The Ika?????

[reconchild]

Ok guys fire away and help this board newbie out.  Is it really that much better to rig the Ika backwards??  Also Ive been T-rigging my whole life but for some reason with the GY Kreature and Ike for the life of me I can not get them to run true in the water during the retrieve.  Im using 4/0 and 5/0 Gam EWG hooks?  Any Help

Thanks

[Tokyo Tony]

Rigging it backwards allows you to throw the bait into or along cover and have it sink away from you. It also will have a different action that way, some say it's a better action. Size 4/0 EWG hooks are the best size, 5/0 is a little big.

Note: all of this info is courtesy of roadwarrior's previous posts on the Fat Ika 8-)

Edit: with the Kreature, I like 3/0 Gammy's the most, but 4/0 is good also.  What do you mean you can't get it to run straight?  Just make sure it's rigged right down the middle.  The Kreature is a really versatile bait - last summer I started using it just like a frog.  It has a really subtle topwater action when dragged across the surface that drives them crazy  

[roadwarrior]

Maybe these threads will help:

Fat Ika:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141053342

Kreature:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1180909581

[Jake.]

RW,

Does the Ika penatrate fairly thin vegitation well (pond muck)?

[sodaksker]

I know you were asking RW but, I  will offer my opinion.  The Ika does ok going through light vegetation but,  when I need it to fall faster in current or get through the weeds.  I will add a nail weight to the end of it.  I always rig mine "skirt up" with the nail weight in the bottom.  Then it remains vary weedless and snag free in the rocks.  good luck.

[roadwarrior]

I think there are better options. The Fat Ika's main attribute is the action on the fall and then again when it is lifted. As a "moving lure" I think the Kreature is a better choice. To "punch through" heavy cover, a 1/2-1 oz jig would be more appropriate. For me, the Fat Ika is not the right bait.

[reconchild]

Ty Gentelmen I will try the backwards approach.  As for the running true on the retrive I think I found the problem.  The 6 packs of lures that I bought seem to be a bad batch.  They seem to have gotten a little twisted during the pouring process.  I was able to return 2 packs of each to the store for 2 new packs.  The clerk informed me that they had recieved a shipment of a bad batch of soft plastics from GY.  Thanks for the info.

[roadwarrior]

Okay,

What does that mean?

The Fat Ika doesn't "run true" on retrieve?

This bait doesn't "run" at all.

[Davis]

Okay,

What does that mean?

The Fat Ika doesn't "run true" on retrieve?

This bait doesn't "run" at all.

Curious to hear what he means as well.

My best luck has been pitching or flippin it out and letting it fall on semi-slack line. Letting the bait do the job for me. Than once it hits the bottom (if it hits the bottom without getting struck first),  I hop it off the floor a bit and let it fall again. Killed them this year with that technique.

But you don't need me to tell you that RW. You know how productive they can be.

If you guys are swimming them than your not getting the most out of the bait. Get those tenticles moving back and forth! Make sure your using a 4/0 EWG style hook. I really loved the Fat Ika on a 4/0 Owner Wide Gap rigged backwards. Hook sets are a piece of cake with those hooks. Almost like they melt through the skin. Those hooks don't tear the fish up and leave a big gap. Once there on.....chances are there staying on.

[reconchild]

Should have stated that different, it was the kreature I was having problems with.  On the retrieve it was rolling instead of running straight.  As I had stated that seemed to be due to the rubber being twisted during the pouring process.  I tried the new packs out and they seem to work fine.  I have no problems with the Ika.  Ty for all the suggestions.