The Secret Charlie Campbell Told Me About Zara Spook Fishing…

[@jamesbranstetter4376]

I grew up in the same town as Charlie and went to school where he teacher was always around very nice man to be around thanks Randy

[@pitching7577]

Great info!!! Thanks for sharing!!! I met Charlie in the late 90’s and his Daughter was a coworker of mine and when he was in town visiting his Daughter here in East Tx, he stopped by and gave me a Zara Spook in the box and signed it for me. Very nice guy and a Class Act!!!

[@dblades1129]

Had the great pleasure of sharing a boat with Charlie a couple of times including hot August tournament when he was walking the bait around the top of cedar trees. Definately something I'll alway cherish the memory of. Charlie was an absolute gentleman, always willing to help another angler.

[@jbowron1]

Thanks Randy for sharing from one of the all time greats!!

[@lenclark6099]

Mr Campbell also had a great spinner bait with a very large double cupped Colorado blade in 5/8 oz. It was named the CC Spinner!! They are not made anymore but I have caught a boat load of bass in the early spring with the ones I had in Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn lakes back in the early 70’s!!! Thanks for this video RANDY, it is a good one!!!

[@chrisduffy2737]

Love talking about the Spook. I believe the walking around cover retrieve was described to me as the "half step". When you half step the spook, it doesn't completely turn the other direction, it half steps it. Also useful to insert from time to time into the walking the dog retrieve to break up the cadence. You got a.million of 'em. Keep 'em coming!

[@kevinatwell9781]

thanks for sharing these valuable tips Randy! Have you considered writing a book on the history of tournament fishing, with details on the lesser known masters like Charlie Campbell? You have a wealth of knowledge that needs to be shared before it's forgotten!

[@cjnugent4102]

Thanks for always taking the time to give back and teach the rest of us! I appreciate all the wisdom I can get. 👍🏻🇺🇸🎣

[@stevencrane9949]

Sir Randell around twenty five years ago at a central pro am tournament at Truman Lake I still remember him telling you wat to go hippie on one of your top finishes and yes he was a Legend

[@wpgordone352]

Thank You So Much, Randy !!! I heard about Charlie being able to make those Spooks Circle Around stuff back years ago , but I never saw How he got them to do that . I appreciate you telling us about that , it just brought that back to me from years gone by !!

[@franksancimino1297]

True pioneer ....one fishing legend speaking highly of another respect very much alive on Intuitive angler

[@marcmarcantonio]

Hi Randy; I am a charter BASS member and drew Charlie Campbell at the 1975 Federation Tournament at Clark Hill Reservoir. What an experience. Thanks for bringing back the memories. Just started my own You Tube channel, and really enjoy yours. Thank you and good fishing. Ciao! Marc Marcantonio.

[@randomschmo5778]

Great info, thanks Randy!

[@williamnewell7784]

Funny. I was “Walkin the Dog” this weekend. Love the spook.

[@jaymesbriones361]

Thank you I am excited to try this out. I am fishing for striper and bass on the CA Aqueduct.

[@drock5404]

Great video! Spook fishing is what got me hooked on creek smallmouth fishing. Got pretty good with the Zara Puppy

[@kcf6079]

I had the pleasure and privilege to fish with Charlie in Lake St Clair for a BASS Top 150. The whole day was an amazing experience, he didn't throw a Spook until mid day and hus second cast he hooked two keepers on the same lure. I tell the story often and the day will always be a fond memory..

[@Budget.bass.fishing]

Thanks Randy

[@roberts.2413]

great stuff Randy, thanks for sharing this info

[@johnm2617]

Great I love throwing the spook ! I do some adjustments to it ! And it can do some crazy stuff !

[@normandiehl8619]

Your awesome Randy love all ur Fishing videos...learn so much from them!! Thank you I appreciate you!!!

[@jeffscranton]

I remember watching KY3 as a kid to see Charlie on the weekly fishing report, where he would put on a show with the Zara Spook. I met him once. He was a very nice man, a master, and fantastic teacher. Thanks for making this video, Randy!

[@tombrown7577]

Those spooks are just as deadly in saltwater as freshwater. I never will forget the 33 inch speckled sea trout my brother caught in Daytona Beach on a black and chrome spook back in 1987! Thanks for sharing the spook story.

[@joshmah]

just blown away. just spent about 16hrs pitchin and flipping a new body of water and trying some new techniques. gonna watch Charlie Campbell - Topwater Bass Fishing (1988). i feel like ive been missing out on some good fishing.

