First Impressions of Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending
Every serious angler understands the importance of a twitchbait in their arsenal. The Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending promises to be a game-changer, blending old-world craftsmanship with modern technology to deliver a lure that’s both effective and durable. I was eager to test this lure and see if it lives up to the hype, especially considering my past experiences with twitchbaits that either didn’t cast well or lacked the right action.
For years, I’ve been searching for the perfect twitchbait. I needed a lure that could not only attract fish with its action but also withstand the rigors of constant casting and the occasional run-in with submerged structure. I was tired of lures with poor casting distance and those that wouldn’t hold their finish after a few good hits.
Upon unboxing the Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending, I was immediately impressed with the finish and construction. The lure felt solid in my hand, and the 3D eyes added a realistic touch. The color pattern I chose, the “Hot Perch,” was vibrant and promised to be highly visible in murky waters.
I’ve used similar twitchbaits like the Rapala X-Rap and the Lucky Craft Pointer 100, but they both had shortcomings. The X-Rap’s hooks would sometimes bend too easily, and the Pointer 100 was rather expensive and hard to replace. The Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending looked like it could provide a better balance of quality and value.
My initial impression was one of excitement. The Salmo bait looked like a high-quality piece of equipment, and I couldn’t wait to see how it performed on the water. I felt that it would have what it takes to be an excellent addition to my tackle box.
Real-World Testing: Putting Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending was on a local lake known for its healthy population of bass and walleye. I fished from my kayak, targeting weed beds and submerged timber. The weather was overcast, with a slight chop on the water.
The lure cast surprisingly well, thanks to what Salmo calls its integrated long cast system. Even with its relatively light 2/5 oz. weight, I could easily reach the edges of the weed beds. The action was also immediately appealing. A light twitch produced subtle direction changes, while a more aggressive retrieve gave it that enticing wounded action the description promised.
After about an hour of fishing, I landed a nice 2-pound largemouth bass that absolutely hammered the Salmo bait near a fallen tree. The hooks held firm, and the lure showed no signs of damage. I encountered no issues during this initial outing; the lure performed flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending has proven to be a reliable and durable lure. I’ve used it in various conditions, from clear, sunny days to murky, rainy afternoons, and it has consistently produced results. The finish has held up remarkably well, even after numerous encounters with rocks and submerged timber.
I’ve noticed only minor scratches on the finish, which is expected with any lure. The Mustad KVD hooks remain sharp and strong, showing no signs of bending or corrosion. Cleaning the lure is simple; a quick rinse with fresh water is usually all it takes to keep it in top condition.
Compared to some of my other twitchbaits, the Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending definitely outperforms in terms of casting distance and durability. It might not have the exact same finesse action as some high-end Japanese lures, but for its price point, it’s an excellent performer. I can say that it has certainly exceeded my expectations for durability and fish-catching ability.
Breaking Down the Features of Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending
Specifications
The Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending boasts some impressive specifications that contribute to its overall performance:
- Length: 3 1/2 inches (9 cm): The ideal size for attracting a variety of predatory fish.
- Weight: 2/5 oz (11 g): Allows for decent casting distance while maintaining a natural presentation.
- Type: Suspending Twitchbait: Stays at a consistent depth during pauses, enticing strikes.
- Running Depth: 1 m – 2 m (3.3 ft – 6.6 ft): Perfect for targeting fish in shallow to mid-depth waters.
- Hooks: Mustad KVD: Known for their sharpness and strength.
- Split Rings: Stainless Steel: Corrosion-resistant and durable.
- Construction: Hand-Crafted: Ensuring quality and attention to detail.
- Rattle Chamber: Internal: Creates sound to attract fish.
- Long Cast System: Integrated: Improves casting distance.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the lure’s effectiveness and usability. The size and weight determine how far you can cast and what size fish you can target. The suspending action is critical for enticing strikes during pauses, and the quality of the hooks and split rings ensures that you can land your catch without equipment failure.
Performance & Functionality
The Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending excels at its primary job: catching fish. The action is incredibly versatile. You can use a subtle twitch to create a more natural, finesse presentation, or you can rip it aggressively to imitate a wounded baitfish.
One of its strengths is its ability to suspend perfectly in the water column. This allows it to stay in the strike zone longer, increasing the chances of a bite. A weakness, if any, would be that it may not have the ultra-realistic action of some higher-priced, high-end lures, but its effectiveness more than compensates for this. It definitely meets and, in some cases, exceeds expectations, especially considering its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending features a streamlined design that contributes to its excellent casting performance. The build quality is evident in the attention to detail. The lure feels solid in hand, and the color patterns are both attractive and durable.
It’s a user-friendly lure with virtually no learning curve. Even a novice angler can effectively fish it with a simple twitch-and-pause retrieve. Its realistic appearance and enticing action make it a valuable addition to any tackle box.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending is built to last. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure that it can withstand the rigors of regular use. With proper care, it should provide many seasons of reliable performance.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply rinsing it with fresh water after each use will help prevent corrosion and maintain its appearance. The hooks may need occasional sharpening, but that’s standard practice for any lure.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending comes ready to fish right out of the box. It features high-quality Mustad KVD hooks and stainless-steel split rings, so there’s no need for immediate upgrades. However, like any lure, there are customization options available.
You could replace the hooks with different sizes or styles to suit specific fishing conditions or target species. Adding weight strips or dots can also slightly alter the lure’s suspending behavior. It’s worth checking that any changes will not alter the lures intended performance
Pros and Cons of Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending
Pros
- Excellent Casting Distance: The integrated long cast system allows for easy and accurate casts, even in windy conditions.
- Versatile Action: Can be fished with a variety of retrieves to entice strikes from different fish species.
- Durable Construction: High-quality materials and construction ensure long-lasting performance.
- Effective Suspending Action: Stays in the strike zone longer, increasing the chances of a bite.
- Affordable Price: Offers great value for the money compared to other similar lures.
Cons
- Lacks some of the ultra-realistic action found in higher-priced lures.
- Limited color options compared to some competitors.
Who Should Buy Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending?
The Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending is perfect for:
- Bass anglers looking for a versatile and durable twitchbait.
- Walleye fishermen who need a lure that can effectively target fish in shallow to mid-depth waters.
- Anyone looking for a high-quality lure at an affordable price.
This lure might not be ideal for anglers who:
- Primarily fish in very deep water (deeper than 6-7 feet).
- Require ultra-realistic lures with intricate details.
A must-have accessory for this lure is a quality fluorocarbon leader, which will help improve its presentation and reduce line visibility. A good pair of polarized sunglasses is also essential for spotting fish and underwater structure.
Conclusion on Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending
The Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending is an excellent addition to any angler’s tackle box. It offers a compelling combination of performance, durability, and value. The price is definitely justified.
I would personally recommend this lure to anyone looking for a reliable and effective twitchbait. It’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced anglers alike. Grab a Salmo Rattlinft Sting 9 3-1/2in, 2/5oz, Suspending and experience the difference it can make in your fishing success. Don’t let another fishing trip go by without giving this lure a try!