Let’s Talk About Berkley FFMN9D-SLGA FLCKR MNW DP 9CM SLICKGRNAW 1341424
The Berkley FFMN9D-SLGA FLCKR MNW DP 9CM SLICKGRNAW 1341424, a mouthful to say but hopefully a tasty treat for the fish, is Berkley’s offering in the deep-diving minnow category. Designed to mimic the appearance and action of a fleeing baitfish, this lure aims to trigger strikes from predatory species lurking in deeper waters. Its purpose-built design and attractive color scheme, Slick Green Alewife, are intended to make it irresistible to walleye, bass, and other game fish.
I’ve been searching for a reliable deep-diving lure for trolling in the Great Lakes. I needed something that could consistently reach depths of 20+ feet without requiring excessive weight or specialized tackle. The Berkley Flicker Minnow’s advertised dive curve of 18′-23′ immediately caught my attention.
The packaging is standard blister pack, nothing fancy, but it keeps the lure secure. The lure itself looks well-made, with a realistic profile and vibrant color pattern. The included Fusion19 hooks are impressively sharp straight out of the package.
Compared to other deep-diving minnows I’ve used, like the Rapala Deep Tail Dancer and the Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow Deep Diver, the Berkley stands out with its aggressive wiggle and deep-diving bill. I chose the Berkley hoping for a combination of action and depth that would trigger more strikes.
My first impression was excitement – the lure looks great and feels solid. If its action in the water matches its appearance, it should be a winner.
Real-World Testing: Putting Berkley FFMN9D-SLGA FLCKR MNW DP 9CM SLICKGRNAW 1341424 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Berkley FFMN9D-SLGA FLCKR MNW DP 9CM SLICKGRNAW 1341424 on Lake Erie, trolling behind my boat at speeds ranging from 1.8 to 2.5 mph. The water was slightly choppy, with moderate wind, and the lure was fished in depths between 20 and 25 feet. The water temperature was around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lure performed admirably in these conditions, diving quickly to the desired depth and maintaining a consistent, tight wobble. It tracked straight and true, even at slightly higher speeds. I did not have to make any adjustments or add any weight to achieve the target depth.
The Flicker Minnow was easy to use right out of the package, requiring no tuning or modifications. I simply tied it on, let out the appropriate amount of line, and started trolling. I quickly gained confidence in its ability to reach and stay at the target depth.
Initially, I was a little concerned about the size of the hooks, as they seemed slightly small for larger walleye. This proved unfounded as the hookup ratio was excellent, with the Fusion19 hooks providing solid hooksets.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Berkley Flicker Minnow has held up remarkably well. The finish is surprisingly durable, showing only minor scratches from contact with rocks and zebra mussels. The bill is still firmly attached and shows no signs of cracking or weakening.
There is minimal wear and tear after repeated use. The lure still runs true and maintains its diving depth. The hooks have remained sharp, requiring only occasional touch-ups with a file.
The lure is simple to maintain: a quick rinse with fresh water after each use is usually sufficient. Occasionally, I’ll use a soft brush to remove any stubborn grime. The split rings and swivel are corrosion-resistant and have not required any special attention.
Compared to other lures I’ve used, the Berkley Flicker Minnow outperforms many in terms of durability and consistent action. Some other minnow lures I’ve used start to lose their effectiveness after a few weeks of use, either due to damage or a change in their running characteristics. The Berkley remains consistent, cast after cast.
Breaking Down the Features of Berkley FFMN9D-SLGA FLCKR MNW DP 9CM SLICKGRNAW 1341424
Specifications
- Bait Length: 3 1/2″ (9 cm). This size is ideal for mimicking common baitfish species that walleye and bass prey on.
- Swimming Depth: 18′ – 23′. This is its standout feature, allowing for effective trolling in deeper waters without additional weight.
- Number of Hooks: 2. Two treble hooks increase the odds of a solid hookup, even on short strikes.
- Color: Slick Green Alewife. This color pattern mimics a common baitfish and is known to be effective in a variety of water conditions.