[@weaintfree]

Charlie Campbell…another Mizzurah fishin’ 🎣 legend !! (I also liked that you acknowledged the original lure…..of course back in those days there wasn’t all of the copies like today. There are also smaller versions of the Zara family).

[@clay7514]

And my god what a great tip. One of the best you’ve done, n that’s saying something

[@willym1965]

Lol! I fished a skitter walk heard a splash off to my left. Started to skip the lure across the water to hurry up and cast to the splash I heard and when I pulled the lure out of the water this huge pike lunged at it scared the crap out of me. Won’t do that again. Now I incorporate that retrieve anytime I’m fishing a spook lure. It’s awesome. Good information. Thanks Randy.

[@americanbasswarrior7763]

Thanks Randy a very good topic my PB 17lb 8 oz came from a Charlie Campbell Zara Spook frog color I learned the technique swimming around objects by pure accident back in 1992

[@scottclark1168]

I think you just hit on something,talking about the history of the sport,that would be a great series to do for your channel,by teaching people that don't know the true history of Bass fishing,you have have some awesome knowledge that I would love to hear,I've been flowing since I was a small kid and 44 years old now bit would still love to hear some go history on it,great video love the spook

[@franksancimino1297]

100% ,,,,,

[@mikemcholland9920]

One Of My Favorite Lures ! Thanks For another Great Video .

[@questor_xl]

Great info. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@larrymazzuca1313]

I still have the old spooks with the brass line tie . I would buy two , a large and a small.spook and swap the front hook on the big with the rear hook from the small which set the bait in the water in a position to come up and walk !

[@terrytresemer2864]

For your followers, if you don't know. The spook does take practice, keep your tip low. And probably my favorite color is the bone, though I have other colors too. If the fish aren't biting pull out a spook and practice.

[@floydgilreath1875]

Good information, will try the deep water trick

[@mitchg8797]

The walking control of spooks is why I prefer them on rivers and creeks over any other topwater. I cant tell you how many small mouth have destroyed big spooks just pausing it and letting the water settle and giving a little twitch like you've described. Keep up the great videos.

[@clay7514]

Ol zell Rowland was my favorite topwater guy, n I met him at bassarama in Richmond and he was a great guy too

[@papawrichard3553]

Zell was great with poppers that’s a fact.

[@cameroncardoza5626]

Great content sir. Thanks for sharing some of the history and technical aspects of the spook!

[@SpookyRedz]

Thanks for sharing mr Randy

[@richerwin6397]

Hello Randy, I tried my first ever spook when I bought a used Skeeter Starfire in 1987 and the previous owner had left a one knocker in the glove box. The NY small mouth loved it. I've found that 12 pound mono is about as heavy as you can go and be able to effectively walk around things for much distance. Lighter line let's it "glide" farther to one side but the risk of losing a fish or snapping off the Spook increases. Lake George NY has drinking-water clear water. The Black Shore Minnow pattern calls 'em up from sometimes 30 feet.. AND maybe you'll appreciate that my favorite spinner bait of all time was the CC Spinner that sold at BPS in 1978 for $1.19. I've made my own since then with that frame, blade, and head combination. No more vinyl skirt though.

[@ronniemitchell9221]

Great story...!

[@tressbassin]

I fish glide baits the same way you are talking about walking around a stick. Twitch it right up to something and then right out then back in. Love doing it on jagged gras lines.

[@deanmentjes7774]

Great video, thanks!!

[@dong8307]

I had the great pleasure of fishing withCharlie years ago in a Central Pro Am tournament on Table Rock. It was a early spring tournament so didn’t get to watch him fish a Spook. Mainly fished stickbaits and Warts. His wife even made me a sandwich and we had a great day fishing. I recall he had a new Nitro and I had to get up on the rod locker so it would get on plane lol. What a nice guy that is missed.

[@Boethius411]

My dad swore by a 6’ pistol grip rod because he could short step a spook around cover with it. He would also make prop baits walk with it. He could put those things in unimaginably tight places with it too. Charlie is one of the guys I know he would have loved to talk shop with, so to say. True top water master.

[@theangrybass3389]

Randy always with the practical tips that work 👍

[@josephhillman8831]

The best post spawn lure that was his motto of the zaraspook I could not agree more still catch plenty of bass on the original and super spook Jr !

[@neilgwinn7378]

Really cool video. Something new to practice this week. Thanks buddy

[@clintperry799]

Love the Zara spook 👍 (11)

[@tomselick6983]

Very helpful, just this year ive gotten kinda big into walking baits and could use some diversity in my retrieves

[@davidnewton3064]

I'm gonna try that fast reeling and stop technique. Thanks!

