Swimbait mold head.

[Shaunm81]

I was thinking about getting the Swimbait lead mold head but I see that the mold calls for super large hooks but was wondering if a person could switch the hooks into a smaller size that would work out for the 3" ripper? Or is that even possible?   

[ctom]

I cast the 1/4 ounce with a 3/0 but haven't tried any of the other weights with smaller hook. Generally I find I can cast a size smaller in just about all heads calling for the 570 style of hook. 

[Shaunm81]

Okay then I should maybe figure something out to make it work? I just thought these look really nice on the ripper Rigged up.  Will a little nasty hook fit this mold?  How about the diner shiner I notice it will except the smaller hook but it look okay using the 3" ripper?  Thanks

[21xdc]

If you are looking for a head that you work on the bottom, Get the swimbait head. The diner shiner looks ok, But will roll over on the bottom and snag much more.

[ctom]

Shaun, the Swimbait head does real well with the Ripper. The only other head I fish the Ripper on is a Teardrop head with a wire keeper. Both heads take a Lil Nasty hook.

[Shaunm81]

Thanks tom and 21.  Yeah I think I might go and buy both the tear drop and the swimbait head.

[Partycrasher]

The 1/4 Swim Bait head and the 3" Ripper are like peanut butter and jelly.  Great combination.  I use them on Lake Michigan so I have slightly modified the eye for a 1/0 EC635 and its perfect for the 3" Ripper.  When you put the point of the hook into the Ripper, insert it slightly off center towards the belly so the belly plastic clears the "skid-plate" on the jig. 

The 3/8 head is perfect for the 3.5" Ripper.

You will like that mold!

Marc

[Shaunm81]

Okay I got the mold today with 3/0 sickle hooks but noticed the wire bait keeper dont align perfectly.  I am using it in the 1/4 spot the 3/0 sickle hook.  I think it's where the hook is bent maybe I should have used a regular 570 3/0? Or is it a problem offset a little bit? Thanks partycrasher  it looks really cool with the ripper I thought also.

[Shaunm81]

Can I just cast these using the  3/0 without the bait keeper hooks inserted? Just the hook on the swimbait head?

[21xdc]

Can I just cast these using the  3/0 without the bait keeper hooks inserted? Just the hook on the swimbait head?

Yes, But what will hold the bait on?

[Shaunm81]

Yeah that's true to.  I thought I saw where someone else on here made them before without the bait keeper but maybe it was something else.   I guess I don't see how anyone can get around the wire keeper being in the way issue using the bait keeper insert.