Tip for using screwlock/springlock hooks in Zman ElaZtech baits.

[PhishLI]

Zman has a solution for this already with their ChinlockZ and  SnakelockZ hooks, but they're limited in choices. If like me you have a preferred hook, here's a tip that works. Without it, screw-locks like the Owner CPS keepers or others with a centering pin feel almost impossible to install into ElaZtech material. By doing this, it'll make the installation doable and less annoying. This hack doesn't work with spring keepers without a discreet centering pin, so I automatically switch any hook brand with a spring keeper to Owner CPS.

 

Bend out a thicker paper clip as shown and heat it up nicely.

 

Insert it into the bait a little deeper than the length of the keeper. A 1/4" deeper works best.

 

Pinch the head of the bait while screwing in the keeper. It'll fight you a little, but by pinching it, it'll stay in place until the next half-turn rotation.

 

Once installed they rarely get torn out, and in the rare case that they do, they'll screw right back in as Elaztech doesn't core-out like plastisol. I haven't needed to toss a bait because the keeper got blown out during a fight. Just screw it back in and go to work.

 

ProCrawZ and Hella CrawZ shown in the bottom pic. Large CPS used in the Pro, and Medium CPS used in the Hella.

 

These riggings, especially the ProCrawZ, get through the heaviest and slimiest junk cleanly, cast like a bullet, and have taken the place of a jig for me in a number of situations where jigs simply don't feel worth the effort. Filamentous algae is a problem around here, but not for these riggings.

 

[looking45]

You don’t need the paper clip, just heat up the screw lock. It just has to be warm enough so you can handle it

[PhishLI]

7 hours ago, looking45 said:

You don’t need the paper clip, just heat up the screw lock.

First thing I tried. Didn't work nearly as well.

7 hours ago, looking45 said:

It just has to be warm enough so you can handle it

That's the problem. The keeper cools off too quickly unless it's extra hot. I prefer this no burnt fingers method.

[looking45]

Like a lot of things, different people have different results. Keep

doimgnwhat works for you. Tight Lines

[Hook2Jaw]

I just stab the bait with a hook and twist the screw lock in.  It's tough to do, but it's doable.  It's kept me from keeping a lighter on the boat and I definitely don't have any use for a paper clip.  I'm sure your method works well.

 

What has not worked for me is heating the screwlock.  It either cools too fast or burns the Elaztech.

[Bird]

@PhishLI

Will definitely give this a try.

Really like Elaztech and throw a lot of Shakyhead and tried heating the spring keeper with limited results.

Much appreciated 👍

[txchaser]

Owner slim was apparently made for elaztech.

 

[Jig Man]

When I used a lot of screw locks, I heated a small drill bit to burn the hole.  I did several in advance in the garage so they’d be ready any time.

[ChrisD46]

On 2/10/2024 at 9:11 PM, txchaser said:

Owner slim was apparently made for elaztech.

 

*Good to see this new addition centering pin from Owner ! ... Should be great as a replacement for Gammy , VMC ,  etc. wide gap hooks with their non - elaztec friendly rigging springs . However , for insurance I would still place a drop of Lock Tite Gel Super Glue at the tip before snugging it on.

[JN94]

I take off screw locks and tie a fluorocarbon keeper below the eye with really thin braid. It's the best method I've found if you have a vise and know how to tie a jig

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Mustad makes removable pins that that work great with elaztech.  The hooks aren't bad, but I just take the pins off and put them on gamis.