It’s no secret that minnow-style baits have boomed in popularity over the last several years. There are numerous styles on the market today, each having their own specific time and place. While variety is a good thing, there’s a handful of minnow-style baits that can be used for a wealth of different applications. These are staples that every bass angler should have in their arsenal. One of the newest baits that I believe falls into this category is the Zoom Winged Fluke. The hype surrounding this baits release was sizable, and after using it I can understand why.
WINGED FLUKE BUILD
The Zoom Winged Fluke is similar to the original Zoom Fluke, however it has several features that give bass an all-new presentation. One of the most highly anticipated features on the Winged Fluke were the added wings. The two protruding wings create an erratic dying baitfish action that triggers bass all over the country. The squared-off body shape and keeled fins along the head create a fluid darting action known to trigger bites.
The Winged Fluke also features a tapered forked tail that provides an erratic fluttering action when fished at both slow and fast speeds. This bait is currently available in both a 4- and 5-inch versions, and it comes in a variety of different fish catching colors. Not only is this bait available in a wealth of different color and size options, but its rigging options are virtually endless. The bait was designed to be fished weightless as a soft jerkbait, on a Carolina rig, or a jig head, however I’ve found success utilizing numerous different rigging styles.
WINGED FLUKE RIGGING OPTIONS
I’ve experimented with the Zoom Winged Fluke for a little over a month now. Throughout this time I’ve tested a number of different rigging options, however I’ve narrowed it down to my three favorites for the purpose of this article. My favorite way to fish the Zoom Winged Fluke has to be on a lightweight jig head. The protruding wings allow this bait to glide effortlessly through the water creating an ultra realistic action. This is perfect for hover, mid- and bottom-strolling techniques.
Another great rigging style for the Winged Fluke is on a keel-weighted worm hook. I prefer a 4/0-size with weights dependent on water depth. This rigging style is great for fishing around vegetation, heavy brush, or anywhere else when snags are possible. Last but certainly not least, I love fishing this bait on a free rig. The sliding weight allows it to work phenomenally through the water column without being effected by the added weight. I fish this bait around shell beds, brush piles and any other piece of cover that might hold bass. I’ve practiced a variety of different retrieves with this bait, however my favorite is the burn and stop method.
MY FAVORITE FEATURES
I’m a self-proclaimed tackle snob, analyzing every little detail of every bait I put in my tackle box. I’ve spent the last month doing a number of comparisons between the Zoom Winged Fluke and a variety of other minnow-style baits. Throughout this time I determined a few of my favorite features are in the Winged Fluke. My absolute favorite attribute has to be the protruding wings along the head of this bait. These wings give this bait lots of action as it moves through the water column. This actions is unlike the majority of soft plastic jerkbaits on the market today, and I’ve found lots of success with this proven action.
My second favorite feature on the Zoom Winged Fluke is the tail. This tail is basically identical to the original Zoom Fluke, however it’s hard to deny its long-lasting success. The erratic action this tail provides has trigged giant bites for years, and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. This action, paired with the darting rhythm of the wings, gives this bait an all-new look bass aren’t used to seeing.
While many anglers associate this style of bait with forward-facing sonar, it can be used with or without this advanced technology. I’ve found success with this lure both deep and shallow, and I’m confident you will as well. Whether you’re a minnow shaking addict like myself or just someone who’s looking for the next big bait, I highly recommend giving the Zoom Winged Fluke a try.