- Quantity: Per 1. Each package contains one lure.
- Packaging: Plastic Clam/Blister. Standard, secure packaging.
- Pro designed: The lure’s design comes from professional anglers. This gives confidence that it is optimized for catching fish.
- Minnow profile: The lure replicates a minnow to attract fish. Minnows are a favorite food for many species.
- Fusion19 hooks: The lure is equipped with high quality hooks. Having sharp, high-quality hooks increases catch rates.
These specifications are crucial for effective deep-water trolling. The lure’s length and profile mimic common baitfish, while the deep-diving capability allows anglers to target fish holding in deeper water columns. The Slick Green Alewife color is particularly effective in waters where alewives are a primary food source.
Performance & Functionality
The Berkley FFMN9D-SLGA FLCKR MNW DP 9CM SLICKGRNAW 1341424 excels at its intended job: attracting strikes from fish in deep water. Its aggressive wobble and realistic profile are highly effective at triggering bites. The lure’s tight action is particularly effective at mimicking a fleeing baitfish.
The lure’s strength is its ability to consistently reach its advertised diving depth. This allows for precise targeting of fish holding at specific depths. One area for improvement is the size of the hooks, they could be slightly larger for bigger fish, however the hookup ratio has been good.
The Flicker Minnow meets and, in some cases, exceeds expectations. Its consistent performance and durable construction make it a reliable choice for anglers targeting deep-water species.
Design & Ergonomics
The lure’s design is well thought out, with a realistic profile and attractive color pattern. The materials used appear to be high-quality, contributing to its overall durability. The lure’s weight is balanced and allows for a smooth, consistent action.
The lure is user-friendly and requires no special adjustments or modifications. Anyone with basic trolling experience can effectively use this lure.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Berkley Flicker Minnow should last for multiple seasons. Its durable construction and corrosion-resistant components contribute to its longevity.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward. A quick rinse with fresh water after each use is typically sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Berkley Flicker Minnow comes ready to fish straight out of the package and does not require any additional accessories. No customization options are offered, although anglers could replace the hooks with a different size or style if desired.
The lure is compatible with standard trolling gear, including planer boards, downriggers, and lead core line. You can easily adapt it to suit various trolling techniques and conditions.
Pros and Cons of Berkley FFMN9D-SLGA FLCKR MNW DP 9CM SLICKGRNAW 1341424
Pros
- Consistent deep-diving performance.
- Durable construction.
- Effective color pattern (Slick Green Alewife).
- Fusion19 hooks provide excellent hooksets.
- Easy to use, no tuning required.
Cons
- Hooks could be slightly larger for bigger fish.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Berkley FFMN9D-SLGA FLCKR MNW DP 9CM SLICKGRNAW 1341424?
The Berkley FFMN9D-SLGA FLCKR MNW DP 9CM SLICKGRNAW 1341424 is perfect for anglers targeting walleye, bass, and other game fish in deep water. It is ideally suited for trolling applications in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. This lure is a must-have for any angler who trolls deep structure, drop-offs, or open water where fish tend to hold.
Those who primarily fish in shallow water or prefer casting techniques might not find this lure as useful. If you’re looking for a lure with more customization options, this might not be the best choice.
Consider using planer boards to spread out your trolling spread and cover more water. Adding a small swivel a few feet ahead of the lure can help prevent line twist.
Conclusion on Berkley FFMN9D-SLGA FLCKR MNW DP 9CM SLICKGRNAW 1341424
Overall, the Berkley FFMN9D-SLGA FLCKR MNW DP 9CM SLICKGRNAW 1341424 is a solid, reliable deep-diving minnow lure that delivers consistent performance. Its durable construction, effective color pattern, and sharp hooks make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box.
The price of $6.99 is justified by the lure’s quality and effectiveness. It offers excellent value for the money.
I would definitely recommend this lure to anyone looking for a deep-diving minnow that can consistently reach its advertised depth and trigger strikes. Get yours today and start catching more fish!