[@rorimarston3385]

I will start practicing this technique thank you

[@kingwildeye1495]

Spooks are one of if not my favorite top water bait. They straight out catch bass in the summer. Definitely be trying these techniques you just gave us. I'm always looking for new ways on presentation. Bent rods and ripping lips.

[@Gerberd4936]

I love the Zara spook. I fish the puppy size a lot.

[@johnnymassengale6275]

My dad taught me those same exact ways back in the mid 1970's. I never could get the spook to keep going the same direction with the hard and soft twitch though. Thanks for sharing. Dad had a chance to go to the Bassmaster trial until mom decided she wanted a divorce. Such is life. Thanks for sharing.

[@samgibson684]

He should have went anyway

[@johnnymassengale6275]

@@samgibson684 he didn't know about it until 1986 when was talking on the phone with his good friend and a Bassmaster Classic winner. Mom and dad divorced in 1980 so these companies were from the 1970's. We had a fishing tackle store, we took dozens of baits, Rebel, Bomber, Lunker Lure, Mann's to sell at tournaments like Johnny Morris did. Problem was dad had zero support from mom. Dad was a great fisherman.

[@garybuffone2304]

Great video! Keep it going old school with the 6’ pistol grip casting rod to walk the dog. Makes me crazy that they are so difficult to find.

[@k.b.peterson8022]

The pike in my lake absolutely love the spook. Had my PB on one the other day, but it unhooked right at the bank because I didn't have my net...I was able to grab its neck before it swam off, so it can kind of count lol.

[@jasonemeric9902]

You drop tidbits of bass fishing history throughout your videos. For us rookies, who appreciate history, sometimes find it daunting to catch up. Any thoughts on the best way to do my studying?

[@charlesgrahammacleodstuart510]

Caught monsters on the bone color Spook… An amazing lure and yes, Charlie was a great guy and he was always willing to share so very much about his fishing styles..

[@kenneth9874]

That's a killer on speckled trout

[@gwo8th211]

I have a couple spooks that I smashed the hook barbs down because they use to get bit so much, back in the 90s. I cant get bit anymore on top. Charlie was a class act, I always wanted to draw him in CPA.

[@robodrop2392]

Love the top water and an amazing tip. Just got some of the Jackall Riser baits. They are pretty cool. Still learning how to fish them. They cast a country mile for sure.

[@douglasspickler4925]

The Riser baits are different but work well on schoolers. I hold my rod high and crank it fast which makes the bait skip across the surface like its fleeing. Have fun and enjoy.

[@robodrop2392]

@@douglasspickler4925 Ya, they do a great job or looking like those skipping bait fish. I feel they require a lot of speed to keep em up though. We will see. Caught tons of fish on a spook and a chug bug. Some of my favorites

[@douglasspickler4925]

@@robodrop2392 your correct speed is the key.

[@johnkriete2152]

My uncle taught me how to “walk the dog” when I was knee high to a grasshopper. Still one of my favorite top water lures. Still like the Hula Popper too!

[@philipallenson8771]

Love your content!! Could you turn the sound up? Thanks.

[@rickymaynard4880]

Great tips! Hey...What's your preference in tying knots to the Spook? I use a loop knot, and sometime a quick clip to give the bait the loosest connection....Your thoughts!

[@stephensmith3745]

Great stuff right there

[@CreekFishingJunkie]

Spook in the rain☑️ thanks I love learning from you sir

[@johncecak6950]

The Zara Spook is my favorite top water. My theory is it imitates prey that are focused on something else. Kind of like turning your back on a lion or tiger. They can't help but pounce

[@Xray4858]

RANDY, I have a question if you can the #2 ( Dye Monte )Heddon lure does it have three sets of treble hooks and exactly what color bone & orange? I cannot find that lure listed and if it’s bone color I love color. Thanks

[@patrickmahoney3479]

Great info!

[@bigbuck2720]

Does this work with the spook jr, and what pound test do you recommend, another good video keep them coming

[@Tedthib]

Question - unrelated to video - possible future episode; I'm catching fish on brush piles using a jig a big worm and a drop shot. At the end of the day I can tell you which bait was better- for that day- but how would I determine the more productive bait in the moment? If I knew that I would end up with more fish

[@stevencrane9949]

Big worm in the tree lines is a topic we all need tips on what makes one better than the other.

