First Impressions of Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait
The Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait promises to revolutionize drop shot fishing with its unique horizontal presentation and durable construction. As a seasoned angler with over a decade of experience chasing everything from panfish to pike, I’m always on the lookout for that next edge. Could this bait finally solve the frustrating problem of unnatural lure presentation that plagues many drop shot setups?
I was drawn to the Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait after struggling with traditional drop shot baits that often hang vertically, looking less like a natural food source and more like… well, just a piece of plastic. The promise of a perfectly horizontal presentation, mimicking a goby, leech, or small baitfish, was incredibly appealing. I often fish pressured waters, where subtle differences in presentation can mean the difference between a skunk and a stellar day.
Upon receiving the package, my first impression was positive. The baits are neatly arranged in the blister pack, showcasing the deep-ribbed body and the enticing spade-action tail. The plastic feels noticeably tougher than many other soft plastics I’ve used, suggesting the Lunkerhunt’s Ultra Durable Soft Plastic (U.D.S.P.) is more than just marketing hype. The initial assessment indicates a well-designed product geared towards durability and a natural presentation.
Compared to similar baits like the Strike King Drop Shot Minnow or the Zoom Tiny Fluke, the Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait boasts a distinct profile and claims a superior horizontal rest. While the Strike King excels with its erratic darting action and the Zoom is a versatile, slim profile bait, neither explicitly promises a perfectly horizontal presentation at rest like the Lunkerhunt. I picked this bait hoping the horizontal presentation would give me an edge in clear water, where fish often scrutinize the lure more closely.
My initial excitement was tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism. Many baits promise the world, but few deliver. I was excited to test the Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait in the field and see if it could live up to its claims. I am eager to see if Lunkerhunt’s U.D.S.P material can truly stand up to the rigors of constant fishing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait on a local, heavily pressured reservoir known for its finicky bass population. The water was clear, and the sun was high – conditions that demand a natural-looking presentation. I rigged the bait on a drop shot with a size 1 hook, about 12 inches above the weight.
The Hover Shot performed as advertised; it truly did sit horizontally in the water column. The spade-action tail gave it a subtle, enticing wiggle with even the slightest movement of the rod tip. Several times throughout the day, bass hammered the bait on the drop, something I rarely experience with vertically hanging drop shot baits in these conditions.
Despite the promising start, I did notice one small issue. The bait’s buoyancy, while helpful for the horizontal presentation, also made it slightly challenging to keep down in areas with even a moderate current. It needed a slightly heavier weight than I typically use to maintain bottom contact.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait across various lakes and ponds, I’ve been consistently impressed with its durability. The U.D.S.P material truly lives up to its name. I’ve caught multiple fish on a single bait, with minimal tearing or damage, even when fishing around rocky structure.
Cleaning is a breeze; a quick rinse with water removes any debris or fish slime. I also noticed that the color held up well, even after repeated exposure to sunlight and water. This contrasts sharply with some other soft plastics that tend to fade or become brittle over time.
Compared to my previous go-to drop shot baits, the Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait has outperformed them in clear water conditions, particularly when targeting pressured fish. Its horizontal presentation seems to trigger more bites, and its durability saves money in the long run by reducing the need to constantly re-rig. I am extremely satisfied with the performance of the Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait thus far.
Breaking Down the Features of Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait
Specifications
The Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait comes in packs of 8 and measures 3.5 inches in length. These baits are designed for freshwater applications. The key feature, setting it apart, is its floating soft plastic, which allows the bait to sit perfectly horizontal at rest.
This horizontal presentation is crucial for mimicking natural prey and enticing wary fish. The deep-ribbed body enhances the bait’s profile in the water and provides a better grip for fish, increasing hook-up ratios. The spade-action tail adds subtle movement, even with minimal rod action, further enhancing its lifelike appearance.
Performance & Functionality
The Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait excels at its primary function: presenting a natural-looking, horizontal target to fish. The subtle action of the spade tail is deadly. Bass aggressively strike the bait.
The bait’s floating properties are both a strength and a slight weakness. While the buoyancy helps achieve the horizontal presentation, it also requires a slightly heavier weight to maintain bottom contact in current. A better hookup ratio is achievable because the bass hold on longer due to the deep-ribbed body.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait is well thought out, focusing on realism and durability. The material feels robust and holds up well to repeated use. The bait is easy to rig on a drop shot, and the deep ribs provide a secure hold for the hook.
The bait has no unusual learning curve to using it; it is easy to rig and get started. The color patterns are realistic and appealing.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait is surprisingly durable thanks to Lunkerhunt’s Ultra Durable Soft Plastic (U.D.S.P.). It withstands multiple fish catches and resists tearing, even when fished around rocks and vegetation. This is a significant advantage over many other soft plastic baits that require frequent replacement.
Maintenance is minimal; simply rinse the bait with water after use. Storing them in their original packaging helps prevent them from drying out or becoming misshapen. These are essential to extending the life of the product.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait doesn’t come with any additional accessories in the package; it is just the baits themselves. However, it is highly compatible with standard drop shot hooks and weights. Anglers can customize their presentation by varying the hook size, weight, and distance between the hook and weight.
The bait’s profile also lends itself well to other rigging methods, such as a split shot or a Carolina rig, offering anglers versatility beyond drop shotting. You can even use a small jighead to have it suspended above the bottom. This makes it a valuable addition to any tackle box.
Pros and Cons of Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait
Pros
- Realistic horizontal presentation mimics natural prey and entices wary fish. This provides an edge in clear water situations.
- Ultra Durable Soft Plastic (U.D.S.P.) ensures longevity and saves money by reducing the need for frequent replacements. This allows for more fishing and less re-rigging.
- Spade-action tail provides subtle movement, even with minimal rod action, increasing its appeal to fish. You do not have to work as hard to get the fish to bite.
- Deep-ribbed body enhances the bait’s profile and provides a better grip for fish, improving hook-up ratios. Bass hold on longer to get a better hook set.
- Versatile rigging options beyond drop shotting, such as split shot or Carolina rig, expand its usability. Use it in a variety of applications to catch more fish.
Cons
- Buoyancy requires heavier weights to maintain bottom contact in current, which can be a drawback in certain fishing situations. A heavier weight can affect sensitivity.
- Limited color options might not cover all possible fishing conditions or preferences, which is a disadvantage for anglers who like a specific color to match the hatch.
Who Should Buy Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait?
The Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait is perfect for anglers who:
- Fish clear water conditions.
- Target pressured fish populations.
- Appreciate durable and long-lasting baits.
- Employ drop shot techniques.
- Seek a natural-looking presentation.
Those who should skip this product:
- Anglers who primarily fish murky or stained water.
- Fishermen who prefer aggressive, high-action baits.
Must-have accessories or modifications:
- High-quality drop shot hooks (size 1 or 2).
- Tungsten drop shot weights (various sizes).
- Fluorocarbon line for increased sensitivity and stealth.
Conclusion on Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait
The Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait delivers on its promise of a realistic, horizontal presentation and durable construction. While the buoyancy may require heavier weights in certain situations, the bait’s advantages far outweigh its drawbacks. The U.D.S.P material is the real deal.
At $6.99 for a pack of 8, the price is justified, especially considering its longevity and effectiveness in clear water conditions. Its ability to entice wary fish and withstand repeated use makes it a worthwhile investment for any angler’s tackle box. This is a great bait at an affordable price.
I would personally recommend the Lunkerhunt Hover Shot Soft Bait to anyone looking to improve their drop shot game, particularly in clear water scenarios. Give it a try; you might just find yourself setting the hook on more fish than ever before. Add this to your tackle box and start catching more fish!