Let’s Talk About Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig
The Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig is a lure designed to entice bass lurking in deep water. From Strike King, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation in the fishing world, this jig promises to deliver a superior feel and stand-up presentation on the lake bottom. Its key features include a wide football-shaped head, a sharp Gamakatsu hook, and a durable, lifelike skirt, all meticulously crafted to attract big bass.
I was searching for a jig that could consistently trigger strikes in deep, structure-rich environments. Many times, I’ve been skunked fishing shallow when I knew big bass were holding deep, relating to structure, but I lacked the confidence in my presentation. I needed a lure that would not only get down quickly but also maintain a tantalizing action to entice lethargic fish.
Upon unboxing, the Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig immediately impressed me with its solid construction and attention to detail. The powder-coated paint job felt incredibly durable, and the skirt had a vibrant, lifelike appearance. The Gamakatsu hook was wickedly sharp, instilling confidence in its ability to penetrate and hold. Compared to other jigs I’ve used, like the Strike King KVD Football Jig and the Berkley PowerBait Football Jig, the Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig seemed to have a better balance and a more refined skirt design.
Initially, I was excited to try the Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig. This jig seems perfectly suited for targeting those elusive, deep-water bass that other lures often fail to reach. I was eager to see how its design translated to real-world performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig on a reservoir known for its deep structure and clear water, Lake Fork in East Texas. I fished it along submerged ledges and rocky points in depths ranging from 15 to 25 feet. Despite a slight breeze, the jig tracked well and maintained bottom contact.
The jig performed admirably even in these slightly windy conditions. There were no immediate issues. The Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig required minimal effort to get a feel for the bottom and detect subtle strikes. The flat eye line tie kept the line perfectly aligned, which helped in feeling every bump and rock.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig has proven to be a reliable and durable lure. The powder-coated paint has held up remarkably well, showing only minor signs of wear despite repeated contact with rocks and other underwater structures. The skirt has retained its color and lifelike action.
Despite consistent use, there are no tears or fades in the skirt. Maintenance is simple: just rinse it with fresh water after each use and occasionally check the hook point. Compared to other football jigs I’ve used in the past, this jig has significantly outperformed them in terms of durability and strike conversion. The Gamakatsu hook remains sharp, and the jig continues to trigger strikes consistently.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Strike King. Renowned for high-quality and innovative fishing tackle.
- Color: Black Blue. A proven color combination effective in various water conditions.
- Quantity: 1. Each package contains one jig.
- Wide Football Shaped Head. Designed for superior feel and stand-up presentation on the bottom.
- Flat Eye Line Tie. Helps maintain proper line and jig position.
- Extra-Sharp Gamakatsu 60 Degree Round Bend Hook. Promotes solid hook sets.
- Durable Powder-Coated Paint Job. Provides long-lasting protection and realistic appearance.
- Color-Coordinated Weedguard. Prevents snags in heavy cover.
- Premium Skirt. Offers a lifelike look and action.
These specifications directly contribute to the Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig’s effectiveness. The football head allows the jig to crawl over rocks and timber without getting snagged, while the sharp hook ensures a high hook-up ratio. The color and skirt design work together to create a visually appealing presentation that triggers strikes from wary bass.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig excels at its primary function: catching bass in deep water. Its design allows it to maintain bottom contact, even in windy conditions, and its weedguard effectively prevents snags in heavy cover. The jig’s stand-up presentation is particularly effective at enticing strikes from bass holding tight to structure.
One potential weakness is that the weedguard can occasionally interfere with hook sets if it’s not properly adjusted. The stand-up presentation is excellent though, and it definitely increases strikes in deep water. The Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig meets and often exceeds expectations, consistently delivering quality performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig features a well-balanced design that is comfortable to fish for extended periods. The materials used are of high quality, contributing to its overall durability and lifelike appearance. The Gamakatsu hook is one of the best on the market.
The ergonomic design of the jig, with its balanced weight and streamlined profile, makes it easy to cast and retrieve. A slight learning curve may be associated with adjusting the weedguard for optimal performance. However, overall, it is very user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig should last for many fishing trips. The durable powder-coated paint and quality components ensure long-term reliability. Occasional hook sharpening and skirt replacement may be necessary.
The Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig is easy to maintain. Just rinse the mud off and store it properly. Simple rinsing keeps the skirt flexible and the hook rust free.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig doesn’t come with any additional accessories in the package. However, anglers can customize it with various trailers, such as craws, grubs, or creature baits. These can add extra bulk and action to the presentation.
It’s compatible with most standard jig trailers from Strike King, Zoom, and other popular brands. You can add rattles for extra vibration or use different skirt colors to match the forage in your local waters.
Pros and Cons of Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig
Pros
- Superior Feel: The football head provides excellent bottom contact and sensitivity.
- Sharp Gamakatsu Hook: Ensures solid hook sets and reduces missed fish.
- Durable Construction: The powder-coated paint and quality components withstand abuse.
- Lifelike Presentation: The premium skirt and color scheme entice strikes from wary bass.
- Versatile Application: Effective in various deep-water scenarios.
Cons
- Weedguard Adjustment: May require slight adjustment for optimal hook sets.
- Price: At $3.01, it’s a decent price for a single jig, but can add up quickly with multiple colors/sizes.
Who Should Buy Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig?
The Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig is perfect for experienced anglers targeting deep-water bass or those looking to improve their deep structure fishing game. Tournament anglers, as well as weekend warriors, will find this jig to be a valuable addition to their tackle box. It’s suitable for various skill levels with slight adjustments.
Beginner anglers might find it challenging to master the intricacies of fishing a football jig. However, the jig’s ease of use and consistent performance make it a worthwhile investment. Someone should skip this if they primarily fish shallow water or areas with very dense vegetation.
Must-have accessories include a selection of trailers in different colors and profiles to match the prevailing conditions. A quality fluorocarbon line is also recommended for increased sensitivity and abrasion resistance.
Conclusion on Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig
The Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig is a well-designed and durable lure that delivers consistent performance in deep-water scenarios. Its superior feel, sharp hook, and lifelike presentation make it a valuable tool for any serious bass angler. The $3.01 price is justified by its quality components and effectiveness.
I would definitely recommend the Strike King Tour Grade Football Black Blue Jig to anyone looking to improve their deep-water bass fishing success. Give it a try and see what you can catch!