Double Downer vs. other Hot-n-Tot Imitators

[Stormsearch]

I stocked up on the Double Downers last year and was pleased with their results. Although you could have thrown anything to those Erie eyes during most of spring/early summer. How will DD compare with the Rip Shad or the latest Winning Streak?

I didn't do very good on the few trips to Saginaw Bay, pretty sure I was hitting poor weather.

Do the DD's work better with the Hot-n-Tot link, or does it just make them better to tune?

Did they "belly-up" and surface when connecting on a weed like the original Tot's did?

Curious if the Rip Shad and Winning Streak (and I guess you could throw in the new Tot) will be as easily tuned or foul up similarly. Any thoughts. Thanks.

[Jonny Rocket]

I have not had a chance to run any of my Double Downers yet but I can tell you that the Rip Shad are not even close to the same style body as the DD, winning streak and the new storm hot n tot. So based on that the bodies are totally different I would say the rip shad will be totally different in the way it runs. However, the winning streak is the original hot n tot so it should still run like it use to. The DD should be close, there are subtle differences in the body, and the new hot n tot will be different as well because the lip is different now.

Jon

[mudpuppy]

That's a good point on the original Hot-n-Tot line links . It's my biggest complaint about the Double Downers . I bought some links from Netcraft to put on them . Makes them alot easier to tune . I replace the hooks also . A little inconvenience but they work well for me . Alot of my other baits I have to modify , too , to make them better . Looking forward to trying the new Storm version , also .

[Walleye Express]

Stormsearch.

Bought a dozen of the DD's when they first came out. I Initially liked the colors, design and running action. Changed the hooks, replaced them with the old 1/4 tot hooks. That gave them even a tighter action like the tots. Didn't have any trouble with the lip connector. And they seemed to hold more weeds before waving for help at the surface than the tots. I gave them a fair shake on the Saginaw Bay, and usually ran them on one side and tots on the other. When the tots get 5 fish and the DD dont get hit (same program), its time for a change.

Now with that said, these DD's wont find their way to the WC swap board quit yet. Last years catch rate, was very down for most on the Bay last year. I only had 1 week last year that reminded me of the previous year, when the fishing was fantastic. With no ice on the Bay at all in 2002, I speculate that the weed growth didn't die to their roots like they usually do. This gave them a big head start and fouled many of mine and others usual hot spots for the summer. I'll give them, and deffinetly the New Winning Streaks another shake down this season.

[mrbreeze]

Hey Capt:

I'm surpirsed to hear that you changed out the hooks on the DD to the original Hot-n-Tot hooks. Are you just talking about the size, or did you actaully use the old storm hooks on the DD's?

The reason that I am surpirsed is becasue I love the old HT's but the single complaint that I always had about them was the hooks. They were never especially sharp right out of the package, and didn't hold a resharpened edge for beans. Don't the DD's use VMC hooks? What type of hooks are on the new Kaboom's?

[Walleye Express]

Breeze.
I agree with you totally. The best hook Storm ever used initially/originally on any of their lures, was the one they put on the T-Stck Jr. Their original Wiggle Wart hook combination lost me more big steelies than I can remember those first few years I used them. They learned eventually though with later versions, like the Rattle Tot and Steelie Warts, that wider and sharper were better.

Anyway, I had quit a few 1/4 ounce tot hooks as spares and many from changing out the back hooks on the tot's with the Gamagatso's (##### I gotta learn how to spell that word). So instead of possibly wasting these .80cents a piece jobs on something that might not even work, I opted for the old style 1/4 once jobs. Actually, I always did bend the original tot hooks out just a tad. And even at times bent the hook tip, (which is the real bummer on the old style), out just slightly. This (I know) prevented a lot of lost fish for me, as compared to others complaints.

The New Ka-Booms got about the same hooks as the Old Rattle Tot. The shank is just a little shorter though. Still, Eagle Claw Aberdeen Wide Bends.

[mrbreeze]

That clears it up. Do you know the model number off the top of your head for the Gamammmmatsuu's (same spelling problem here)? I really should spend some time over the winter changing out my old rear hooks on my classic tots. If it's not on the tip of your tongue, don't sweat it. I'll check out the catalog and figure it out.

[Walleye Express]

Breeze.
Honestly I dont know the exact size. I simply went out to Franks with a 1/4 tot hook, and said "I'd like to match it up size-wise with the (Gammagatlingguns hooks), and give me about 150 of them". Kinda gave me heart palpitation when he said that will be $128.85 You'd think for that kind of money, they'd change the name to something a little more simple and easy to spell:-).

[mrbreeze]

Thanks, capt. I'll head up to Frank's and check it out.