Hookpoints–Berkley Havoc Wide Load

 Photos and Story by Jason Duran

The Berkley Havoc Wide Load was developed by Angler of the Year and Classic Champion Skeet Reese. In this Hook Points we will be Texas Rigging the Berkley Havoc Wide Load

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 Rod. The Hook we have used is the TroKar TK100 HD Worm Hook 4/0 And the TK120 Wide Gap Hook. The line used here is Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon in 12# test. The weight is a 3/16 Tungsten weight. Also pictured is the Berkley Havoc Wide Load in June 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 weight on the line.

You are now ready 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.

You are now ready to start the bait on the hook. You will want to start the hook in the center of 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 until the hook eye is inside the bait.

Seen above is how the Wide Load 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.

You are now ready to insert the hook at the predetermined 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.

See how straight the bait lies on the hook. Keeping the bait straight on the hook helps prevent line twist.

The big tail on this bait moves a lot of water. You can fish it like it is pictured above.

You can also split the tail. See above how we have started to split the tail.

Continue to split the tail until you reach the body of the bait.

See here how the bait looks once we have completely split the tail. This provides a great action in the water as well.

The Berkley Havoc Wide Load is designed to be cast and flipped. You can cast it in and around deep and shallow cover. You may choose to Flip or Pitch the bait around heavy cover. However you choose to fish it allow the bait to work back to the boat. Be sure to 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 Wide Load 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.