Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Tungsten 2 Tap The Shizzle Review

First Impressions of Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Tungsten 2 Tap The Shizzle

The Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Tungsten 2 Tap The Shizzle is a lipless crankbait designed to trigger bites from even the most discerning bass. Designed by Strike King‘s pro staff, this lure boasts a unique tungsten sound chamber that emits a double-tapping cadence. This, combined with its realistic paint job and premium components, aims to make it a standout in any angler’s tackle box.

My experience with lipless crankbaits dates back to my early tournament days on the local lake circuit. I needed a bait that could effectively cover water and trigger reaction strikes in varying conditions. The promise of a unique sound profile drew me to the Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Tungsten 2 Tap The Shizzle, hoping it would offer an edge over traditional rattling baits.

The “The Shizzle” color pattern immediately caught my eye upon unboxing. The finish is vibrant and detailed, with lifelike 3D eyes adding to the realism. The weight felt substantial for its size, hinting at the quality of the internal tungsten components.

Compared to the original Strike King Red Eyed Shad and the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap, the Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Tungsten 2 Tap The Shizzle distinguishes itself with its unique sound. While both the original Red Eyed Shad and Rat-L-Trap produce a single, high-pitched rattle, this version provides a more subtle, complex sound. I chose it hoping the distinct sound would prove more effective in pressured waters.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The build quality and attention to detail were evident, and I was eager to see if its performance on the water would live up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Tungsten 2 Tap The Shizzle to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Tungsten 2 Tap The Shizzle on Lake Fork, a renowned bass fishing destination known for its clear water and heavily pressured fish. I fished it along submerged grass lines and near creek channels, employing a lift-and-fall retrieve. The lure performed well in these conditions.

The lure’s action remained consistent even in moderate wind and choppy water. The double-tapping sound was distinct but not overpowering. It was easy to use.

After the first hour, I landed two decent bass, both striking the lure on the fall. This immediately reinforced my initial feeling about the potential edge this bait provides.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Tungsten 2 Tap The Shizzle has held up remarkably well. The paint finish shows minimal signs of wear, even after repeated encounters with rocks and submerged timber.

The lure’s components have remained secure. The hooks are still sharp. Maintenance is simple: a quick rinse with fresh water after each use has been sufficient.

Compared to cheaper lipless crankbaits I’ve used in the past, the Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Tungsten 2 Tap The Shizzle has consistently outperformed them in terms of durability and fish-catching ability. This higher-quality bait is more likely to land a fish.

Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Tungsten 2 Tap The Shizzle

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Strike King
• Sound Production: Rattling; specifically, a unique double-tapping cadence due to the tungsten sound chamber. This offers a subtle sound that is very effective.
• Color: The Shizzle; a vibrant and realistic pattern. The color is a very bright contrast in dirty water.
• Tackle Weight: 3/4 oz; a versatile weight suitable for various fishing techniques and depths. This weight allows for long casts and quick sinking.
• Length: 3 in; a standard size for lipless crankbaits, mimicking the profile of common forage fish. This is a very effective size that is easy for most fish to take.
• Additional Features: Tungsten Rattles, Diving Depth – Sinking; the tungsten rattles produce a unique sound, and the sinking design allows for fishing at different depths. The action when it free falls is awesome!

These specifications translate to a lure that casts well, sinks quickly, and emits a unique sound profile that can trigger strikes from pressured fish.

Performance & Functionality

The Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Tungsten 2 Tap The Shizzle excels at attracting bass, particularly in situations where they’ve become conditioned to more common rattling baits. Its unique double-tapping sound seems to be the key to its success.

Its strength lies in its ability to elicit reaction strikes in clear to moderately stained water. However, it might not be as effective in extremely murky conditions where vibration and flash are more important. It meets expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The lure features a streamlined body and realistic profile, making it easy for bass to track and engulf. The 3D eyes and premium paint job enhance its visual appeal, adding to its lifelike appearance.

It requires no special tools or techniques to use effectively. Its weight and shape make it easy to cast and retrieve, even for anglers with limited experience. It has a great design.

Durability & Maintenance

The Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Tungsten 2 Tap The Shizzle is built to withstand the rigors of bass fishing. The quality hooks and split rings provide secure hooksets.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick rinse after each use to remove dirt and debris. Proper storage in a tackle box will prevent scratches and fading. Taking care of this lure will ensure it is in the tackle box for many years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Tungsten 2 Tap The Shizzle doesn’t require any specific accessories to be effective. However, anglers can customize it by swapping out the hooks for different sizes or styles to suit their preferences.

It’s compatible with most standard split rings and hooks, allowing for easy customization. Some anglers add a small swivel to the line to reduce line twist. These adjustments can be based on specific needs.

Pros and Cons of Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lipless Tungsten 2 Tap The Shizzle