The Wakemaker can be used without any weight for shallow / top water presentations - it can even be retrieved on top as a buzz bait. Add a non-fixed bullet weight as desired for deeper water applications or flipping. KI recommends the use of the less massive / greater density Tungsten weights for minimizing hydrodynamic disturbance. The use of screw type weights are NOT recommended nor required for optimum results.
Reel Gear Ratio: 5.3:1 or as application dictates
Normal Rigging Instructions:
1. Insert the hook point into the center of the nose and thread through the hook shoulder slot in the bottom jaw line of the Wakemaker.
2. Rotate the hook so that the point is facing the belly hook slot.
3. With index finger providing resistance to the hook eye and lure nose, push the lure body towards the index finger (about 0.5 inch or until hook shank meets the back of the hook slot) and then insert hook point into body of Wakemaker while pulling lure body back to normal position. Hook point should be exposed inside top dorsal fin, however fin sides should remain close together.
(If bunching occurs, simply force hook shank upwards tearing away excess plastic around the hook point inside the dorsal fin. Then pull hook shank back down such that hook point is slightly exposed inside dorsal fin.)
Tuning Instructions:
The Wakemaker is hydro-dynamically designed to run upright in true form like a baitfish. Normally, no adjustments will be required, however, should the Wakemaker lean or favor a particular side on retrieve, tuning can be performed much like a conventional hard crank bait.
Tuning Steps:
1. Depending on the hook being used, some stabilization can be obtained by simply moving the hook further aft. Instead of threading the hook through the hook shoulder slot in the bottom jaw, thread the hook through the gill plate detail located between the shoulder slot and body hook slot.
2. For further stabilization, the hook can be moved further aft to the beginning of the trough located at the body hook slot.
3. To correct a body lean, sometimes all that is necessary is to thread the point of the hook through the lateral line on the leaning side (Texposed) instead of hiding the hook point in the top dorsal fin. Additional tuning may be done by threading the hook on the opposite side (of the lean) on the nose tip. Bring the hook point through the bottom of the jaw on the side of the hook shoulder slot opposite of the lean. For slight leans, rig the hook point as described above (Normal Rigging Instructions – Step 3) so that is placed in the center of the split dorsal slightly exposed.
(Illustrations below are to correct a left lean from the fisherman’s perspective (facing the Wakemaker head-on).
4. For severe leans, rig the hook point outside the dorsal on the leaning side (“Texposed”) bringing the hook point through the lateral line detail.
(Illustrations below are to correct a rare severe left lean from the fisherman’s perspective (facing the Wakemaker head-on).
The Baku Wakemaker is available in two sizes and over 20 popular fresh water & salt water colors including Nature Skins™ and Hologram. For purchasing details, please click here.
