any of them .  

[CrankFate]

Never used a spook. Never will.

[Smells like fish]

51 minutes ago, CrankFate said:

Never used a spook. Never will.

What do you prefer to use?

[michael1]

Now I am trying to decide if I got a Super Spook or the Jr size which hooks I would want to use as replacements. I have several KVD short shank triple grips around so I would probably go with those. #2's on the Super Spook and #4's on the Jr?

[Smells like fish]

For those following Along here I just ordered 10 Zara Spooks in 9 limited edition colors off Lure Net for $26 shipped... Crazy good deal if you care for the Zara style

 

@JediAmoeba you cannot resist the power of the great deal! $2.60 each shipped, that's stupid huh?

[JediAmoeba]

10 hours ago, Smells like fish said:

 

@JediAmoeba you cannot resist the power of the great deal! $2.60 each shipped, that's stupid huh?

What did I do to you to deserve such punishment?  It's bad enough the monkey is clawing at my back!  

[Mobasser]

On 5/10/2020 at 8:37 AM, a1712 said:

Someone ask Tom Mann once, "Why do you have so many different colors of worms?". He replied "I have a lot of fisherman to catch". Brian

Tom Mann was a smart guy. Over the years I've used lots of standard # 9255 Zara Spooks. Had good luck on a 3 hook Zell Roland model in baby bass color. Currently, I'm using the 2 hook One Knocker Spook. Most any color with a white or light colored belly. Bone is good

[TnRiver46]

I’ve been using the TWS walking bait from academy instead of spook last few years. “They get blowed up” -Ernest p worrell

[CrankFate]

20 hours ago, Smells like fish said:

What do you prefer to use?

Anything that looks more like real things that live in water.

[Heartland]

14 minutes ago, CrankFate said:

Anything that looks more like real things that live in water.

I think this may be a case of you minding more than the fish, thousands and thousands of fish have been inveigled on one version or another of the Spook.    There is some merit to a bait that stands the test of time. 

[CrankFate]

7 minutes ago, Heartland said:

I think this may be a case of you minding more than the fish, thousands and thousands of fish have been inveigled on one version or another of the Spook.    There is some merit to a bait that stands the test of time. 

Evolution. These are not good baits to fish in daylight in relatively shallow water. Unless you are night fishing for striped bass, you will be better off with almost anything else.

[Heartland]

1 minute ago, CrankFate said:

Evolution. These are not good baits to fish in daylight in relatively shallow water. Unless you are night fishing for striped bass, you will be better off with almost anything else.

Sorry but I could not disagree more.  You have already said you don't fish them, so what is your experience based on.