|
Creature Fever: The Zoom Super
Hog Is A New Take On An Old Favorite
| Date: |
6/21/13 |
| Tackle type: |
Lure |
| Manufacturer: |
Zoom |
| Reviewer: |
Wolbugger |
Total Score: 8.0 -
GREAT
Introduction: Sure, creature baits have been around awhile, but the
variety that's currently available is downright excessive. From craws, to
lizards, to baits that look like they came from outer space, there is certainly
an immense selection available on the market. Even though new creations seem to
pop up every year, a few designs have stood the test of time. One such bait is
the Zoom Brush Hog. When this offering hit the market many years back, it
quickly became the latest “gotta have it” bait. With the extreme popularity of
the Brush Hog, it only makes sense that variations of this bait would eventually
pop up. The Super Hog is just such a variation, taking the basic Brush Hog body
and adding on a slightly different “rear end”. Is this bait truly an improvement
for some applications, or is it just a quick creation designed to fool more
anglers than fish?
|
Zoom
Super
Hog
Specifications |
|
Type |
Creature
Bait |
|
Class |
Soft Plastic |
|
Depth |
Any |
|
Size |
4
inches |
|
Colors/Patterns |
14
colors |
|
MSRP |
$3.99 (Pack
of 10) |
Each package of Super Hogs comes in a resealable plastic pack.
Impressions:
The
Zoom Super Hog takes the standard Brush Hog and changes it up a bit. While the
body still retains the same shape and mass, it's the tail end of the bait that
has been altered. What this creates is a much more compact bait that's easier to
flip and pitch into cover.
The compact design allows it to slip into cover with ease.
The body of the
bait is the same thickness as a standard Brush Hog, which in turn gives it a
nice, meaty appearance. It also lends itself very well to a larger hook size,
including thicker gauge super line hooks. The same arm design remains as well,
which has always reminded me of someone standing with their hands on their hips.
Though only 4 inches long, the bait still resembles a substantial meal.
Moving on to
the tail is where the biggest changes are seen. While I wouldn't say the changes
are drastic enough to really make it “Super”, this new design should prove
especially beneficial to those that pitch and flip. The 2 side flaps remain, but
the long ribbon-like legs found on the Brush Hog have been removed in favor of
what I call a “pincer style” tail. The pincers are built together as 1 piece,
but are very easily split to create added action. The look and design of the
tail reminds me of another favorite bait of mine, the Reaction Innovations Sweet
Beaver.
The rear pincers are held together by a small bit of plastic and are able to be
easily separated for increased action.
I've always
considered Brush Hogs to be a pretty durable bait, capable of catching multiple
fish before getting too roughed-up to go on. That same plastic consistency seems
to have carried over to the Super Hog, which means these will not fall apart
after one 2lb Bass. These baits feel neither too soft nor too hard, as they seem
to sport just the right amount of firmness to perform at their peak without
falling apart.
The June Bug color excels in dirty water conditions.
Real World
Tests:
I put the Zoom
Super Hog to good use in the ponds and canals of southwest Florida. Since this
is a creature bait meant to be fished around the gnarly stuff, I fished it on
nothing but braided line and a medium heavy or heavy action rod. Hook sizes
ranged from a standard 3/0, to a 5/0 super line hook.
The large side flaps quiver noticeably even on the slightest twitch.
Next Section: Cast that Hog! |
