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| I want to get a Reef Hawg or two for Christmas. What should I be looking for?
I tend to throw 6" glide baits, so I was considering that size in the Reef Hawg as well. Would I want the weighted version or the non-weighted version?
The reason I haven't purchased any in the past is the inconsistency of wooden ones. I don't want to spend the money and have it not work. Would a plastic version be a better way to go (Monster Lures "Jerko", Sledgehammer "Sledge", et cetera)? |
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Posts: 291
Location: New Jersey | In my opinion, Reef Hawgs are probably the most inconsistant of all the wooden lures. Some of them are great baits, but it is the luck of the draw. If you are looking for consistancy in lures, you might want to try another.
Sledges, phantoms, jerkos, squirkos, hellhounds, etc are much more consistant. However, none of them are a match for a good reef hawg.
Good luck, Rob |
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Posts: 774
Location: South East Wisconsin | “Reef Hawgs are probably the most inconsistent” This could be a good thing!
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| What's the likelihood of getting a "good" Reef Hawg. I assume everyone sold will still work. Some will just be better than others, correct? |
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Posts: 742
Location: Grand Rapids MN | Other than the inconsistancy of how well they glide or not glide one thing you need to consider is the weight. I don't know your setups but if you usually throw the 6" stuff makes me think it may be on the 'lighter action' side and the 8" is quite a bit heavier. Just something to consider. Usually between the two I threw my 8" more. |
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Posts: 360
| I'm a fan of the sledges |
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| Considering a 6" weighted Reef Hawg and a 6-1/2" Sledge.
I've been throwing jerkbaits on 7'6" Shimano Compre XH (2-6 oz). No problems throwing 6" or 8" jerkbaits. I just prefer smaller versions of baits. If I like the 6" I'll try some 8" in the future.
Is the action, ease of use, et cetera any different between the 6" and 8" versions? I know that holds true for other types of jerkbaits. |
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Posts: 742
Location: Grand Rapids MN | I've owned a number of these and they all had their own personalities but the 6" responds mostly to the shorter tap method while the 8" I could make harder pulls/rips and still get it to dart all over. You'll be fine with that rod setup but just wanted to make you aware its night and day between the two.
I'm actually more like you I prefer the smaller gliders in most situations. If you've never owned a 6" Softtail Phantom you owe it to yourself to give one a try. Just like the reef hawg I can get it to dance up and down and all over when I want it to and between the wobble on the fall and the tail action as it slowly sinks is a great trigger.
EDIT/ADD - If you want more similar option for your jerkbaits give the 5.5" Rapala X-rap a shot. Not the jointed shad style but the straight one. Ya its a crank but it darts at will and suspends nicely. I kind of use as a "search style jerkbait" where I want to make more casts and move a little faster. I bought mine on here for cheap so keep an eye out for one.
Man and its only Decemeber and I'm having withdrawls... |
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| Thanks. I use 6" Phantoms about 90% of the time. I prefer the regular version over the soft tail, but I think they both have their place. I just think I'm missing out on having a one-lure approach to jerkbaits.
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| Tried the X Raps too. They're not my favorite, but I've caught a few pike on them. I use a 130 lb fluorocarbon leader and they don't work very well. I'm thinking about getting some spring leaders for them. |
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Posts: 742
Location: Grand Rapids MN | You're right about the leader. I used my 'normal' stuff and it killed the action. I bought some so called #130 flouro from a place (its thinner than my other #130) seems to be more like #100 stuff I've had before but I use that with the mid-size string-ese snaps and what a difference. The bait has more wobble while cranking in and twitches/darts out to the side a long ways if you want it to. Quick rips up with the rod but like other jerkbaits you have to feed a little line back to get it to swing.
I think that is the mistake most people make is they try them with their 'normal' heavier setups and they just blow. So they dump them off on here. If you still have one give that lighter leader a shot. And yes, the ugly cousin Pike like them too! |
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | Tough to beat a 6" Reef Hawg. Really. Explaining a favorite 6" Reef Hawg in this post though, would be like explaining my favorite bands. Often times grow on me, gets better with more play, and might be a different one next week for different mood/situation. The weighted ones come with a weight and insert. Not a bad deal if you don't have the weight kits nor want to put it in. I'd save two bucks and buy the unweighted, toss it in the tank at the bait shop, and if it doesn't pop like a cork after you dropped it in, you'll have less 'breaking in' to do.
Other than the 'smile' cut, the Sledge and the Reef Hawg are completely different. A sledge is a bump and rise pull bait(think buoyant Bobbie or suick), whereas the hawg is your quick hop/tap/gliding type lure that often times people mistake for a bait that doesn't work because it doesn't do the same thing on each pull or tap. Get familiar with your favorite speciman, and you can control what it does, when you want..err NEED to.
That said, the solid plastic Jerkos and squirkos are more consistant in that you will have an easier time finding multiple lures that work the same. There is still varience. The jerko line will 'dart pause' with the best of them, once you familiarize, something a flat sided glider will not do, and shouldn't be in this conversation. The nice thing is they fill a size nitche in between Reef Hawg sizes.
