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Posts: 5
Location: Netherlands | Hello guys,
I am a enthousiastic Pike fisherman from the Netherlands and new to this forum.
I recently purchased some extra 6" and 8" Reefhawgs because I love the action of these baits but when I tryed them out I wasn't very happy with the action of these new ones. I already have a good one of each size so I know what they can do. These new ones didn't come even close so now I was thinking of putting some extra lead into them and hope the action will get better but don't exactly know what's the best spot to dril a hole and how much weight I need to use for them. I can imagine this is different for the 6" and 8". Are there here some guys who also tryed this out and have succes with them after this modification?? |
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Posts: 253
Location: Birchwood, WI. | Drill the hole about a 1/2 of an inch back from the front hook. I use screw inserts & screw in weights..small reef hawgs take about 1/4 to 3/8 oz large 1/2 to 3/4 oz . All depends though, I love reef hawgs & have MANY.. About each one has its own personality But needs to be weighted..Also sometimes the hooks are not centered down the belly,so make sure your weight is... GOOD LUCK!! |
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Posts: 2277
Location: SE, WI. | Reef hawgs have been great baits for yeArs. The problem is wood densities. I' ve modified many 6" reef hawgs for many guys. modifications made are, weighting,screw eyes, painting ,rattles, clear coat, hooks...ect. The hook hangers are balance points. Add a slight bit more weight to the back hole. After modifications, baits run Deeper and have great swing. JD |
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Posts: 5
Location: Netherlands | Thanks for the info guys!!
I heard about these weight systems before and lucky enough these are available overhere as well so that's certainly an option for me.
I have a question for you JD. Your way of modification is new to me and I very much like to know more about it. Do I understand you correct that you remove the two belly hooks and cotter pins of these baits and drill out the two smaller holes who are already in there and add weight to these two spots instead of just behind the front hook as Jimi does??...And also place a new srew eye on the belly?...I always thought that removing the original cotterpins kills the action. Does your Reef hawgs still have the same erratic action ore are they become more consistand side to side gliders? |
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Posts: 791
Location: WI | I like of use electrical tape to hold weights on to test them in the tub or a bucket. That way you can move them around to get placement right before you drill. |
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Posts: 81
| I use rubber bands to hold test weights in place, easy to adjust |
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Posts: 2277
Location: SE, WI. | Pike101, Yes, remove cotter pins and hooks. Weight the 2 holes. I make my own custom ingots for drill size, otherwise use worm bullet weights. Yes, 1 1/4" screw eye is placed in the middle, maybe slightly up towards the front hole. I place a 5/0 there...4/0 rear hook. Yes, better side to side...not as erratic , unless you get more aggressive on taps. Also acheive better depths. I am never concerned about getting a bad reef hawg again. I have a fix:) JD |
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Posts: 139
Location: Slippery Rock, PA | Jd,
Can you post some pics of your modifcations? I have a few that are just dead in the water and I'd love to resurrect them. |
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Posts: 2277
Location: SE, WI. | Mark; here is a few of the 6" reef hawgs I modified. Mark, feel your frustration not having them work like U wanted them too. I remember buying 3 or 4 to get one that I liked. Once I started modifying them, I liked them all:) If you don't want to tackle this project, I'll have some time this winter. PM, or email me. I usually do about a half dozen a winter anyways. I rarely have one thats a failure. JD
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Posts: 5
Location: Netherlands | Woooow those look very good!!!!! Nice job!!
Are there more people who modify they're Reefhawgs a different way as I heard so far??....I like to test out different options so I can find out for myself which way works best for me. |
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Posts: 5
Location: Netherlands | Hi JD,
Thanks for sharing that picture!! You're modified Reefhawgs look very nice!!
Could you perhaps tell me exactly how much weight you put in the original front hook hole and the middel hole for the 6" and the 8"?.....And I am also very curious to know which spot you drill to put those rattles in you talked about???
Thank you!
Anthony
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Posts: 9
| Sometimes after they have a bunch of hook rash on them you can soak them underwater overnight and it seems to help. I have a few that soak overnight before fishing. Gives them a much slower rise on the pause. |
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Posts: 5
Location: Netherlands | Good tip!! Thanks!
Are there more poeple with good ideas to improve the action of these lures? |
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Posts: 2277
Location: SE, WI. | Nathan ; here is the post your looking for. JD |
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Posts: 2277
Location: SE, WI. | Aaron here's your fix to your reef hawg problems! JD |
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Posts: 129
| Anyone ever use lead tape on the belly? Golf shops carry it. |
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Posts: 2277
Location: SE, WI. | Ruddinger, read this old post on reef hawgs... JD |
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Posts: 32
Location: West Bend WI | I don't see the link jdsplasher mentions. Please, if anyone has it please post. Sure would like to read it.
Thanks,
Pat |
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Posts: 2277
Location: SE, WI. | Pat, this is the post/ thread. Read through this. JD |
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Posts: 32
Location: West Bend WI | Hello JD, There might be a problem on my end as I don't see the link (or what you have posted) in your reply. I'll take a look at my profile settings to see if I missed checking a box, etc.
Thanks for your quick reply,
Pat
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Posts: 2277
Location: SE, WI. | Pike101: like I said, I pour my own ingots to weight this bait. SO! I use a 1/4" bit, drill holes in my plaster Paris so ingots fit my holes in reef hawg. Experiment, every bait is different for adding lead. BUT! Key is to add more weight to rear, than front hole, that way you get the better swing from your reef hawg. Rattle is drilled out just behind slot in reef hawg. See the top 6"er. Look closely just behind cut, and screw eye, you may be able to detect where rattle was placed. JD |
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Posts: 291
Location: New Jersey | Hey JD,
I was reading your posts and am possibly interested in having you mod a bait or two for me. Would you be interested? I’m not looking for weight, but I am looking to get max swing and that flip some of them do.
I like reef hawgs a lot but where I fish in NJ I need them shallow this time of year.
If you’re interested let me know and I’ll give you baits or whatever for your time.
I think you wanted the esox jigs I have plus whatever,
Thx man, Rob |
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Posts: 2277
Location: SE, WI. | I've done many 6" ers. Only one or 2 were problem child's;) Done only a hand full of 8" ers. Really, not much different concept. Just remember, adding weight adds a bit of depth. Guys that did this mod, wanted depth, and a bit more consistent swing. Many that wanted this mod, had baits that were dead in the water, had No Swing, and wanted a deeper running bait... Rob, sent you a pm....no problem modifying your baits JD A blast from the past;) |
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Posts: 144
| Jim modded 2 6" reef hawgs for me and they are the only reef hawgs I own that catch or have caught muskies. I was going to throw them in the garbage. His mods work. |
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Posts: 2277
Location: SE, WI. | Here you go RAM....enjoy. JD |
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