Let’s Talk About Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804
The Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804 is a meticulously designed crankbait from Berkley, aimed at mimicking the vulnerable, fleeing actions of a baitfish. This lure’s compact profile and vibrant “Slick Firetiger” color pattern make it an enticing target for a variety of predatory game fish. It boasts a weight transfer system to enhance casting distance and sharp Fusion19 hooks for solid hooksets.
For years, I’ve relied on crankbaits to locate and trigger strikes from walleye and other predators, especially in murky or stained water. My go-to lures were starting to feel stale, and I needed something with a different action and profile to entice finicky fish. I was particularly drawn to the Flicker Shad’s reputation for replicating a natural baitfish movement.
The initial impression was positive; the lure felt well-constructed, and the finish was eye-catching. The size seemed perfect for imitating the prevalent forage in my local waters. It felt comparable in size and action to my existing Rapala Shad Raps and Strike King KVD Deep Diver crankbaits, but the Berkley’s color pattern offered something uniquely attractive.
I ultimately chose this lure over others because of Berkley’s proven track record of producing effective fishing gear. The “Slick Firetiger” color specifically caught my eye as it provides a highly visible target in various water clarities. I was cautiously optimistic; the hype around this lure was substantial, but I’ve been burned before by lures that looked great but didn’t deliver on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804 on a local reservoir known for its walleye and largemouth bass population. The reservoir had a moderate stain to the water due to recent rainfall. I targeted areas near submerged timber and rocky drop-offs in the 10-14 foot depth range, perfect for the lure’s intended diving depth.
The lure performed well in these conditions, maintaining its action even when bumping into submerged cover. The Slick Firetiger color was easy to track in the stained water. My initial retrieval speed was too fast, and I wasn’t getting strikes, but slowing down and adding pauses to the retrieve triggered several aggressive takes from walleye.
The castability was immediately noticeable; the weight transfer system allowed for impressively long and accurate casts, even in a slight headwind. I was initially surprised by how quickly the lure reached its target depth, allowing me to cover more water efficiently. There were no immediate issues, but I noticed the hooks seemed slightly smaller than those on comparable crankbaits.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804 has become a reliable tool in my crankbait arsenal. The lure has proven durable; the paint finish has held up well against rocks and timber, with only minor scratches. The hooks, while initially smaller than expected, have proven sharp and effective at hooking and holding fish.
Maintenance is simple; a quick rinse with fresh water after each trip has kept the lure in good condition. The split rings and hook hangers have shown no signs of rust or corrosion. Compared to other crankbaits I’ve used, the Flicker Shad’s ability to maintain its action at slower speeds sets it apart.
Breaking Down the Features of Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804
Specifications
- The Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804 features a bait length of 2 3/4 inches (7cm), making it a versatile size for targeting various game fish. This length is ideal for imitating common baitfish species.
- It’s designed to dive to a swimming depth of 11 to 13 feet, allowing anglers to effectively target fish holding in deeper water columns. This depth range makes it suitable for trolling or casting in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
- The lure is equipped with two sharp Fusion19 hooks, ensuring a high hook-up ratio and secure hold on the fish. The quality of the hooks is critical for landing fish, especially when using a crankbait where the fish often swipe at the lure.
- It weighs 5/16 oz, providing a good balance between castability and swimming action. This weight is light enough to maintain a natural presentation but heavy enough to achieve decent casting distance.
- Each package contains one lure, ready to fish right out of the package. The individual packaging ensures that the lure arrives in perfect condition.
- The color is Slick Firetiger, a vibrant pattern known for its effectiveness in various water conditions, particularly stained or murky water. This color combination includes bright greens, yellows, and oranges, making it highly visible to fish.
- The lure is packaged in a plastic clam/blister pack, offering protection during shipping and storage. This type of packaging is common for individual lures.
Performance & Functionality
The Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804 performs exceptionally well at its intended job of imitating a fleeing baitfish and triggering strikes. The erratic “flicker” action, combined with the vibrant color, proves highly effective in attracting predatory fish. It’s a solid performer.
The primary strength of this lure is its ability to maintain its action at a wide range of speeds, from slow trolling to moderately fast retrieves. One potential area for improvement would be slightly larger hooks to increase the hook-up ratio on larger fish. The lure meets and slightly exceeds my expectations for a mid-depth crankbait.
Design & Ergonomics
The lure’s design is well-thought-out, with a realistic shad profile and a strategically placed bill that generates the distinctive “flicker” action. The build quality is excellent, with durable materials and a chip-resistant paint finish. Its weight is appropriate.
The lure is user-friendly, requiring no special adjustments or modifications before use. The integrated weight transfer system makes casting easy and accurate. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804 is built to withstand the rigors of fishing, with durable construction and quality components. With proper care, it should last for multiple seasons of fishing.
Maintenance is straightforward; rinsing with fresh water after use and occasionally lubricating the split rings will keep the lure in optimal condition. Replacing the hooks as they become dull is also recommended. It is easily maintained.
Accessories and Customization Options
The lure comes ready to fish straight out of the package, with no additional accessories required. While there are no specific customization options offered by Berkley, anglers can easily swap out the hooks for different sizes or styles to suit their preferences.
The lure is compatible with a variety of aftermarket hooks and split rings from brands like Owner, Gamakatsu, and Mustad. Some anglers may choose to add split-ring pliers to their tackle box for easier hook changes. The ease of customization is valuable.
Pros and Cons of Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804
Pros
- Effective “Flicker” Action: Mimics a fleeing baitfish, attracting a variety of predatory fish.
- Versatile Depth Range: Dives to 11-13 feet, ideal for targeting fish in mid-depth water columns.
- Excellent Castability: Weight transfer system allows for long and accurate casts.
- Durable Construction: Quality materials and a chip-resistant paint finish ensure longevity.
- Vibrant “Slick Firetiger” Color: Highly visible in various water conditions, especially stained or murky water.
Cons
- Smaller Hooks: The included hooks might be considered small for larger game fish and swapping them out is recommended.
- Individual Packaging: Only one lure per package is available which can be inconvenient if lost and multiple units are needed.
Who Should Buy Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804?
The Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804 is perfect for anglers targeting walleye, bass, and other predatory fish in mid-depth waters. It is a great choice for both experienced anglers and beginners looking for a versatile and effective crankbait. It excels in stained or murky water.
This lure might not be the best choice for anglers primarily fishing in very shallow or very deep water, as its diving depth is limited to 11-13 feet. Also, if you are fishing in clear water, there may be better color choices available. It is not well suited for clear water situations.
A must-have accessory for this lure is a quality set of split-ring pliers for easy hook changes. Additionally, anglers may want to experiment with different hook sizes and styles to optimize the lure for specific fishing conditions and target species. The pliers are a necessity.
Conclusion on Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804
The Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804 is a highly effective and versatile crankbait that delivers on its promises. Its realistic action, durable construction, and vibrant color make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box. At $5.99, the price is more than justified for the performance and quality this lure offers.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Berkley FFSH7M-SLFT FLCKR SHAD 7CM SLICK FRTGR 1316804 to any angler looking to increase their success with crankbaits. Don’t hesitate to add this lure to your arsenal and experience the difference it can make on the water. Go ahead and try it!