Gear Review: Strike King Tour Grade Spinnerbaits
It was back in the spring when I found myself selected to do a gear review by the Outdoor Blogger Network. I remember being thrilled that I would be receiving some Strike King lures in the mail to test out and review. Well, thanks to many circumstances that were out of everyone’s control – most significantly the wonderful Canada Post strike (the one time I expect something in the mail and they go on strike!) – the lures didn’t arrive until this fall.
What a great day - getting free lures in the mail! And all I had to do was write a review...
Anytime I get a new lure is cause for excitement and this was no different. After a few quick pictures I ripped open the packages and sorted the lures into some of the tackle boxes.
I received three different lures to review, and they were put through the test on Puslinch Lake here in Southern Ontario.
Strike King Tour Grade Spinnerbait
www.tacklewarehouse.com
This was the lure I was looking forward to trying out the most. Until this point the only Strike King spinnerbaits I had in my arsenal were KVD spinnerbaits that never seemed to work quite right for me. The skirts would get tangled in the hooks and the blades took a tug to get going. It’s most likely an issue with my own fishing skills that causes these problems but the Tour Grade spinnerbaits were the opposite, they worked perfectly from the first cast.
I don’t like to take a lot of time modifying baits and without any work this spinnerbait casts a mile, the blades start spinning immediately upon retrieve, and the skirts do not get tangled. Plus, the vibration you feel from that big blade reassures you that everything is working well.
I was only a couple of casts in when this bait landed me a decent pike. It certainly proved that it could be a go-to lure as both Darrell and I kept catching fish on the spinnerbait when nothing else would work.
One of the bass Darrell caught on this lure
While plain white or chartreuse are my usual colors for spinner baits, this white and chartreuse spinnerbait with the orange spot and a painted blade seemed to be the key to triggering bites from these fish. This color in particular does a good job imitating both perch and sunfish – two main types of forage in many bodies of water here in Ontario.
This spinnerbait has found a valued spot on my tacklebox and I just may have to go get more.
Strike King Tour Grade Crankbait
www.tacklewarehouse.com
The Tour Grade Lucky Shad crankbait was included as part of the package. I received a series 3 crankbait which dives to 8-feet. I have not had much chance to use this lure as it kept running through the weeds in Puslinch and pulling up grass. When I did get it into clear water, it wasn’t the right situation. The bait runs well with a subtle wobble but I think it will have to wait until next year to catch me some fish.
Strike King Pro Model Crankbait
www.tacklewarehouse.com
This series one crankbait in sexy shad was just the ticket when the weather was slightly cooler. Fished just above the weeds it proved tempting for both crappie and pike. This color was perfect for Puslinch Lake as there is a healthy population of sunfish.
I found it easy to modify the depth at which this bait ran and could consistently fish it at my chosen depth – often 2-feet – just by keeping the rod tip a little higher. The lure did not have as much action as some of my most used crankbaits, but that was the ticket for the bites I got.
This one was pretty eager for the sexy sunfish!
I really enjoyed the way this lure fished, and on subsequent outings it has become one of my favorite search lures.
Any of these lures would be a great addition to your tacklebox, as they have been to mine, taking some space from other brands I have come to rely on. Strike King produces quality products and I will have no problems throwing these lures when I need a bite.
Disclaimer – This review is my opinion and I received these lures for free in exchange for giving said opinion. I have no association with Strike King and was not reimbursed or paid for this review. As I think most fishing stuff is great, many of my gear reviews will be cheerful no matter what 🙂
argosgirl
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Good review! I love me a good spinner bait. The Strike King 5XD cranks are killer on kings!
I’ve never tried the 5XDs but you’re the second person to tell me that! Guess I know what to add to my Christmas list 🙂
Nice review, Rebecca!
SK lures make up a large part of my arsenal — from cranking Series 3-5XD, to thumping laydowns with the KVD 1.5, to top-water action with the Rage Toad — you would be hard pressed to find a lure they don’t have…hard or soft! They are solid performers without breaking your wallet.
Crank ’em like you want to lose ’em…good luck!
Thank Eugene! I will definitely be picking up more Strike King lures. I’ll have to try the Rage Toad…