In fact, the most fun I had fishing this bait was during the fall striper run in the California Delta. Paired with a Zoom Superfluke, the half ounce version of this lure weighs a total of about seven eighths of an ounce and can be cast a mile - a great benefit when chasing after schooling striped bass. On repeated trips this bait really shined evidenced by the fact when action slowed with other baits, I could almost always find some action by switching to my Sworming Hornets rig. All I would have to do is cast as far as possible, let the bait sink a couple of feet, then begin my slow retrieve back to the boat. This would inevitably be answered with repeated swipes at the bait by curious striper and then finally, the take and it was fish on!

Durability: Despite what seems to be a very quality finish on the jighead, use your Fish Head Spin enough and the paint will begin to chip. Funny thing is, I kind of like the look of the chipped paint on this lure as it gives it more character and seems to better resemble an injured baitfish (i.e. easy prey for a hungry fish!). Otherwise, the Mustad Ultra Point hook holds up very well through fish after fish and the stainless steel ball bearing swivel continues to provide free-turning performance in support of the willow leaf blade.

Effectiveness: I fished this bait primarily on trips in search of striped bass, but I also fished a smaller, 3/16 ounce sized Fish Head Spin on a couple of spotted bass trips here in Northern California. It was equally effective against the spots, but really, I still had more fun using it in pursuit of the striper. There was just something about the way the striper seemed to swipe at it a few times before actually taking it in that added to the entire experience.

Availability: The Fish Head Spins can be purchased directly from Sworming Hornets through their website at www.sworminghornetlures.com, or through various online retailers. As with any successful bait design, imitation is the sincerest form of flattering and there are several similar designs out there now. The original has performed so well for me, I see no reason to turn elsewhere.

Ratings:

  
Pluses and Minuses:

Conclusion: Don't let the rather simplistic nature of its design fool you, the Sworming Hornet Fish Head Spin is a versatile little fish catcher. I really enjoy the fact you can use it with any number of different plastic trailers and even though I've had it and have been fishing it now for the better part of the past year, it still feels new to me because there are so many other plastic baits I want to fish it with. All that will come in time. For now, it will sit in my "user" pile of baits as a product that has gained my confidence and recommendation. Tie one on, toss it out, and hang on!