Let’s Talk About Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade
The Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade isn’t just another jig head; it’s a meticulously crafted piece of angling innovation from Strike King. Designed to breathe new life into your favorite soft plastics, this little lure promises to add flash and vibration, triggering strikes from even the most finicky fish. This innovative design incorporates a willow blade and a weighted keel, promising a weedless presentation with exceptional action.
My search for the perfect lure modification stemmed from countless frustrating days on the water. I needed a way to add extra flash and thump to my swimbaits without sacrificing weedlessness or dealing with line twist. I had high hopes that the Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade would be the solution.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the robust construction of the jig head. The black nickel hook felt incredibly sharp, and the screw-lock keeper seemed like it would securely hold my soft plastics. The Raz-R-Blade willow blade was smaller than I initially expected, but the swivel felt smooth and well-made.
Compared to similar products like the Owner Flashy Swimmer or the Gambler EZ Swimmer, the Strike King offering stood out due to its streamlined design and integrated screw-lock keeper. I chose this one hoping it would offer a better weedless presentation and minimize line twist. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to see how this little jig head would perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade took place on a local reservoir known for its heavy vegetation and clear water. I paired it with a 4-inch swimbait and targeted submerged weed lines. The water temperature was in the low 60s, and there was a slight breeze.
The lure performed admirably in the weedy conditions. The weighted keel kept the bait running upright, and the willow blade added a subtle flash that seemed to entice the bass. There were no issues with line twist, and the screw-lock keeper held the swimbait securely in place.
Initially, I had some difficulty getting the retrieve speed just right. If I reeled too fast, the bait would ride too high in the water column; too slow, and it would bog down in the weeds. After a few adjustments, I found the sweet spot and started getting bites.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use in various conditions, the Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade has proven to be a reliable addition to my tackle box. The jig heads have held up well to repeated casts and battles with bass. The finish on the blade is starting to show some wear, but the swivel remains smooth and functional.
There have been no issues with the screw-lock keeper failing or the hook bending out. The black nickel finish on the hook is still sharp, and I’ve had a high hookup ratio. Cleaning is simple; I just rinse them off with fresh water after each use.
Compared to my previous experiences with bladed jigs, the Strike King Belly Blade offers a more subtle presentation and a more weedless design. It doesn’t have the same aggressive thump as a traditional bladed jig, but it excels in clear water and around vegetation. It has definitely earned a place in my regular rotation.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade
Specifications
- The Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade weighs 0.38 oz, providing a good balance between castability and depth control. This weight is versatile enough for various swimbait sizes and fishing conditions.
- It features a 3/0 hook size, offering a good compromise between hookset power and bait presentation. The Manufacturer is Strike King.
- The unpainted finish allows anglers to customize the lure to match local forage and water conditions. This is particularly useful in clear water where a natural presentation is key.
- The Raz-R-Blade willow blade adds flash and vibration to attract fish. The blade size is perfectly matched to the jig head size, creating a balanced presentation.
- A stainless steel corkscrew keeper securely holds soft plastic baits. This eliminates the need for glue and prevents baits from sliding down the hook shank.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the lure’s performance and effectiveness. The weight determines how deep the lure runs and how far it can be cast, while the hook size determines how well it penetrates a fish’s mouth. The unpainted finish and blade design allow anglers to fine-tune the lure’s presentation to match the specific conditions they are fishing in.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade excels at adding flash and vibration to soft plastic swimbaits without sacrificing weedlessness. Its weighted keel keeps the bait running upright, even at high speeds, and the Raz-R-Blade willow blade creates a subtle but effective flash that attracts fish. The ball-bearing swivel ensures that the blade spins freely and prevents line twist.
One potential weakness is that the willow blade may not be as effective in murky water where a more aggressive vibration is needed. However, in clear water and around vegetation, it performs exceptionally well. It definitely meets my expectations for a weedless swimbait modification.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade is excellent. The materials used are durable and corrosion-resistant, and the jig head is well-balanced. The screw-lock keeper is easy to use and holds baits securely.
The jig head is lightweight and comfortable to fish with. The streamlined design reduces drag and allows for long casts. There is a slight learning curve to find the optimal retrieve speed.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade should last for many fishing trips. The black nickel hook is corrosion-resistant, and the stainless steel swivel is built to withstand the rigors of fishing. The finish on the blade may eventually wear off, but this does not affect its performance.
Maintenance is simple; just rinse the jig head with fresh water after each use. Periodically check the screw-lock keeper for damage and replace it if necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade does not come with any accessories. However, it is highly customizable. Anglers can pair it with a wide variety of soft plastic swimbaits to create different presentations. The unpainted finish allows for custom painting or the use of markers to match local forage.
The jig head is compatible with most standard soft plastic baits, including swimbaits, flukes, and creature baits. Anglers can also add rattles or scent attractants to further enhance its appeal.
Pros and Cons of Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade
Pros
- Adds flash and vibration to soft plastic swimbaits.
- Weighted keel keeps bait running upright and weedless.
- Screw-lock keeper secures baits without glue.
- High-quality components for durability.
- Unpainted finish allows for customization.
Cons
- Willow blade may not be effective in murky water.
- Slight learning curve to find optimal retrieve speed.
Who Should Buy Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade?
The Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade is perfect for anglers who fish clear water and around vegetation. It’s also a great choice for those who want to add a subtle flash and vibration to their soft plastic swimbaits. Pro anglers looking for a competitive edge and casual anglers seeking to improve their catch rates will both benefit.
Anglers who primarily fish murky water or who prefer a more aggressive vibration may want to skip this product. Those who prefer traditional bladed jigs or spinnerbaits may also not find it to their liking.
A must-have accessory is a selection of high-quality soft plastic swimbaits in various colors and sizes. Anglers may also want to consider adding rattles or scent attractants.
Conclusion on Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade
The Strike King 3/8 oz Tour Grade Belly Blade is a well-designed and effective lure modification that adds a new dimension to soft plastic swimbait fishing. It’s weedless, versatile, and built to last. At a price of $3.56, the value proposition is excellent.
I would personally recommend it to any angler looking to improve their clear-water swimbait presentation. Its ability to attract fish without sacrificing weedlessness makes it a valuable addition to any tackle box. Go ahead and give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!