Another nice little hop lure is the small A.P lure from Musky Buster. A bit more of a side to side, but can be 'danced' as well. For wood, they've been surprisingly consistant.
Good point on the X Rap. Will have to try that. used to run the biggest Husky Jerk on a little piano leader, but was often just a touch small. The X seems well built. |
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Posts: 981
| as far as jerkbaits go IMO you cant beat a sledge...like what was posted before wood jerkbaits can be hit or miss and the one 6" reef hawg I bought was a big miss...it doesnt work well no matter what i do with the rod. But this also goes for some leos and newmanns as well you just never know what youre going to get with a wood jerkbait. My vote goes to the weighted 6" sledge |
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| Never have seen or thrown a reef hawg that didn't work. I have to laugh every time I read a post about them "not working". EVERY one works, they just may have to be worked a little differently. They're not "dummy proof" like some of the plastic jerks available. They are also NOT a glider in the traditional sense. Guys who want the rythmic sided to side will be disappointed .......but fish eat them. Can't remember the last follow on a 6" reef hawg. So.....get a couple and learn how to use them. Give them some time and more importantly let the bait dictate how to work it. Fish Better. |
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Posts: 774
Location: South East Wisconsin | "Another nice little hop lure is the small A.P lure from Musky Buster. A bit more of a side to side, but can be 'danced' as well. For wood, they've been surprisingly consistant." Another great bait!
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Posts: 944
| Go with a Baby squirko in early season had a pile of fish up to 48" on them this year. The rest of the season use the jerko or squirko. If the fish are more active or under stable conditions i will use the jerko you can fish it faster cover more water. If the fish seem not to be active (cold front) you can't beat the squirko. I had many cold front days turn into 3-4 fish days fishing squirkos slow in the weeds.
Good Luck,
Jeff Hanson
madisonmuskyguide.com |
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Posts: 981
| Fish Better - 12/8/2011 9:02 AM
Never have seen or thrown a reef hawg that didn't work. I have to laugh every time I read a post about them "not working". EVERY one works, they just may have to be worked a little differently. They're not "dummy proof" like some of the plastic jerks available. They are also NOT a glider in the traditional sense. Guys who want the rythmic sided to side will be disappointed .......but fish eat them. Can't remember the last follow on a 6" reef hawg. So.....get a couple and learn how to use them. Give them some time and more importantly let the bait dictate how to work it. Fish Better.
with all do respect just bc a lure will move in the water when you manipulate it with the rod does not necessarily mean it "works." take into consideration angler preferance for action type and differences between two baits from the same manufacturer...im no lure builder but I know that even the slightest difference between two (intentional or unintentional) can make them run completely different. No need to criticize other opinions of baits.
Anyways other than "dummy proof" sledges, jerkos and phantoms Lunge Lumber Lures makes a real nice oak dive and rise/glider bait and Leos are good ones too. |
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| Reef Hawg - 12/7/2011 11:38 PM
Tough to beat a 6" Reef Hawg. Really. Explaining a favorite 6" Reef Hawg in this post though, would be like explaining my favorite bands. Often times grow on me, gets better with more play, and might be a different one next week for different mood/situation. The weighted ones come with a weight and insert. Not a bad deal if you don't have the weight kits nor want to put it in. I'd save two bucks and buy the unweighted, toss it in the tank at the bait shop, and if it doesn't pop like a cork after you dropped it in, you'll have less 'breaking in' to do.
Other than the 'smile' cut, the Sledge and the Reef Hawg are completely different. A sledge is a bump and rise pull bait(think buoyant Bobbie or suick), whereas the hawg is your quick hop/tap/gliding type lure that often times people mistake for a bait that doesn't work because it doesn't do the same thing on each pull or tap. Get familiar with your favorite speciman, and you can control what it does, when you want..err NEED to.
1) Why go with the unweighted? I don't have any kits. I was looking for some that go a little deeper and have better hang time. If I go with the weighted can I remove the weight and use it unweighted, and switch back to weighted at other times? I guess what I'm trying to say is, is the weight permanent out of the box or in the future?
2) You'll have to explain the "pop like a cork" and "break it in". I saw a youtube video of Brett Erickson and he says to remove the paint from the mouth or something to that effect. I'll have to watch it again to get the proper wording.
3) So a Sledge is essentially just a dive/rise jerkbait? No side-to-side action at all? If so, better or worse than a Suick? On the market for a good dive/rise jerkbait as well. |
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| Ronix,
Was trying to be nice. Over the years I've seen multiple posts bashing the reef hawg and whining that you have to buy 10 to get one to work "right". The truth.......most muskie fishermen haven't developed the skill needed to work the bait. They prefer "dummy proof". Fish Better or don't complain. |
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| How similar are the actions of Jerkos and Reef Hawgs? |
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | Guest - 12/8/2011 12:09 PM
Reef Hawg - 12/7/2011 11:38 PM
Tough to beat a 6" Reef Hawg. Really. Explaining a favorite 6" Reef Hawg in this post though, would be like explaining my favorite bands. Often times grow on me, gets better with more play, and might be a different one next week for different mood/situation. The weighted ones come with a weight and insert. Not a bad deal if you don't have the weight kits nor want to put it in. I'd save two bucks and buy the unweighted, toss it in the tank at the bait shop, and if it doesn't pop like a cork after you dropped it in, you'll have less 'breaking in' to do.
