First Impressions of Googan Squad Drag n Drop Soft Bait
The Googan Squad Drag n Drop Soft Bait, designed in collaboration with Alex Peric, promises to be a finesse fishing game-changer. It’s marketed as a drop shot worm with a bait-fish profile, intended to entice bass even under pressure. I’m always looking for an edge when the fishing gets tough, and the Googan Squad name, with its bold marketing and youthful appeal, intrigued me. Could this seemingly simple lure live up to the hype?
My go-to finesse bait lately has been a slender, hand-poured worm, but its durability is lacking. I was hoping the Drag n Drop would offer similar enticing action with improved resilience. Other options I considered were the Zoom Finesse Worm and the Strike King KVD Dream Shot, both proven producers, but I wanted to see if the Googan Squad could outperform them. My initial excitement stemmed from the design; the bait-fish profile hinted at versatility beyond just drop-shotting.
Upon opening the package, the Drag n Drop felt supple and had a noticeable scent. The color was vibrant, and the bait-fish profile was distinct. I immediately noticed the eight baits per pack, which is fewer than some competitors offer at a similar price point. Overall, I was cautiously optimistic and eager to hit the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Googan Squad Drag n Drop Soft Bait to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Googan Squad Drag n Drop Soft Bait was on a local lake known for its clear water and pressured bass. I rigged it on a drop shot with a size 2 finesse hook and a 1/4 oz weight. I targeted submerged grass lines and rocky points in about 15 feet of water.
The Drag n Drop was easy to rig and presented well on the drop shot. The bait had a subtle shimmy on the fall, which I found appealing. Within the first hour, I landed two bass in the 2-3 pound range. However, the wind picked up, making boat control and strike detection more challenging. Even still, the lure was highly effective.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Googan Squad Drag n Drop Soft Bait, I’ve found it to be a consistently effective finesse option. The plastic holds up reasonably well to multiple fish catches, although it’s not as durable as some of the tougher, less flexible plastics on the market. The vibrant colors haven’t faded significantly, even after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Cleaning is simple, typically just requiring a quick rinse after use. Compared to my previous experience with the hand-poured worms, the Drag n Drop is a clear winner in terms of durability. While the action isn’t quite as subtle, the trade-off in longevity is worth it.
Breaking Down the Features of Googan Squad Drag n Drop Soft Bait
Specifications
The Googan Squad Drag n Drop Soft Bait measures approximately 4 inches in length and has a slender, bait-fish profile. Each pack contains eight baits. The lure type is categorized as a creature bait, indicating its versatility beyond just drop-shotting.
It is designed to be fished weedless, though the specific hook type isn’t included in the listed specifications. This is relevant because the shape and thickness of the Drag n Drop influence the hookset ratio. The Manufacturer is Googan Squad.
Performance & Functionality
The Drag n Drop excels as a drop shot bait, providing a subtle and enticing action that draws strikes from finicky bass. Its bait-fish profile also makes it effective on a shaky head or even weightless Texas-rigged. While it’s not the most durable bait on the market, its effectiveness outweighs this minor drawback.
The Drag n Drop meets my expectations for a versatile finesse bait. A minor improvement would be enhanced durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Drag n Drop features a streamlined design with a flattened belly and a slightly forked tail. This contributes to its realistic swimming action and easy rigging. The soft plastic provides good feedback, allowing anglers to detect subtle strikes.
The weight is negligible, as you would expect from a finesse worm. The baits are comfortable to handle.
Durability & Maintenance
While not indestructible, the Drag n Drop can typically withstand several fish catches before needing replacement. Storing the baits in their original packaging, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, will prolong their lifespan. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick rinse after use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Googan Squad Drag n Drop Soft Bait doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it pairs well with a variety of finesse hooks, drop shot weights, and shaky head jigs. Anglers can also experiment with different rigging techniques to tailor the presentation to specific conditions. Compatibility with various hooks, weights, and jigheads is high due to its versatile design.
Pros and Cons of Googan Squad Drag n Drop Soft Bait
Pros
- Realistic bait-fish profile that appeals to a wide range of bass.
- Versatile rigging options, including drop shot, shaky head, and weightless presentations.
- Effective action that generates strikes in clear water and pressured conditions.
- Vibrant colors that hold up well over time.
- Easy to rig and use, making it suitable for anglers of all skill levels.
Cons
- Relatively low quantity (8 baits per pack) compared to some competitors.
- Durability could be improved; the plastic can tear after multiple fish catches.
Who Should Buy Googan Squad Drag n Drop Soft Bait?
The Googan Squad Drag n Drop Soft Bait is perfect for anglers targeting bass in clear water or under heavy fishing pressure. It’s a great choice for finesse fishing techniques like drop-shotting, shaky head, and weightless presentations. Pro anglers and weekend warriors alike can benefit from this lure.
Beginners who are new to finesse fishing might find this lure easier to use than some other more specialized options. Anglers who primarily fish in heavy cover or murky water might not find the Drag n Drop as effective as other lure types. A good drop shot rod, finesse hooks, and a selection of drop shot weights are must-have accessories for effectively fishing the Drag n Drop.
Conclusion on Googan Squad Drag n Drop Soft Bait
The Googan Squad Drag n Drop Soft Bait is a solid addition to any finesse angler’s tackle box. Its realistic bait-fish profile, versatile rigging options, and effective action make it a reliable choice for enticing bass in challenging conditions. While the durability and quantity per pack could be improved, the overall performance justifies the price.
I would personally recommend the Drag n Drop to anglers looking for a versatile and effective finesse bait. The Googan Squad has delivered a lure that lives up to its marketing hype. If you’re seeking a reliable bait for clear water and pressured fish, give the Googan Squad Drag n Drop Soft Bait a try – you might just be surprised at how many fish it can catch!