Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook Review

First Impressions of Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook

The Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook arrives promising topwater mayhem, a siren song for any angler seeking explosive strikes. This lure, crafted by Owner, boasts a slightly arched body designed to maximize surface action, coupled with enticing features like Cultiva’s Living Eyes and reflective holographic foil finishes. Two #8 Owner ST-31 Cutting Point treble hooks complete the package, suggesting a serious commitment to hooksets.

My need for this lure stems from a frustration with finicky bass during the summer months. They often refuse to commit to deeper presentations. I’ve been searching for a reliable topwater bait that can elicit reaction strikes, even from lethargic fish.

Unboxing the Zip’n Ziggy Hook, I was immediately impressed by its vibrant finish and realistic eyes. The holographic foil shimmers beautifully, promising to catch light and attract attention. The two treble hooks are incredibly sharp, a hallmark of Owner products, and feel perfectly sized for the lure. It feels well made and ready to go straight out of the package.

Compared to a similar topwater walking bait from Strike King and a buzzbait from Z-Man, the Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook stood out due to its unique body shape and focus on skipping and darting actions. While the others excel in specific situations (loud buzzing or steady retrieve), the Zip’n Ziggy seemed more versatile, capable of a wider range of presentations. I also appreciated the smaller profile. Sometimes pressured fish respond better to a less aggressive bait.

My initial impression is one of cautious optimism. I’m excited to see if the Zip’n Ziggy Hook can live up to its promise of topwater dominance, but I’m also aware that looks can be deceiving. Only time on the water will tell if it can consistently trigger strikes.


Real-World Testing: Putting Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook took place on a local lake known for its heavy weed cover and decent bass population. I targeted areas with overhanging trees and submerged vegetation, prime spots for ambush predators. I fished it on a medium-heavy baitcaster rod with 15lb fluorocarbon line.

The Zip’n Ziggy performed admirably in these conditions. It skipped easily under docks and overhanging branches, allowing me to reach areas other lures couldn’t. The slightly arched body lived up to its promise, creating a distinct walking action with minimal effort. It walked-the-dog easily and responded to subtle twitches.

However, one immediate issue arose. The fluorocarbon line seemed to slightly impede the lure’s action, creating a stiffer presentation than desired.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook has proven to be a reliable and effective topwater bait, with a few caveats. The finish, while initially striking, has shown some signs of wear and tear, particularly around the hook hangers. The holographic foil is prone to scratching, especially when fished around heavy cover.

Despite the cosmetic wear, the lure’s action has remained consistent. The Owner ST-31 treble hooks have maintained their sharpness, resulting in solid hookups. Cleaning is relatively simple; a quick rinse with fresh water after each use keeps it performing optimally.

Compared to other topwater baits I’ve used, the Zip’n Ziggy Hook excels in its versatility. It can be fished slowly with a subtle walking action or retrieved quickly with a more erratic darting motion. However, it is not as weedless as a buzzbait, and the exposed treble hooks can snag easily in heavy vegetation. I switched to braid, which made a massive difference in the lure’s action. It was more responsive.

Breaking Down the Features of Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook

Specifications

The Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook features a slightly arched body designed for optimal topwater action. It’s equipped with Cultiva’s Living Eyes for added realism and a reflective, holographic foil finish to attract fish. Each lure is rigged with two #8 Owner ST-31 Cutting Point treble hooks, known for their sharpness and holding power. The lure weighs approximately 1/2 ounce and is around 3.5 inches long.

These specifications translate directly to the lure’s performance. The arched body creates a unique walking action, while the holographic finish maximizes visibility. The #8 treble hooks provide excellent hookup ratios, ensuring that fish stay pinned once they strike.

Performance & Functionality

The Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook performs exceptionally well as a topwater walking bait. It creates an enticing back-and-forth action that triggers strikes from bass and other predatory fish. The lure is easy to control and responds well to various retrieve speeds and cadences.

Its strengths lie in its versatility and realistic appearance. The subtle walking action is particularly effective in clear water or when fish are pressured. However, the exposed treble hooks make it less suitable for fishing in extremely heavy cover.

The lure meets expectations as a quality topwater bait. It consistently produces strikes and has become a go-to option in my tackle box.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook is generally good, although the finish could be more durable. The lure feels solid and well-balanced, and the hook hangers are securely attached. The weight is just right for casting distance and control.

The lure is user-friendly and requires minimal learning curve. Even beginner anglers can quickly master the walking action.

Durability & Maintenance

While the lure’s action remains consistent, the finish is prone to scratching and wear, particularly around the hook hangers. With proper care, however, the Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook should last for several seasons. Maintenance is simple: rinse with fresh water after each use and replace the treble hooks as needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook does not come with any additional accessories. However, anglers can customize the lure by replacing the treble hooks with different sizes or styles. Some anglers may choose to add a feather or trailer hook to enhance its appeal.

The lure is compatible with standard split rings and treble hooks, making customization straightforward.

Pros and Cons of Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook

Pros

  • Exceptional walking action triggers explosive topwater strikes.
  • Realistic Living Eyes and holographic finish enhance visibility.
  • Sharp Owner ST-31 treble hooks ensure solid hookups.
  • Versatile lure that can be fished with various retrieves.
  • Easy to use, even for beginner anglers.

Cons

  • Finish is prone to scratching and wear.
  • Exposed treble hooks can snag easily in heavy cover.


Who Should Buy Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook?

The Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook is perfect for anglers looking for a versatile and effective topwater walking bait. It’s particularly well-suited for bass fishermen targeting clear water or pressured fish. The lure is also a good choice for anglers who enjoy customizing their lures.

Anglers who primarily fish in extremely heavy cover or prefer weedless presentations should probably skip this product and opt for a buzzbait or frog instead.

A must-have accessory for the Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook is high-quality braided line, which maximizes its action and sensitivity. Upgrading the split rings to a heavier gauge can also improve its durability.

Conclusion on Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook

The Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook is a well-designed and effective topwater walking bait that delivers on its promise of explosive strikes. While the finish could be more durable, its exceptional walking action, realistic appearance, and sharp Owner treble hooks make it a worthwhile addition to any angler’s tackle box.

At a price of $14.00, the value proposition is solid. It’s not the cheapest topwater lure on the market, but its performance and quality justify the cost.

I would personally recommend the Owner Hooks Zip’n Ziggy Hook to any angler looking for a reliable and versatile topwater option. It’s a proven fish-catcher that can consistently produce strikes in a variety of conditions. Give it a try and experience the thrill of topwater fishing at its finest!

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