[@williamnewell7784]

Good tip.

[@johnlantz7278]

Where less is more,I still modify my top water walking bait , an article he wrote in detail how a modified version of this bait will walk like no other.cadence is everything .

[@enonek2960]

Just curious, do you fish the spook at anytime(depending on conditions) or primarily early in the morning? Thanks for the education!

[@majoroz4876]

While Charlie was still a kid.......Jason Lucas taught me all about the Zara.

[@papawrichard3553]

Charlie was the King of the half step to! I give Charlie credit for all the good fish I’ve caught on the spook. Just go to a pond or pool and spend some DAYS practicing with it and that time will pay big dividends at the lake. I promise!

[@jawsTCG]

Do got any Hank Parker stories? He lives in my small town but I haven’t ever ran into him and wouldn’t want to bother him if I did, lol.

[@daveschreck6784]

Hi Randy, what size line did Charlie use?

[@Karl51729]

I catch plenty of small mouth bass but I'm yet to catch a large mouth bass with with the spook.

[@larryn1929]

I love Spooking the bass!

[@magicworldbyjorg]

[@davidmorgan4804]

Sorry if this is a dumb, novice question but...does anyone know why a "walk the dog" motion triggers bites? Does it mimic something in nature? Thanks

[@RickeyMcDaniel]

Randy, do a video on the Rebel Pop-R. Zell Rowland won a lot of $$ on those.

[@edwardhorton7779]

Didn't Charlie Campbell when the 1985 Bassmaster Classic as well?

[@KastkingAngler]

Do you have a video on how to "walk the dog"?

[@MrHabitat009]

What line you throwing the Zara spook on?

[@Xray4858]

Where can someone find that Heddon Diamanté Spook??

[@chadjackson4786]

when would you use a clear spook?

[@dangerfield85]

You can get a Giant Dog-X to jump with the right amount of twitching, it's the jerkbait of topwater. Gotta spend more time with the spook.

[@crawwwfishh3284]

I’ve spooked some big ones.

[@rkeyloroutdoors]

What line and speed reel are you throwing your spooks on?

[@papawrichard3553]

Charlie always used 14 lb. test mono.

[@rkeyloroutdoors]

@@papawrichard3553 Thank you man. I fish spooks alot and usually fish them on braid to a short 12-16 lb leader

[@papawrichard3553]

@@rkeyloroutdoors Go back and watch some of Charlie’s old videos. So much information on there.

[@papawrichard3553]

@@rkeyloroutdoors Who’s to say that if Charlie was alive and fishing today that he might be using new lines and stuff, I seen one of his videos where he had a paper graph on his boat. That was pretty high tech back then. But on the video I watched he said he uses 14 lb. test mono on his spook and 10 lb. test on his poppers and smaller top waters. He was a stickler about news line. He always changed the top quarter of his spool every fishing trip.

[@rkeyloroutdoors]

@@papawrichard3553 the old school way of doing things is so impressive. I have so much respect for the Charlie’s and Rick clunns of the fishing world. That’s also why I enjoy Randy’s channel so much. I feel like he’s the middle child that still connects us to the old world but has evolved somethings they’ve done for years to still be effective today.

[@apugali]

🙏

[@jim8537]

I use nicks zip stick. It calls them up. Thanks, Randy.

[@mattyblanchard5905]

Wait the Charlie angler that was in Harry and Charlie s misadventures ... please let me know Randy hey I'm looking for a co angler spot on the back or front of boat

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

Love top water, well who doesn't. Ive got to get back onto throwing a spook

[@glennboone7832]

👍

[@Rowzyn]

Randy do you recommend mono on a spinning reel over braid to fluorocarbon

[@poppafish428]

Ozark Mountain Wood Walkers. The Best !

[@stevencrane9949]

Way to go hippie

[@pauladriano8300]

On a top water like the Spook and others, Isn't the most important thing the colour of the under-belly, cause it's the only thing they see. is the rest Irrelevant? ( the colour, the flashy look on the top)

[@richardbossman9875]

I feel like the Zara pooch/ puppy were very underrated compared to the spook, Oddly I did better using the pooch when there were dragonflies near the water( perhaps a hatch).

[@redfishrambo5761]

I've caught one of my biggest bass on the river on a chrome shad zara puppy in the rain. I feel like they get more bites than the bigger spooks and catches a few more smaller fish, but will still catch the big ones.

[@pete956]

Pooch & puppy are great in late summer when the grasshoppers are out. Even for big bass.