I have been out of the snook scene for quite a while having gotten interested in offshore bottom fishing for the past 2 decades but the bug is back. I confidently thought that the Shadzillas that I had been using successfully for pike would make an excellent snook/Tarpon offering but apparently big saltwater fish are making a habit of throwing big swimbaits due to gaining leverage with the lure itself. Would they throw a pair of 8/0 trebles on a Shadzilla? Perhaps not, but if it was already dangerous handling freshwater fish with Shadzillas the thought of trying to unhook even a medium size Tarpon or big snook is a terrifying prospect indeed!

Enter in Spooltek swimbait. A variety of sizes, naturally I lean towards the 9" model. Lots and lots of buzz about this lure here in Florida with many really big fish to its credit. What makes it unique is a 12 inch wire leader hidden within the lure which deploys after the hook set. The single "J" style hook slides away from the lure, no leverage.

For canoe country I like a few things..........first off an angler would be able to get by with a lighter leader, say even as low as 20lb line if no heavy weed beds were present. That likely equals more bites, and more bites from larger more sophisticated fish including big honkin walleye who might not be so eager to eat a big bait with a fat Fluorocarbon leader or trace of wire. The other thing I like is the single large "j" hook. Much easier on the fish and much safer for the fisherman.

These go 2 oz, not so heavy. They are designed to fish rather slowly and on or very near the bottom. My understanding is they tend to roll to one side with faster retrieves. So probably not such a good trolling bait. You could fish straight heavy braid and fish the tops of the cabbage however and expect to move a bigger fish. Or drag it up rocky points after letting it sink to bottom. Probably not a replacement for August trolling for pike with the 8oz Shadzillas for me but the Spooltek certainly seems like it would be excellent for some applications.

Definitely the realm of bait casting gear but at 2oz a much more comfortable lure for tossing about. I would lean towards at least a 7' rod and 8' is likely better. Maybe have at least 40 lb braid for ease of handling and less chances for backlashes would be my suggestion.

Anyway, thought I would pass it along. Check them out, someone might get happy about them.........I know I will be placing an order.

Big Snook

Lots of Utube vids on these. Apparently, they are in short supply as the color I want needs be backordered.

Tackle Direct

MT, this looks very intriguing! Do you just turn the spool to reset the bait after the internal leader is deployed? I could definitely see this working really well for big pike and lakers (and to your point, walleyes). I'd be curious about how long the spool/leader holds up in the long run.

GickFirk22: "MT, this looks very intriguing! Do you just turn the spool to reset the bait after the internal leader is deployed? I could definitely see this working really well for big pike and lakers (and to your point, walleyes). I'd be curious about how long the spool/leader holds up in the long run."

To really get the skinny on these baits go to Utube and check out all the videos. I spent a couple hours becoming a convert and I haven't even fished one yet. Apparently they have been out for several years........and its still hard to get some of the colors.

They use cable instead of wire. As the name implies, there is an internal spool which you twist by hand, much like a dial on a deodorant stick, the cable tucks up inside the lure, very slick set up IMO.

Expensive........but from what I have read the tails hold up better than most plastic swimbaits. Also considering that 1/2 of the bait is hard plastic also adds to longevity. Replacement tails run about $5 for 3..........but I cant seem to find a source for replacement tails as they are typically "out of stock".

Videos show a nice "roll" with the bait. Most good swimbaits have a bit of side to side wobble as well as the paddle tail kicking. A loop knot helps with the roll. I like a perfection loop which would work well with this bait despite having to feed the lure through the loop......just remove the plastic trailer and the lure becomes more manageable. Be advised that any loop knot weakens the breaking strength of your line so a bit heavier line than what you think you need is better. Another option is to use a fas snap in the XXL version (saltwater applications). This clip, while still very discreet, will bridge the gap and allow lines such as 15 to 20lb line to still be used with 100% knot strength. But be advised, a big pike and big weeds make 20lb line a poor choice. Fine if you fish open water but expect to lose a big fish in cabbage with piddly line choice (been there, done that).

FWIW Spooltek also has a 6" extra heavy version coming in at 3+ oz and would lend itself to trolling deeper and apparently doesn't have any issues with faster retrieves.

I will be giving the Spoolteks a thorough testing as I am currently in the midst of planning an 8 day backcountry trip in Everglades national park this December and camping at the various "chickees" (wooden platforms over the water). The plan is to utilize my redneck flats boat which is particularly suited to the oft narrow and shallow confines of the backcountry. I used to day trip the backcountry for many years but it got to be a long day seeing it was a 2 hour drive one way. It will be nice to wake up and get into the boat and start fishing already deep in the back country. At least 50% of the Chickees see paddlers but I need to fish so I will be under power and easing around through the narrow twisting creeks to gain access to some of the inland bays. I am excited to fish the Spoolteks after seeing the results. Will the big girls be in the back country or still on the outside? Thats the question.........it will still be fun though as even the juvenile snook, Tarpon and redfish give a good tussle on the right equipment. Plus its an absolutely awesome environment with lots of birds and various critters in the water........provided you dont get lost and drained of blood after dark ;-)

Check out the Chickees.........sort of cool. Looks fun to me.

Chickee camping