First Impressions of Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP
The Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP is Owner Hooks‘ answer to the growing demand for larger shaky heads designed for targeting bigger bass with equally sizable soft plastics. It’s not just a scaled-up version of their standard shaky head; it’s a purpose-built tool for anglers who are serious about ledge fishing and dragging big worms across the bottom. The integration of their patented “Centering-Pin-Spring” (CPS) is a welcomed addition, promising easy and secure rigging of bulky baits.
I’ve been increasingly frustrated with standard shaky heads that just don’t have the backbone to handle the larger profile soft plastics I prefer when fishing deep ledges. I needed a solution that could easily and securely rig those larger baits while providing a solid hookset ratio. The Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP seemed like it could solve that problem.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the sheer size of the hook. The 8/0 and 9/0 magnum hooks are serious business and inspire confidence. The green pumpkin paint job is clean and even, and the football head itself has a well-defined shape, promising that signature rocking action.
Compared to other shaky heads like the Strike King Shakey Head or the Picasso Shakedown Shaky Head, the Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP is noticeably larger and heavier. I chose it over the Strike King because of the larger hook size and the CPS bait keeper system and over the Picasso due to its reputation for durability. I was immediately impressed and excited to get it in the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP was on a local reservoir known for its deep ledges and hefty bass population. I paired the 3/4 oz weight with a 10-inch Bull worm, targeting bass in 15-20 feet of water. The conditions were fairly calm with a slight chop, and the water was moderately stained.
The CPS system made rigging the big worm incredibly easy and straight, saving a significant amount of time and frustration. The football head did a fantastic job of transmitting bottom composition, and the rocking motion was very pronounced. After a few casts, I felt a distinct thump, set the hook, and landed a solid 4-pounder. There were no issues or surprises after the first use, just solid performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP has proven to be exceptionally durable. Even after dragging it across rocky bottoms and through submerged timber, the paint has held up surprisingly well with minimal chipping. Maintenance is simple; a quick rinse with fresh water after each use is all that’s needed.
Compared to other shaky heads I’ve used in the past, the Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP outperforms them in terms of hookset ratio and durability. Many other shaky heads bend or break after a few good hooksets on larger fish, but these Owner Hooks have held their shape and sharpness remarkably well.
Breaking Down the Features of Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP
Specifications
- Hook Size: Available with either an 8/0 or 9/0 Owner Magnum hook, providing ample gap for larger soft plastics and ensuring solid hooksets. These large hooks are essential for penetrating the thick mouth of larger bass.
- Weight: Available in weights up to 3/4 oz, allowing for effective bottom contact in deeper water and windy conditions. This weight range is critical for maintaining a consistent presentation and feeling the bottom structure.
- Color: Features a green pumpkin (GP) finish, a versatile and natural color that blends well in a variety of water conditions. The green pumpkin color imitates many natural forage species.
- Centering-Pin-Spring (CPS): Owner’s patented CPS securely holds soft plastics in place, preventing slippage and ensuring proper presentation. This feature extends the life of your soft plastics and increases your hookup ratio.
- Contoured Football Head: The unique football head design creates a rocking motion on the bottom, attracting attention and triggering strikes. This shape allows the bait to stand up off the bottom, mimicking a feeding baitfish.
- Quantity: Sold in packs of 3. This is a good balance of quantity and price point for most anglers.
- Length: The total length of the rigged jig is approximately 4.5 inches, making it ideal for larger soft plastics. This profile is most effective for targeting larger bass.
Performance & Functionality
The Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP performs exceptionally well in its intended role. The hookset ratio is impressive, and the football head provides excellent sensitivity, allowing you to feel every rock, log, and change in bottom composition. The only area that might need improvement is the paint durability.
The Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP far exceeds my expectations; its combination of a large hook, effective bait keeper, and sensitive football head makes it a top-tier choice for serious bass anglers. This lure is dependable and effective.
Design & Ergonomics
The Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP is well-designed with high-quality materials, giving it a sturdy and reliable feel. The weight is appropriate for the size of the hook and the intended applications.
The Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP is extremely user-friendly. The CPS makes rigging soft plastics a breeze.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP should last a long time. As mentioned earlier, the paint is the only area that may show wear over time.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick rinse after each use to prevent corrosion. I foresee getting many seasons of use from these jigs.
Accessories and Customization Options
While the Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP doesn’t come with any specific accessories, it pairs perfectly with a wide range of soft plastics, including worms, craws, and creature baits. You can customize the presentation by changing the color and style of your soft plastic trailer.
It is compatible with most soft plastic brands and styles, offering a lot of versatility. There are no other “official” accessories.
Pros and Cons of Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP
Pros
- Large Magnum Hook: The oversized hook ensures excellent hook penetration on big bass.
- CPS Bait Keeper: The Centering-Pin-Spring system securely holds soft plastics, preventing slippage and extending their lifespan.
- Sensitive Football Head: The football head design provides excellent bottom contact and a distinctive rocking action.
- Durable Construction: The high-quality materials and construction ensure long-lasting performance, even under heavy use.
- Easy Rigging: The CPS makes rigging soft plastics quick and straightforward.
Cons
- Paint Durability: The paint finish could be more resistant to chipping, especially when used around rocks and cover.
- Price: The higher price point compared to some other shaky heads may deter some anglers.
Who Should Buy Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP?
The Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP is perfect for experienced bass anglers targeting larger fish in deep water or around structure. It is also a great option for those who regularly use larger soft plastics and need a reliable and effective rigging system.
Beginner anglers or those primarily fishing for smaller bass might find the Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP to be overkill. Those on a tight budget might also want to explore cheaper alternatives, although they may sacrifice quality and performance.
A quality fluorocarbon line is a must-have to maximize sensitivity and hooksetting power. Additionally, a selection of larger soft plastics, such as 10-inch worms or oversized craws, will complete the package.
Conclusion on Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP
The Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP is a top-of-the-line shaky head designed for serious bass anglers. While it may come with a slightly higher price tag, the superior hookset ratio, durable construction, and effective bait keeper make it a worthwhile investment.
The price is justified by the quality and performance of the product. It’s a true “buy once, cry once” scenario.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Owner Hooks Magnum Shaky Football Head – GP to any angler looking to upgrade their shaky head game. If you’re targeting big bass and need a reliable and effective tool, look no further. Give it a try and experience the difference for yourself!
