Product Review: Zoom Trick Worm

   Description: The Zoom Trick Worm is an elongated soft plastic lure with ridges from the side, over the top, and to the other side. It is flat on the bottom, and has a slightly enlarged, straight tail.

   Review: Trick worms really shine in slightly stained water. They work well on a split shot rig on 12-pound line. Move the lure slowly across the bottom with quick twitches, and hang on. You can definitely tell when a bass bites on this rig. Rigging the worm weightless (Texas style with no weight) works well in the spring and fall, when bass are actively seeking out prey. Twitch it fairly quickly across the surface.

   Now, at this point a note is needed: Trick worms do not float very well. You have to keep it moving most of the time to keep it within 1 foot of the surface. However, the sinking capabilities is the Trick worm's best feature when it comes to pitching it into brush and letting it slowly sink, deadstick style. Pitch the lure to the edges of the brush, give it a little slack so it sinks straight down, and wait. When the slack starts coming out of your line quickly, set the hook.

   When setting the hook, let the bass 'take' the lure for longer than usual when worm fishing. The reason is unknown, but jerking to early will cause many lost fish. The bass seem to hold on to the Trick worm very well, so give them an extra second or so before the set, and you will put more bass in the boat. Also, skin-hook the Trick worm - it seems to be tougher than most similar lures.

   As to colors, white and watermelon are both tried and true producers, while yellow or chartreuse works well at times. Zoom also makes these worms in more natural colors for finicky bass or to use under tough conditions. However, lighter colors seem to work better than more the more natural choices.

 

Criteria	Score
Bass caught	4.0
Innovation	2.5
Strength	3.5
Overall	3.75

   The Breakdown:

   Bass caught: this lure catches good numbers of bass that weigh, on average, anywhere from 1/2 a pound to 2 1/2 pounds, with an occasional kicker fish. A great lure to go out and have fun with, and it is also an excellent idea to keep one tied on to a rod when tournament fishing to toss at laydowns.

   Innovation: this lure is only slightly different from others of the same category, but the tail is slightly thicker than parts of the body, and this gives it a unique action.

   Strength: this worm is stronger than most. It is slightly heavier and tougher as well, making it easy to cast on a spinning rod. It is rare to reel this lure in to find the tail missing, even after many bites.

   Overall: this lure has an overall score of 3.5. The reason? It catches good numbers of bass, is stronger than most, and is an excellent backup lure.

   Where to Purchase: Zoom lures can be found at nearly any sporting goods or tackle store. However, they can also be ordered at www.zoombaits.com, which has a much larger selection.

By Brandon Shook