First Impressions of Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking
The Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking is a lure designed to mimic the appearance and swimming action of a sunfish or bluegill, a common forage fish for predatory species. Manufactured by LIVETARGET, this rattlebait aims to trigger strikes through its realistic profile, vibrant colors, and enticing rattling sound. I was particularly drawn to this lure because of LIVETARGET‘s reputation for creating incredibly lifelike lures, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype on my local bass lakes.
I’ve been fishing for over a decade, and I’m always searching for lures that give me an edge, especially when targeting pressured fish. After years of seeing finicky bass ignore traditional crankbaits and spinnerbaits, I was hoping the Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking would be the key to unlocking some bigger bites. My usual go-to lures include the Strike King Red Eye Shad and the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, both excellent lipless crankbaits. However, I wanted a lure with a more realistic profile and action to see if I could trigger more reaction strikes.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the detail. The lure has a convincing paint job with a metallic gloss finish, mimicking the shimmer of a real bluegill. It felt solid and well-built, a quality I appreciate in a lure that’s meant to withstand repeated casts and potential collisions with rocks and cover. The weight felt appropriate for a medium-sinking lure, promising a good castability and a decent sink rate for covering different water depths.
Compared to the Strike King Red Eye Shad, the Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking definitely has a more realistic profile and a less aggressive rattle. While the Rat-L-Trap has a similar body shape, the LIVETARGET lure boasts a superior finish and higher-quality hooks. My initial impression was excitement mixed with cautious optimism. It looked great, but the real test would be how it performed in the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking came on a slightly overcast morning at Lake Fork, a renowned bass fishing destination. I focused my efforts around submerged timber and weed lines, areas where bluegill are abundant and bass often lurk. I tested the lure using a medium-heavy baitcasting rod and 15-pound fluorocarbon line.
The lure casted surprisingly well, even into a moderate headwind. It exhibited a tight, enticing wobble on the retrieve. The medium sink rate allowed me to effectively target depths between 5 and 10 feet by varying my retrieve speed. On just my third cast, I hooked into a feisty 3-pound largemouth that hammered the lure right as it cleared a patch of submerged weeds. The lure performed flawlessly, and the fish was landed without incident.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking has become a staple in my tackle box. It has proven to be remarkably durable, showing only minor scratches on the finish despite numerous encounters with rocks and submerged timber. The hooks, size #4, have remained sharp and strong, providing excellent hooksets.
Cleaning is a breeze; a quick rinse with fresh water after each use keeps it looking its best. Compared to some other lipless crankbaits I’ve used, the LIVETARGET lure has maintained its vibrant color and realistic appearance, which I believe contributes to its effectiveness. It definitely outperforms my older, more generic-looking lipless crankbaits, especially in clear water conditions where fish are more likely to scrutinize the lure. The lure inspires confidence when fishing.
Breaking Down the Features of Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking
Specifications
The Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking features the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: LIVETARGET
- Color: Metallic/Gloss
- Tackle Weight: 1/2 oz
- Attachment Type: Hook
- Hook Size: 4
- Size: #4
The metallic/gloss finish adds a lifelike shimmer, catching the light and attracting fish from a distance. The 1/2 oz weight is ideal for casting distance and allows the lure to sink at a moderate rate, effectively targeting various depths. The size #4 hooks are appropriately sized for catching bass and other predatory fish, ensuring solid hooksets without being too large or bulky. These are important features when looking for a versatile bait.
Performance & Functionality
The Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking excels at mimicking the appearance and swimming action of a bluegill, a primary food source for many predatory fish. Its tight wobble and subtle rattle create an enticing presentation that triggers strikes, even in pressured waters. It is effective when retrieved at various speeds.
One of its strengths is its ability to draw strikes even when other lures fail. A slight weakness might be its susceptibility to snagging in heavy cover, which is common with lipless crankbaits. Overall, the lure has exceeded my expectations, proving to be a reliable fish-catcher in a variety of conditions. Its lifelike design is a major advantage.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is exceptional. The materials used are durable and the finish is realistic, providing a high-quality look and feel. The weight and size are well-balanced, making it comfortable to cast and retrieve for extended periods.
There is minimal learning curve. Its user-friendly design makes it easy to fish right out of the package. This design is effective and comfortable.
Durability & Maintenance
The Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking is built to last. Regular cleaning, as simple as rinsing it off, is all that’s needed to maintain its performance and appearance. Proper care will significantly extend its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The lure comes ready to fish, equipped with high-quality hooks. While there are no specific LIVETARGET accessories designed solely for this lure, anglers can easily customize it by changing the hooks to different sizes or styles, or by adding split rings or swivels to alter the action. It is compatible with most standard fishing accessories, allowing for a wide range of customization options. Modifications can personalize its performance.
Pros and Cons of Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking
Pros
- Incredibly realistic design that mimics a bluegill, triggering more strikes.
- Durable construction that withstands repeated use and harsh conditions.
- Versatile medium sink rate allows for targeting various depths.
- High-quality hooks that ensure solid hooksets.
- Effective rattle produces an enticing sound that attracts fish.
Cons
- Can be prone to snagging in heavy cover.
- Premium price point compared to some other lipless crankbaits.
Who Should Buy Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking?
This lure is perfect for anglers targeting bass, crappie, or other predatory fish in lakes, ponds, and rivers where bluegill are a primary food source. It is also well-suited for anglers who appreciate realistic-looking lures and are willing to invest in quality tackle. It’s great for both experienced anglers and beginners looking for a reliable and effective lure.
Anglers fishing in extremely heavy cover or those on a very tight budget might want to explore other options. A must-have modification is to potentially upgrade the split rings for added strength, particularly when targeting larger fish.
Conclusion on Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking
The Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking is a premium lure that delivers exceptional performance and realism. Its lifelike design, durable construction, and versatile sink rate make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box. While it may come with a higher price tag than some other lipless crankbaits, the quality and effectiveness justify the investment.
I would absolutely recommend the Live Target Livetarget Sunfish Bluegill Medium Sink Lipless Rattlebait, Sinking to any angler looking to improve their fishing success. Give this lure a try – you won’t be disappointed!