Behold—the Superb Spook. Travis Rathbone
The Heddon Zara Spook, a stogie-shaped, dog-walking stickbait, has been duping largemouth bass for more than 70 years. Heddon offers several versions, but the 5-inch, 7/8-ounce Super Spook is a favorite among many bass pros. Years ago, one of those pros shared the lure modifications she made that turn a Super Spook into a “Superb” Spook. The end result is a lure that’s 4 3/8 inches long and weighs about 3/4 ounce—almost the size of the original Zara Spook. However, this Superb Spook is stouter than the original, and it presents a better profile and splashes more when walked across the surface.
Here’s how to modify a Super Spook into a Superb Spook to catch more largemouth bass.
How to Modify a Super Spook
Step 1: Remove the hooks. Mark off a 5/8-inch-wide section of the lure around the middle hook hanger. The mark on the nose end of the lure should be 1/4 inch from the split-ring hanger. Saw off the marked section. Save the split ring and put it on the line eye to give the bait freedom to sashay.
Step 2: Place two small ball bearings, six BBs, or two 8mm glass beads inside the lure. They’ll rattle and make the lure’s tail sit deeper for better hook-ups. Apply a coat of 5-minute epoxy with a toothpick to the sawn openings on each half of the lure. Let the epoxy set.
Step 3: Shave off the excess epoxy with a razor. Smooth the joint with 220-grit sandpaper and finish with a buffing compound. Replace the hooks with longer-shaft Gamakatsu hooks. A red front treble reduces short strikes by encouraging bass to attack the head of the bait.
Source: www.fieldandstream.com