First Impressions of Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper 600 Minnow, 21ft Diving Depth, 4 9/16in, 1/4oz, Floating
As a seasoned angler with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my share of lures, but something about the Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper 600 Minnow, 21ft Diving Depth, 4 9/16in, 1/4oz, Floating caught my eye. Crafted by Reef Runner, this minnow-style bait boasts a 21-foot diving depth, making it perfect for targeting those elusive bottom-dwelling predators. The promise of reaching those depths, coupled with its reputation as a top-performing attractant, had me eager to put it to the test.
My fishing buddy, Mark, had been consistently pulling walleye from 18-20 feet using crankbaits, and I was tired of being outfished. I needed a lure that could consistently reach those depths, present a realistic profile, and trigger strikes. The Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper seemed like the perfect solution.
Upon receiving the lure, I was immediately impressed by the build quality. The paint job was vibrant and lifelike, the hooks were sharp and sturdy, and the overall construction felt solid. It was noticeably lighter than some of my other deep-diving crankbaits, which made me wonder how it would perform.
Compared to a Berkley Flicker Shad or a Rapala Deep Tail Dancer, the Reef Runner has a slimmer profile and a more subtle action. I chose this particular lure because of its reputation for triggering strikes in clear water and its ability to maintain its action at slower speeds. Initially, I was excited about the potential of this lure, but also slightly skeptical due to its lightweight construction.
Real-World Testing: Putting Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper 600 Minnow, 21ft Diving Depth, 4 9/16in, 1/4oz, Floating to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper was on a clear, sunny day at Lake Erie, targeting walleye near a submerged reef. I trolled the lure behind my boat at approximately 2.0 mph, using a line counter reel to ensure I was reaching the desired depth. Within minutes, I felt a solid thump and landed a beautiful 24-inch walleye.
The lure performed flawlessly, diving quickly and maintaining its depth even with slight variations in speed. I was impressed by how well it tracked straight, even in choppy conditions. There were no immediate issues, and I was quite surprised with the initial results.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Reef Runner has proven to be a reliable and productive lure. The paint has held up remarkably well, showing only minor signs of wear despite numerous encounters with rocks and zebra mussels. The hooks remain sharp, and I haven’t experienced any issues with the lure’s action or diving depth.
Maintenance is simple – a quick rinse with fresh water after each use is all it takes to keep it in top condition. Compared to some of my other crankbaits, the Reef Runner requires minimal upkeep. It has consistently outperformed similar lures in clear water conditions, especially when the fish are finicky.
Breaking Down the Features of Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper 600 Minnow, 21ft Diving Depth, 4 9/16in, 1/4oz, Floating
Specifications
The Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper 600 Minnow boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. Its diving depth of 21 feet allows anglers to target fish holding in deeper water columns, expanding fishing opportunities. The lure’s length of 4 9/16 inches presents a realistic profile that closely resembles common baitfish, increasing its appeal to predatory species.
The weight of 1/4 oz allows for easy casting and trolling, while the floating buoyancy enables the lure to rise slowly when paused, creating an enticing presentation. The lure is designed for cast and retrieve, offering versatility in different fishing scenarios. It is categorized as a jerkbait, allowing anglers to impart additional action and trigger strikes.
Performance & Functionality
The Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper excels at reaching its target depth quickly and maintaining it consistently throughout the retrieve. Its action is a tight, subtle wobble that mimics the movement of a fleeing baitfish. This action is particularly effective in clear water and when fish are pressured or lethargic.
The lure’s strengths lie in its ability to trigger strikes from walleye, bass, and other predatory fish in deep water. One area for possible improvement would be to offer the lure with upgraded hooks right out of the package. The Reef Runner definitely meets my expectations and has become a staple in my tackle box.
Design & Ergonomics
The Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper features a sleek, minnow-shaped body with a realistic paint job and 3D eyes. The build quality is excellent, with durable plastic construction and sturdy hardware. Its lightweight design makes it easy to cast and troll for extended periods without fatigue.
The lure is user-friendly and requires no special techniques to fish effectively. The subtle action of the lure does not have a learning curve and is easy to get accustomed to.
Durability & Maintenance
The Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper is built to withstand the rigors of frequent use. The paint is chip-resistant, and the hooks are corrosion-resistant. With proper care, this lure should last for many seasons.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick rinse with fresh water after each use. Replacing the hooks may be necessary after extended use or encounters with abrasive structures.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper comes ready to fish right out of the package. While no additional accessories are included, anglers can customize the lure by swapping out the hooks for different sizes or styles. Some anglers may choose to add split rings or swivels to further enhance the lure’s action or prevent line twist.
The lure is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket hooks and terminal tackle. Anglers are able to customize the lure to their specific preferences and fishing conditions.
Pros and Cons of Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper 600 Minnow, 21ft Diving Depth, 4 9/16in, 1/4oz, Floating
Pros
- Excellent Diving Depth: Reaches 21 feet consistently, allowing anglers to target deep-water fish effectively.
- Realistic Profile: Mimics the appearance and action of common baitfish, increasing its appeal to predators.
- Subtle Action: Triggers strikes in clear water and when fish are pressured or lethargic.
- Durable Construction: Withstands frequent use and resists wear and tear.
- Versatile: Can be used for casting and trolling in various fishing scenarios.
Cons
- Hooks could be upgraded out of the package.
- Lighter weight might be less effective in extremely windy conditions.
Who Should Buy Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper 600 Minnow, 21ft Diving Depth, 4 9/16in, 1/4oz, Floating?
The Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper is perfect for anglers targeting walleye, bass, and other predatory fish in deep water. It is an excellent choice for those who fish in clear water conditions or when fish are pressured and require a subtle presentation. This lure is also well-suited for both trolling and casting applications.
Those who prefer fishing in shallow water or in extremely murky conditions may want to skip this product. Anglers who prefer lures with aggressive, rattling actions may also find this lure less appealing.
A must-have modification would be upgrading the hooks to a premium brand for increased hook-setting power. Additionally, a line counter reel is highly recommended for precise depth control when trolling.
Conclusion on Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper 600 Minnow, 21ft Diving Depth, 4 9/16in, 1/4oz, Floating
In summary, the Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper 600 Minnow is a top-performing lure that delivers exceptional value for its price. Its ability to reach and maintain its target depth, combined with its realistic profile and subtle action, makes it a highly effective tool for catching fish.
The price is more than justified given its performance and durability. I would definitely recommend this lure to any angler looking to improve their deep-water fishing success. Don’t wait – add the Reef Runner Deep Little Ripper to your tackle box and start catching more fish today!