Other than the 'smile' cut, the Sledge and the Reef Hawg are completely different. A sledge is a bump and rise pull bait(think buoyant Bobbie or suick), whereas the hawg is your quick hop/tap/gliding type lure that often times people mistake for a bait that doesn't work because it doesn't do the same thing on each pull or tap. Get familiar with your favorite speciman, and you can control what it does, when you want..err NEED to.
1 ) Why go with the unweighted? I don't have any kits. I was looking for some that go a little deeper and have better hang time. If I go with the weighted can I remove the weight and use it unweighted, and switch back to weighted at other times? I guess what I'm trying to say is, is the weight permanent out of the box or in the future?
2 ) You'll have to explain the "pop like a cork" and "break it in". I saw a youtube video of Brett Erickson and he says to remove the paint from the mouth or something to that effect. I'll have to watch it again to get the proper wording.
3 ) So a Sledge is essentially just a dive/rise jerkbait? No side-to-side action at all? If so, better or worse than a Suick? On the market for a good dive/rise jerkbait as well.
I'm just saying that the weight could take away from the action of the lure out of the box. Yes you can remove it, and even use it on another lure with an insert if you wish. If you find one that sinks slowly, or hangs low without wieght, you are that much closer to a Reef Hawg that will perform many of the tricks you will eventually learn with it. the high floaters are fine too, and sometimes I prefer one. and a weight in one of them(or one of the heavier ones for that matter) never really hurt, just gives a slightly different look. i have alot of 6"ers that I weighted myself. Then, when they took on some water over time, i sometimes drilled some of it out. Often I don't care for a hawg that sinks too quickly as I lose the slight hang in between darts. Just me.
If you get one that is a high floater and you don't like the action or can't get it to do 'what you want', Yeah, scratch it up, or better yet, just use it and get it wet. If it doesn't dance with short 'taps' on a short solid wire leader out of the box, work with it. You will answer many of your own questions once you use one or two different ones.
Sledges are nice, and they do have some side action to them. They are very good producers in their own right, when situation calls. They just aren't really in the same category as a 6" Reef Hawg.
As Jeff said, you might try a jerko or squirko first, to save some headaches. You won't have to do a thing to them, and when you find one you like, it will be that way for a long time. |
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| Does anyone know if Rollie and Helen's carries the weighted or unweighted model? There is only one option listed on their website for 6"ers (2.3 oz).
Anyone know of any other (reliable) retailers for them? MTO doesn't carry any or I would buy from them. |
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Posts: 400
Location: North/Central WI | I believe Rollie's has both weighted and unweighted Reef Hawgs in 6" and 8". |
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | Musky Bizzness in Wisconsin Rapids did have a selection of weighted Hawgs, at least the last time I looked. He also has a good selection of Jerkos and Squirkos. The problem is he won't be open much until Christmas, or until the ice season here gets under way with force. |
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| NateOz - 12/9/2011 7:14 AM
I believe Rollie's has both weighted and unweighted Reef Hawgs in 6" and 8".
You're correct. They have a seperate page for the weighted models. |
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Posts: 582
| sometimes it helps to waterlog a reef hog. I had one that sucked when i first got it, i still fished it, let it sit in the water next to the pier for about 6 hours and now the hog runs very well. |
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| Do what I do..... Go to a mom and pop bait store that carry reef hogs, pick one from the shelf and take it to the minnow holding tank and drop it in, if it flots head up and tail down into the water its a winner!!! If it floats horizontal put it back on the shelf and find one that floats head up!!! its a winner everytime!!! |
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Posts: 84
| Just to be clear...am I right that when you described "tail down into the water" , you are describing the tail JUST (or close to being just) under the surface of the water....you are not talking about the lure being, say, at 45 degrees from horizontal ? |
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| Is a Baby Jerko more like a weighted or unweighted Reef Hawg? |
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Posts: 536
| Fish Better - 12/8/2011 1:09 PM
Ronix,
Was trying to be nice. Over the years I've seen multiple posts bashing the reef hawg and whining that you have to buy 10 to get one to work "right". The truth.......most muskie fishermen haven't developed the skill needed to work the bait. They prefer "dummy proof". Fish Better or don't complain.
I would honestly have to say that this is correct I always found the 8" reef hawgs to be hard to work and got sick of them and I went to easier baits to work, that was along time ago I should fish them out and try them again, also when I first used them yrs ago I found the unweighted ones easier to work then the weighted ones were. As time went on all I used was weighted ones and then when I tried to use the unweighted ones I coul'nt get it right again lol |
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| Old Guy - 12/10/2011 8:43 PM
Just to be clear...am I right that when you described "tail down into the water" , you are describing the tail JUST (or close to being just) under the surface of the water....you are not talking about the lure being, say, at 45 degrees from horizontal ?
The Tail should be at like 45 degrees... |
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Reef Hawgs and Similar Lures