Hookpoints–Berkley Havoc Hawk Hog

story and photos by Jason Duran

The Berkley Havoc Hawk Hawg is a versatile bait. This bait was developed by Elite pro Bobby Lane. In this Hook Points we will be Texas Rigging the Berkley Havoc Hawk Hawg.

In the photo above is everything you need to setup this rig. Seen is the Wright &McGill Skeet Reese Victory reel paired with a Wright & McGill Skeet Reese Flipping/Pitching. The Hook we have used is the TroKar TK120 Mag Worm Hook. The line use here is Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon in 15# test. The weight is a 3/16 Tungsten weight. Also pictured is the Berkley Havoc Hawk Hawg in Bama Bug color.

Securing that hook to a strong line is important. Here we have used Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon in the 12-15# test based on your application. In the photo above you see we have started the tungsten weigh on the line.

You are now read to secure the hook to the line and Here we have started a Palomar Knot. It is very important to use a very sharp hook when fishing. Seen above is the TroKar TK 120 Wide Gap Hook in the 5/0 size you could also use a TroKar TK 100 which is a straight shank hook in the 4/0-5/0 Size. Each of these hooks like all TroKar hooks are surgically sharpened and consistent hook sets are achieved with less pressure. Which results in catching more fish.

Here we have completed the Palomar Knot. Do not forget to wet you knot as you synch it up. This helps lubricate the line and prevent damage to the line due to friction. This is very important especially when using Fluorocarbon line.

The Berkley Havoc Hawk Hawg get is name from the hawk like wings you see here in the middle of the body. This bait is also can be fished with many options. Each of the lower appendages can be removed to provide a different type presentation.

Next insert the hook into the nose of the bait. At the first bend of the hook expose the hook point out the side of the bait. Continue to slide the bait up the hook shank all the way till the hook eye is inside the bait.

Seen above is how the Hawk Hawg should look once you have the hook eye inside the nose of the bait. Now you are read to insert the hook point back in to the body of the bait.

Here you see how to take a measurement of how the hook should lie inside the bait. Mark the spot with a finger and insert the hook at that spot.

Once you insert the hook point you will want to expose it on the other side. This will allow for better hook ups because the hook has already exposed and ready.

At this point we want to “Tex-pose” the hook by pulling the plastic forward and inserting the hook just under the surface of the bait. This will provide a weedless presentation

The versatility of this provides is a key feature. You can simply pinch off the appendages to provide a different presentation.

See here how the Hawk Hawg looks with the two upper appendages pulled off.

Here is another look at the Hawk Hawg with the two appendages removed. Take note again here of the two sets of wings this is where the Hawk Hawg gets its name. These wings allow for the bait to glide through the water on retrieve.

Here is the unaltered Texas Rigged Hawk Hawg. Notice here the bait is long and has a large profile. The ribbon tails give off great action in the water.

The Berkley Havoc Hawk Hawg was designed to be fished in and around deep and shallow cover. This is also a great sight fishing bait. Flip or Pitch the bait around heavy cover. You can also allow it to bounce up and down and off of cover. When a fish hits the bait just a firm hook set is needed and the TroKar hook will do the job.

A 6.2:1 to 6.4:1 retrieve speed reel is perfect for the retrieve Hawk Hawg and for bringing in those fast moving fish as they attack this bait. This Wright & McGill Co. Victory 621 reel has a 6.2:1 retrieve speed that will allow for a good steady retrieve and power and speed during the fight.

A rod with a strong backbone to set the hook on these fish is a must. The action should be moderate to fast to help make that perfect pitch. A Wright & McGill Co. Skeet Reese Flippin/Pitchin’ rod provides enough action and enough backbone. At 8’ it is the right length for helping you pitch the bait in the tight cover, and provide the leverage you need to pull them out.