First Impressions of Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait
The Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait promises a new level of finesse fishing, combining the subtle presentation of a Ned rig with the added attraction of an internal rattle. As someone who has spent years chasing bass in every condition imaginable, I’m always searching for that edge that can turn a slow day into a productive one. Googan Squad has built a reputation for creating baits with unique features and attention-grabbing designs, and the Rattlin’ Ned certainly fits that bill. For just $4.95, if this bait delivers as promised, it could become a staple in any serious angler’s tackle box.
I’ve been struggling to find a consistently effective finesse bait for pressured waters where the fish have seen everything. Subtle presentations often work, but sometimes you need something that can break through the noise and grab their attention. The promise of sound, combined with the proven effectiveness of a Ned rig, is what drew me to the Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait.
Upon opening the package, I was immediately impressed by the vibrant colorways and the feel of the plastic. The baits are soft and pliable, perfect for imparting action on the fall and during retrieves. Each bait contains a small, internal rattle chamber that produces a subtle, fish-friendly sound. My initial thought was that the Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait looked well-made and ready to hit the water.
Compared to traditional, silent Ned rig baits like the Z-Man Finesse TRD or the Strike King Zero, the Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait offers a unique approach by incorporating sound. While the TRD excels in clear water with its natural presentation, and the Zero offers a different profile with its streamlined design, the Rattlin’ Ned aims to trigger strikes in murky or stained water where visibility is limited. I chose the Rattlin’ Ned hoping the rattle would provide that extra bit of attraction.
Initially, I was excited to test the Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait and see if the addition of the rattle could make a noticeable difference in my catch rate. There was a touch of skepticism mixed in, however, since I’ve seen many gimmicky baits come and go. I was cautiously optimistic that the Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait would live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait was on a local lake known for its pressured bass population and slightly stained water. I rigged it on a 1/10 oz Ned rig head with 6-pound fluorocarbon line. I started fishing around submerged timber and rocky points.
The bait performed well in the slightly murky conditions. The rattle emitted a subtle clicking sound that, even on the bank, I could tell was noticeable without being overpowering. I experimented with different retrieves, including slow drags, hops, and a steady swimming motion.
After about an hour, I finally got my first bite – a solid 2-pound largemouth that hammered the bait as it fell near a submerged log. I landed several more fish that day, all on the Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait, and all seemingly triggered by the sound. I experienced no issues with the bait tearing or coming off the hook easily.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait in various conditions, I’ve found it to be a reliable and effective addition to my finesse fishing arsenal. The durability of the bait is surprisingly good; I’ve caught multiple fish on a single bait without needing to replace it. The Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait does show some wear and tear after repeated use, with hook points slightly enlarging the entry point, but overall, they hold up remarkably well.
Maintaining the Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait is simple. Just store them properly in their original packaging or a dedicated soft plastic container to prevent them from drying out or melting together. I haven’t encountered any issues with color bleeding or plastic degradation.
Compared to other Ned rig baits I’ve used, the Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait definitely outperforms in stained water and situations where the fish are lethargic. The added sound element seems to be the key differentiator. It’s become a go-to bait when other finesse presentations aren’t producing.
Breaking Down the Features of Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait
Specifications
The Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait is a 2.75-inch minnow-shaped soft plastic lure designed specifically for Ned rigging. The Manufacturer is, of course, Googan Squad. It features an internal rattle system to attract fish. The lure type is technically a minnow profile, and as mentioned, the Length is 2.75 inches.
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The 2.75-inch size is ideal for presenting a small, non-threatening profile to pressured fish. The minnow shape provides a realistic silhouette in the water. The internal rattle is the key feature, adding a sound element that can trigger strikes, especially in low-visibility conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait excels at attracting fish with its subtle rattle and lifelike action. The bait is easy to rig on a variety of Ned rig jig heads. It imparts an enticing wiggle and wobble on the fall and during retrieves.
One of the strengths of this bait is its versatility; it can be fished using a variety of techniques. However, the rattle isn’t overpowering, so it may not be as effective in extremely noisy or windy conditions. Overall, the Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait meets and often exceeds expectations as a finesse bait with an added sonic element.
Design & Ergonomics
The Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait boasts a well-thought-out design. The plastic is soft and pliable. The build quality is excellent, with consistent molding and securely encapsulated rattles.
The bait is user-friendly, requiring no special rigging techniques beyond standard Ned rig setups. The 2.75-inch length is a sweet spot for attracting a wide range of fish sizes.
Durability & Maintenance
The Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait is surprisingly durable for a soft plastic bait. It can withstand multiple fish catches before needing to be replaced. Simple storage and proper handling are all that’s needed to maintain the baits.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait does not come with any accessories. However, it’s designed to be used with standard Ned rig jig heads, which come in various weights and hook sizes. Anglers can also experiment with different color combinations to match water conditions and forage. The Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait is compatible with most Ned rig jig heads from brands like Z-Man, Strike King, and Owner.
Pros and Cons of Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait
Pros
- Effective rattle: The subtle rattle adds a new dimension to finesse fishing, attracting fish in stained water or when they’re being finicky.
- Durable plastic: The soft plastic material is surprisingly durable, allowing for multiple catches per bait.
- Versatile presentation: Can be fished with various Ned rig techniques, appealing to a wide range of fish.
- Great color options: Available in a variety of attractive colorways to match different water conditions.
- Affordable price: At $4.95, it’s an affordable way to add a unique bait to your tackle box.
Cons
- Rattle subtlety: In very noisy environments, the rattle may be too subtle to be effective.
- Limited size: Only available in 2.75-inch size, which may not be ideal for targeting larger fish in some situations.
Who Should Buy Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait?
The Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait is perfect for:
- Finesse anglers looking to add a new dimension to their Ned rig presentations.
- Anglers fishing in stained or murky water where visibility is limited.
- Those targeting pressured bass that have seen every other bait.
- Anyone seeking an affordable and effective bait for catching a variety of fish species.
Those who should skip this product:
- Anglers who primarily fish in clear, open water where a visual presentation is more effective.
- Those targeting exclusively very large fish that may require a larger bait profile.
A must-have accessory is a selection of high-quality Ned rig jig heads in various weights to match different fishing depths and retrieve speeds.
Conclusion on Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait
The Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait offers a unique and effective approach to finesse fishing by combining the proven effectiveness of a Ned rig with the added attraction of an internal rattle. The price is definitely justified. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to improve their finesse fishing game, especially in stained water or when targeting pressured fish.
The Googan Squad Rattlin’ Ned Soft Bait is a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box. Its subtle rattle, durable construction, and versatile presentation make it a standout bait. Try it out and see if it helps you land your next trophy!