First Impressions of Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating
The Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating is a lure designed to target fish holding deep in the water column. Marketed by Reef Runner as a go-to for walleye, salmon, and other predatory species, the Deep Diver 800 aims to get down to where the big fish are with its impressive 28-foot diving depth. The integrated rattle and vibrant color patterns also promise to attract attention in murky or low-light conditions.
I’d been struggling to consistently reach walleye suspended near the bottom of Lake Erie in the late summer. Jigs and weighted worms worked sometimes, but I wanted something that could cover more water and trigger reaction strikes. The Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating seemed like a good solution for trolling those deeper waters.
Out of the package, the lure looks well-constructed. The paint job is clean and durable, and the hooks feel sharp. It’s noticeably lightweight for a lure designed to dive so deep; the 5/8oz weight feels like it will depend on trolling speed to get it down.
Compared to a Rapala Deep Tail Dancer or a Bomber Deep Long A, the Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating has a more streamlined profile and a louder rattle. I picked the Reef Runner hoping its aggressive action and sound would draw in fish that might ignore the subtler offerings. Initial excitement was high – this lure looked ready to produce!
Real-World Testing: Putting Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating on a blustery day on Lake Erie. I was targeting walleye in 25-30 feet of water. The wind made boat control challenging, but the Reef Runner held its own.
The lure ran true out of the box, diving quickly and exhibiting a tight, aggressive wobble. However, achieving the stated 28ft diving depth required a slow trolling speed (around 1.8-2.0 mph) and using lead core line. I initially ran it on mono, and it didn’t reach the desired depth. No fish on the first outing, but the lure’s action was promising.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating has proven to be a consistent performer. The paint has held up remarkably well despite bouncing off rocks and zebra mussels on the bottom. I did notice the soft plastic tail can get chewed up by smaller fish like white perch, requiring occasional replacement.
Maintenance is simple. Just rinse it off after each use and occasionally check the hooks for sharpness. The Reef Runner has become a staple in my walleye trolling spread and has definitely outfished other deep-diving lures in certain situations, especially in stained water where the rattle really shines.
Breaking Down the Features of Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating
Specifications
- Lure Type: Jerkbait/Trolling Minnow. This design allows for both casting and trolling, providing versatility for different fishing scenarios.
- Tackle Weight: 5/8 oz. The relatively light weight requires proper line and speed management to achieve the desired diving depth.
- Running Depth: 28 ft. This is the key selling point, enabling anglers to reach deep-holding fish.
- Length: 6.19 in (6 3/16in). A substantial profile makes it visible and attractive to larger predatory fish.
- Buoyancy: Floating. This feature allows the lure to rise above snags when the retrieve is paused, reducing the risk of getting hung up.
- Lure Type: Cast and Retrieve. While designed for trolling, its profile allows the Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating to be successfully casted.
- Tail Material: Soft Plastic. The soft but tough tails are loaded with action, however, are often prone to damage by predatory fish.
- Hook Material: Gold Wire. The gold wire hook increases the odds that fish will be hooked.
Performance & Functionality
The Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating performs its primary function – diving deep and attracting fish – exceptionally well. The aggressive wobble and loud rattle create a presentation that walleye find irresistible, particularly in stained water or low-light conditions. While the diving depth is accurate, it requires precise speed control and line selection.
The lure’s strengths lie in its ability to quickly cover water at depth and its ability to trigger reaction strikes with its aggressive action and noise. The main weakness is the soft plastic tail, which can be prone to damage. It meets expectations as a reliable deep-diving trolling lure.
Design & Ergonomics
The lure’s design is focused on functionality. The streamlined body and diving bill are optimized for deep diving. The build quality is good; the paint is durable, and the hooks are sharp.
It is simple to use; just tie it on and start trolling. There’s minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating should last for multiple seasons. The paint job is surprisingly resistant to chipping and scratching. The soft plastic tail is the only part that may require replacement, but replacements are readily available.
Maintenance involves simply rinsing off the lure after each use and checking the hook sharpness.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, you can customize it by replacing the hooks with different sizes or styles. Replacing the split rings with heavier-duty ones can also be beneficial when targeting larger fish.
It’s compatible with most standard split rings and treble hooks available at tackle shops.
Pros and Cons of Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating
Pros
- Effective Deep Diving Action: Reaches the 28ft target depth with proper technique.
- Aggressive Rattle: Attracts fish in murky water or low light conditions.
- Durable Paint Finish: Holds up well against rocks and zebra mussels.
- Versatile: Can be trolled or casted, increasing its usability.
- Sharp Hooks: Ensures good hook-up ratios.
Cons
- Soft Plastic Tail: Prone to damage from smaller fish and requires occasional replacement.
- Depth Dependent on Speed & Line: Requires precise speed control and specialized line (lead core or copper) to achieve maximum diving depth.
Who Should Buy Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating?
The Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating is perfect for anglers targeting walleye, salmon, or other predatory fish in deep water. It’s also well-suited for trolling in stained or murky water where the rattle can help attract fish. Pro anglers who consistently fish deep water should consider this lure.
Beginner anglers who are new to trolling or those primarily fishing in shallow water should skip this product.
Must-have accessories include a line counter reel, lead core or copper line, and a GPS unit to monitor speed.
Conclusion on Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating
Overall, the Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating is a well-designed and effective deep-diving trolling lure. Its aggressive action and loud rattle make it a valuable addition to any angler’s arsenal, especially for targeting walleye in stained water. The $8.99 price is justified by its performance and durability.
I would definitely recommend it to anglers who are serious about deep-water trolling. Add a Reef Runner Deep Diver 800 Rattling Minnow, 28ft Diving Depth 6 3/16in, 5/8oz, Floating to your tackle box and get ready to catch some fish!