Let’s Talk About Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig
The Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig is a staple in many anglers’ tackle boxes, and for good reason. Made by Strike King, this jig is designed to excel in deep water and around rocky bottoms, providing a reliable presentation that entices bass to strike. I was looking for a dependable jig that could handle the rigors of fishing around submerged structure and consistently deliver results.
I first encountered the Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig while searching for a versatile jig that could navigate rocky lakebeds with minimal snagging. The football head design and the promise of a premium Gamakatsu hook caught my eye, suggesting a combination of finesse and power. Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the paint job and the sturdy feel of the jig. The skirt was full, and the hook point was incredibly sharp.
I’ve used similar football jigs from Strike King and other brands like Zoom and Berkley. I chose the Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig because of its reputation for durability and the specific black and blue color pattern, which is known to be effective in various water conditions. My initial excitement was high, hoping this jig would become a go-to option for targeting bass in deep water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig at Lake Fork, a renowned bass fishing destination with plenty of submerged timber and rocky ledges. The jig was used in depths ranging from 10 to 20 feet, targeting areas where bass were known to congregate. I experienced a mix of sunny and partly cloudy conditions on my initial testing day.
The Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig performed admirably. Its football-shaped head allowed it to crawl over rocks and debris without getting hung up, providing a natural presentation. The jig was surprisingly easy to use, even for a beginner. I didn’t experience any immediate issues, but I did notice the paint chipping slightly after bouncing it off several rocks.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig has proven to be a reliable addition to my tackle. While the paint continues to chip with use, the overall structural integrity of the jig remains intact. Maintenance involves rinsing the jig with fresh water after each use to prevent corrosion.
Compared to other jigs I’ve used, the Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig stands out for its ability to navigate rocky terrain with minimal snagging. The durability of the hook is also noteworthy, maintaining its sharpness even after multiple hooksets.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig
Specifications
- The Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig features a wide, football-shaped head that provides a superior feel and helps the jig stand up on the bottom. This design allows it to crawl over rocks and other structure with minimal snagging.
- It is equipped with an extra-sharp Gamakatsu 60° round bend hook. This Gamakatsu hook is known for its excellent penetration and holding power, ensuring solid hooksets.
- The jig also has a flat eye line tie, designed to keep the line, knot, and jig in the proper position. This flat eye line tie is important for maintaining direct contact with the jig and detecting subtle strikes.
- The Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig features durable powder-coated paint. This powder-coated paint provides a layer of protection against chipping and fading, extending the life of the jig.
- It features color-coordinated weed guards. These color-coordinated weed guards help prevent snags in heavy cover while maintaining a natural presentation.
- The jig also features premium skirts for a lifelike look and action. These premium skirts add to the jig’s overall attractiveness, enticing bass to strike.
- The jig is available in a 3/8-ounce size. This 3/8-ounce weight is versatile for a variety of depths and fishing conditions.
These specifications contribute to the overall performance and user experience by providing a jig that is both effective and durable.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig performs exceptionally well in deep water and around rocky bottoms. Its design allows it to effectively target bass in these challenging environments. The jig’s strengths lie in its ability to resist snagging and its reliable hooksets.
One potential improvement would be a more durable paint finish to withstand constant contact with rocks and structure. Despite this minor drawback, the jig meets and often exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig is commendable. The materials used are durable, and the weight is well-balanced, making it comfortable to fish with for extended periods. There is minimal learning curve. The jig is easy to use.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig should last for multiple fishing seasons. The jig is easy to clean and maintain. Rinse with fresh water after each use. Replacing the skirt is also possible, extending the jig’s lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The jig does not come with any specific accessories. However, anglers can customize it by adding trailers to the hook to create different presentations. The jig is compatible with popular trailer brands.
Pros and Cons of Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig
Pros
- Excellent Hooksets: The Gamakatsu hook ensures solid hooksets, increasing the chances of landing fish.
- Snag Resistance: The football-shaped head allows the jig to navigate rocky bottoms with minimal snagging.
- Effective Color Pattern: The black and blue color is proven to be effective in various water conditions.
- Durable Construction: The jig is built to withstand the rigors of fishing in heavy cover.
- Versatile Weight: The 3/8-ounce weight is suitable for a variety of depths and fishing conditions.
Cons
- The powder-coated paint finish is not as durable as some other jigs on the market and is prone to chipping.
- Some anglers may prefer a different style of weed guard.
This weed guard could be too stiff for some situations.Who Should Buy Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig?
The Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig is perfect for anglers targeting bass in deep water and around rocky structure. This Strike King jig is also ideal for those looking for a reliable and versatile jig. Anglers who frequently fish in areas with heavy vegetation may want to consider a jig with a more robust weed guard.
A must-have accessory is a selection of trailers to customize the presentation and match the hatch.
Conclusion on Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig
The Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig is a well-designed and effective lure that delivers consistent results in challenging fishing environments. At its price point, it offers excellent value for money. I would definitely recommend it to anglers looking for a reliable jig for targeting bass in deep water and around rocky structure.
Grab a few Strike King Tour Grade Black Blue Football Jig and hit the water – you won’t be disappointed!