First Impressions of 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill
The 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill arrived, and even before hitting the water, I knew this wasn’t your average squarebill crankbait. Made by 13 Fishing, a company known for its innovative designs and attention to detail, the Warthog promises a unique action and serious fish-catching ability. The bait’s wide wobble, deflection-focused design, and premium VMC hooks immediately caught my attention, setting it apart from the dozens of other crankbaits in my tackle box.
I’ve been chasing bass for over a decade, and I’m always on the hunt for a lure that can trigger strikes in tough conditions. Thick cover, murky water, and pressured fish demand something special. My go-to squarebills weren’t cutting it anymore.
Unboxing the Warthog, the first thing I noticed was the high-definition paint finish. The “Day Old Guac” color pattern is incredibly realistic and has just the right amount of flash. The 3D eyes add to the realism, and the overall build quality feels robust.
Compared to my trusty Strike King KVD 1.5 and the Rapala DT6, the 13 Fishing Warthog stands out with its unique head shape. Its wider profile suggests it will move more water and deflect off cover better than the more streamlined designs of the others. The VMC black nickel chemically sharpened hooks also inspire confidence compared to the stock hooks on the KVD 1.5.
Initially, I was excited to see if the Warthog could live up to the hype and become my new go-to squarebill. I hoped it would provide the aggressive action and cover-deflecting abilities needed to trigger strikes in challenging environments. If it does, it would easily earn its spot in my coveted lure selection.
Real-World Testing: Putting 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill was on a local lake known for its heavy weed cover and submerged timber. I fished it along weed edges and bounced it off laydowns in about 4-6 feet of water. The conditions were slightly overcast with a moderate breeze.
The Warthog lived up to its name, barging through cover with surprising ease. Its wide head design allowed it to deflect off branches and rocks without getting snagged easily. The bait exhibited a very pronounced wobble that I could feel throughout my rod.
One surprise was the amount of vibration and feedback the Warthog transmitted through the line. I could easily tell what kind of cover it was hitting, which gave me more confidence in presenting it properly. I also noticed it dives deeper than I expected for a squarebill.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the 13 Fishing Warthog continues to perform admirably. It’s become a confidence bait for me when fishing around heavy cover.
The paint finish has held up well, with only minor scratches despite being dragged through rocks and timber. The VMC hooks remain sharp and haven’t shown any signs of corrosion. I make sure to rinse it off after each use.
Compared to other squarebills I’ve used, the Warthog feels more durable and maintains its action even after repeated collisions with hard cover. The Warthog has definitely earned a permanent spot in my arsenal, outperforming some of my older favorites.
Breaking Down the Features of 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill
Specifications
The 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill boasts several key specifications that contribute to its unique performance. It weighs in at 1/2 ounce, making it ideal for casting with medium to medium-heavy gear. Its length is listed as 2 2/7 inches, approximately 2.3 inches, providing a compact profile that appeals to a wide range of fish.
The hook size is a #4 VMC premium chemically sharpened black nickle hook, ensuring excellent hook penetration and holding power. The “Day Old Guac” color offers a realistic presentation. These specifications work together to create a highly effective lure for targeting bass in various conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill excels at deflecting off cover and triggering reaction strikes. The wide wobble action is incredibly enticing. It’s especially effective in murky water or around submerged structure where fish rely on vibration to locate prey.
The bait’s strengths lie in its ability to navigate heavy cover and maintain a consistent action. Some anglers may find the wide wobble too aggressive in clear water. However, that can be mitigated by a faster retrieve to trigger reaction strikes.
The Warthog absolutely met my expectations for a cover-cranking squarebill. Its performance and durability are impressive.
Design & Ergonomics
The 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill features a thoughtful design that enhances its usability. The wide head design not only contributes to the bait’s unique action but also aids in deflecting off cover. The 3D eyes and high-definition paint finish create a realistic presentation.
The lure feels well-balanced. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill is built to withstand the rigors of fishing around heavy cover. The high-quality paint finish resists chipping and fading. The VMC hooks are robust and hold their sharpness well.
Maintenance is simple: rinse the lure with fresh water after each use and occasionally check the hooks for damage. With proper care, the Warthog should last for many fishing seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill doesn’t come with any additional accessories, but its design allows for some customization. Anglers can replace the stock hooks with different sizes or styles to suit their preferences. Some anglers use trailer hooks for fish short-striking the bait.
The lure’s hardware is compatible with most standard split rings, allowing for easy replacement or upgrades. Experimenting with different colors of split rings can also add a subtle touch of customization. It’s compatible with aftermarket rattles to create a unique sound profile.
Pros and Cons of 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill
Pros
- Exceptional deflection capabilities: The wide head design allows the Warthog to navigate heavy cover with ease, reducing snags and increasing fishing time.
- Aggressive wobble action: The lure’s pronounced wobble is highly effective at triggering reaction strikes, especially in murky water.
- Durable construction: The high-quality paint finish and VMC hooks ensure the Warthog can withstand repeated use in tough conditions.
- Realistic appearance: The 3D eyes and high-definition paint finish create a lifelike presentation that fools wary fish.
- Versatile application: The 1/2oz weight and compact profile make the Warthog suitable for a variety of fishing techniques and target species.
Cons
- Aggressive action may be too much in clear water: The wide wobble, while effective in murky conditions, may spook fish in clear water if retrieved too slowly. A faster retrieve can mitigate this.
- Limited customization options out of the box: The lure doesn’t come with any additional accessories, which may disappoint some anglers looking for more versatility.
Who Should Buy 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill?
The 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill is perfect for anglers who frequently fish around heavy cover, such as weeds, timber, and rocks. It’s also a great choice for those who target bass in murky water or stained conditions. Pro anglers who need a reliable bait for tough tournaments will also benefit greatly.
Anglers who prefer finesse techniques or primarily fish in clear water may not find the Warthog as appealing. Those looking for a highly customizable lure with a wide range of accessories may also want to consider other options.
A must-have modification could include upgrading to slightly larger hooks for targeting bigger bass. Adding a trailer hook can also improve hook-up ratios for fish that short-strike the bait.
Conclusion on 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill
The 13 Fishing Warthog 1/2oz 4in Squarebill is a well-designed and highly effective squarebill crankbait that excels in heavy cover and murky water. Its aggressive action, durable construction, and realistic appearance make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box. At $6.99, the price is more than justified.
I would definitely recommend the Warthog to anyone looking for a reliable and productive squarebill for challenging fishing conditions. It delivers on its promise of deflecting off cover and triggering reaction strikes. Go out there, tie one on, and experience the Warthog difference for yourself!