I was interested to see what sort of baits were going to be in the January Mystery Tackle Box, as we all know that winter bass fishing can be difficult. Surely, a drop shot will catch a fish anytime, anywhere, right...?
Baits in the box will be posted below, where they will include details such as their projected sale price, how many stars I think the product deserves, and an overall summary discussing the reasoning for my rating. Disclaimer: this review is not based on use, but rather preliminary impression.
Strike Pro Gill Raker $10.59 ★★★★
The Strike Pro Gill Raker is a small hard body swimbait, which is the first hardbody swimbait I’ve received in a monthly box. It’s not a surprise that this is the first, nor that it’s small, as hardbody swimbaits are generally very expensive. This bait is 3/8oz, and features a rubberized tail to illicit an even more realistic swimming sensation. This individual bait is in Matte Black Shad color.
I’m going to be honest, I was pretty excited about this bait when I first saw it. Fancy swimbaits like this always seem to excite sportsmen, and this was no exception. This swimbait seems to be constructed very well, though the tail seems slightly delicate (which is why they probably provide an extra tail). I think the downfall of this bait is how they finished the bait. To me, the paint job is mediocre. It seems to have been painted with acrylic paint that could scrape off after impact with a rock. Additionally, the hooks are nothing to brag about. If these 2 traits would be perfected, than I think this could be the perfect small swimbait. Overall, I give this bait 4 out of 5 stars.
10,000 Fish Death Stalker $5.49 ★★★★1/2
I LOVE BLADE BAITS.
The 10,000 Fish Death Stalker is a Catch Co. product, and is a 1/2oz blade bait in Aqua Flash color. Guys, I love blade baits, and this is no exception. This bait features 2 different possible tie-in points, along with a spinning blade instead of a hook on the back of the bait – this could easily be replaced by another treble if desired.
One reason I like blade baits is because of their casting ability. These compact, decently heavy baits can be casted a country mile, and this is no exception. This bait has a bulbous bottom that keep it swimming correctly, along with an overall unique blade shape. In my opinion, this blade is nearly perfect, EXCEPT it’s one hook. It’s not awful, in fact, it’s probably above average. With only one hook though, it NEEDS to be razor sharp, and this just doesn’t meet that standard. I give this bait 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Xcite Baits Shadnasty $4.00 ★★★★
The Xcite Baits Shadnasty, in Quiksilver color, is a paddletail soft swimbait. I like this swimbait. It’s simple, and has good, consistent, coloration. It features a slot to put a hook into, along with grooves for increased action in the water. My only critique is that the tails are deformed. Now, I haven’t tried this swimbait, but a mis-formed tail can easily mess up the swimming action of a swimbait. With that said, nose-hooking this guy on a drop shot rig would mostly negate this. Overall, I give this bait 4 out of 5 stars.
Samatis Baits SamatishoT $3.00 ★★★★
The Samatis Baits SamatishoT is sort of a… weird bait. It’s not really like anything I’ve ever seen before; it’s like an odd shaped Ned worm. With that said, as soon as I saw it, I knew it would be a killer drop shot bait in more finesse style applications, which is exactly what I need at my local waters. Nose hooked on a drop shot rig, using some 4lb test line, I think this bait will do great. As for quality, I can’t say bad or good things. The plastic seems like standard material, though perhaps a tad more durable. Overall, I give this bait 4 out of 5 stars.
Stickies Wacky/Drop Shot Hooks $2.10 ★★★★★
I’ve said it time and time again; I love my terminal tackle. I know, I know, call me a weirdo, but I just can’t help it. Found in this box was a 3 pack of Stickies Wacky/Drop Shot hooks. Now, I love Stickies. I think they’re a great brand that puts out great products for reasonable prices, and this item was no different. These hooks are razor sharp (Sticky sharp), though I would be more inclined to use them as just drop shot hooks rather than wacky hooks – I prefer wacky hooks to be thicker gauge, but that’s just me. I’m for sure going to be getting some action on these hooks, especially paired with the above Samatis SamatishoT. I give these hooks 5 out of 5 stars.
Overview
Overall, this box was pretty dang good – there wasn’t a single product that received less than 4 stars. The average score of this box was 4.3 out of 5, which is not too shabby.