Phantom softtail vs squirrelly Hellhound

General musky fishing discussions and questions.

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Esoxonthefly
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Location: Charlotte, MI

Phantom softtail vs squirrelly Hellhound

Post by Esoxonthefly » Thu May 14, 2020 5:48 pm

Looking to pick up a few of either but not sure which to get. I'm familiar with Hellhounds but not the phantoms.
"I once heard of a guy that caught a 70" muskie weighing 80 lbs...."

Scott Williams
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Re: Phantom softtail vs squirrelly Hellhound

Post by Scott Williams » Thu May 14, 2020 10:03 pm

I like them both, but get more duds with the phantom soft-tails.... But when I get a good phantom softie it produces well.

Duke
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Re: Phantom softtail vs squirrelly Hellhound

Post by Duke » Tue May 26, 2020 11:12 pm

I've only seen the Softails in action and they're a perfect 7 for 7 for working as advertised, go figure!... No complaints, definite solid producer in my experience.

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vano397
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Re: Phantom softtail vs squirrelly Hellhound

Post by vano397 » Wed May 27, 2020 10:16 am

Not sure if my thinking or logic are correct, but it works in my feeble mind...
I like hellhounds because you can get a really wide glide, the tail on them slows that down, and reduces that advantage. If that is what the particular situation calls for they are my go to.
I like phantom softails because they run really well (and consistently), but is a much narrower glide and a very effect wobble and fall when paused. Again, when the situation calls for that type of action, that's my go to. Now figuring out which action is best at the right time is the trick.
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jasonvkop
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Re: Phantom softtail vs squirrelly Hellhound

Post by jasonvkop » Wed May 27, 2020 8:18 pm

Phantom soft-tails get my vote when comparing the two. Regular hellhounds and then phantom soft-tails are some of my go-to baits in the spring.
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FIP
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Re: Phantom softtail vs squirrelly Hellhound

Post by FIP » Sun May 31, 2020 7:01 am

Saw a FB post recently about current Phantoms being thinner than the old ones and with different action so maybe you are looking at 3 different options. Four if you throw in the Chaos round nose.
An old 6" Phantom Softtail in sucker pattern is one of my best producing baits.
Tom Meyaard

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