The Megabass Zonk
The Megabass Zonk is possibly my favourite lure of all time. Ironically, unfortunately, there are some highs and lows with using this immense lure technology. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Zonk. Later we take a look at some great alternatives to this fantastic lure.
- Is the Zonk one of the best lures out there?
- What makes the Zonk Such a good Lures?
- How many Varieties of the Zonk are There?
- Are they a floating or sinking lure?
- Is the Zonk worth the money?
- When are the best scenarios to use the Zonk?
- If you couldn’t get the Zonk, what would you use instead?
Is the Megabass Zonk one of the best lures out there?
For me, the very first time I cast this great lure into that shimmering sea, I had this strange instantaneous feeling that I was going to get a take straight away.
Yes, the Zonk is a killer of a lure, and with minimal opportunity to use it, it’s still always in my lure box. So the answer is yes, in my opinion, it is the best lure out there (in the right conditions).
The first time I caught with the Zonk was off the East side of Ramsgate, fishing the tide down from high off an old slipway. That’s the only time I’d fished that venue, but I caught two bass that day, so a good day.
Water was deep and clear enough that day, so it was a perfect opportunity to use the Zonk. We generally favour the Northside of off Margate, but the conditions were not good, and 90% of the time, the Zonk wouldn’t get a look in, simply because of the depth of water.
What makes the Megabass Zonk Such a good Lure?
Rod Tremor
What is so impressive about the Zonk is the rod tremor when you are retrieving it back in. You can feel that juddering feeling right through the rod. It’s almost like you know you’re going to get a take. I have not noticed this as much as any other lure.
Great Casting Lure
Yes, there are no two ways about it. The Zonk is excellent for casting, which is fantastic when we need that deeper water. If you are fishing shallow rough ground, then even a Savage Gear Eel (another amazing lure) will stay in the box.
Downside: Impossible To Get Hold Of
The difference between the Savage Gear and the Zonk is about another £20 these days. That’s if you can get the model of Zonk you want. The Shenghitsu Iwashi Zonk (My Favourite Zonk) seems impossible to get hold of; this seems like madness if you ask me.
How many Varieties of the Megabass Zonk are There?
Apart from the numerous colours available, there are three different types of Megabass Zonk. They are:
- Zonk Yoro-Yoro: These lures have a hinged lip and dive slightly deeper than their sinking brother, the SW version. The Japanese have stopped manufacturing this and the High Pitch version. Incidentally, this may explain the shortage in the UK.
- Zonk High Pitch: This also has a hinged lip and is the deepest diver out of the three versions of the Zonk; it also has the best action. Better stay away from that shallow ground; the rarer they are, the more they’re going to cost. Hang on to them. But you can’t stop a mammoth bass from swimming around a rock and snapping you off, can you? That’s when you pay for a reel with an unbelievable drag. Read More
- Last but not least, the SW version. Ultimately, this is the most common in the UK but still can be a pain to get. You may be thinking, why is he writing about a lure that is so hard to get hold of, and you would be right. Well, they are that good, and you can still get them; you have to shop around.
Are they a floating or sinking lure?
Out of the three different versions, the High Pitch and the Yoro-Yoro are floating lures. But the SW is the sinking version, so DON’T STOP REELING WHEN YOU CAST OUT. IT WILL SINK…Goodbye, Zonk. Well, if you’re fishing over rough ground, that is.
Please note. Another good reason not to try and risk shallower ground is the bid can snap off. Yes, that hinge lip can break very easily then the lure is useless.
However, if all three hooks are in, this is always going to be a problem. I’m going barbless and bending the barbs on the trebles down. I have snapped the hooks in this situation before. We want to fish back in the water as fast as possible and not perform surgery trying to get those hooks out.
Is the Zonk worth the money?
Ultimately, we have left links for the Zonk at the bottom of this page. However, If I were you, I would look around because even on Amazon, the prices can be a bit outrageous. I wouldn’t pay some of those prices, but there are cheaper alternatives on there. I think this is due to a lack of Zonks on the market. I had heard (maybe a rumour) they had stopped making them. WHAT? Your best bet is probably waiting for them by ordering on eBay.
When Is It Best To Use The Megabass Zonks
Lol, this is a no-brainer: When the water is deep enough.
I haven’t lost the precious Zonk getting snagged up. I’ve been lucky enough to fish with someone who knows the areas we fish well. Locally, we never get to use the Zonk, well, not consistently anyway.
Even further down the South Coast, there are only certain times over the high water that can we get away with using them. You may think, well, don’t use them, and generally, we don’t, but you must have a Zonk or two in your arsenal of lures. Besides, you may be lucky to have deeper waters where you live.
If you couldn’t get the Megabass Zonk, what would you use instead?
Hooray! Right, there are some fantastic lures out there to replace our Zonk. Megabass also make another lure called ‘the Flatbacker’, which is a great lure and looks very similar to the Zonk.
Megabass Flatbacker
What I love about this beauty is it only has two hooks. This is a little less hassle unhooking (as far as I’m concerned). Also, another great bonus is they cast well too.
Maria Squash versus Megabass Zonk
The Maria Squash is in my lure box and ready to get the once-over this year. As I mentioned in another post, I got a hammering 14 bass to 1 just for not having it. I was using the Zonk that night and never got a take. But that’s the way it goes. On another night, the Zonk has outfished everything.
Disclosure: We use affiliate links on our website where we may make a small commission – However, the cost is no different when you buy through the links; the price is the same either way – if you choose not to, that’s fine – but will help us maintain and upkeep the website. Thank you.
Great Alternative To The Zonk
This is a much cheaper option than the Megabass Zonk - You can get 3 different patterns for less than the price of the original Zonk. Sounds like a bargain to me.
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. I will only recommend products that I have personally used! Learn more on my Private Policy page. Affiliate Disclosure