First Impressions of South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers
The world of fishing lures is vast, a swirling galaxy of shapes, colors, and actions, all designed to entice that elusive strike. As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my share of tackle, from minimalist survival kits to high-end sonar systems. The South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers, however, is a different beast altogether.
I was on the hunt for an inexpensive topwater lure that could handle some serious abuse. I wanted something I could use around submerged timber and heavy cover without weeping over the cost of inevitable snags. The South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers at $2.19 caught my eye.
The lure arrived in a simple blister pack. My initial impression was of a no-frills, utilitarian popper. The “bulging eyes” are definitely prominent, giving the lure a somewhat cartoonish, yet undeniably eye-catching appearance. Compared to pricier poppers from brands like Rapala or Lucky Craft, the South Bend lacks the refined finish and intricate paint jobs.
I ultimately chose the South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers for its value proposition. It promised a functional topwater action at a price point that wouldn’t break the bank. My first thought was: can this cheap popper actually catch fish? I was cautiously optimistic and eager to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers was on a local lake known for its heavy vegetation and aggressive largemouth bass. I fished it in the early morning hours, when the bass are most active on the surface. The conditions were calm, with clear water and a slight breeze.
The South Bend performed surprisingly well. It created a decent popping sound and a noticeable splash with each twitch of the rod. No issues or surprises occurred during initial use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers is showing some signs of wear, but nothing unexpected for a lure fished in heavy cover. The paint is chipping slightly, and the hooks have lost a bit of their initial sharpness. I maintain it by rinsing it off after each use and occasionally sharpening the hooks.
Compared to some of my more expensive poppers, the South Bend doesn’t have the same nuanced action or refined presentation. However, for the price, it’s proven to be a reliable and effective topwater lure. It’s durable enough to withstand repeated casts into weedbeds.
Breaking Down the Features of South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers
Specifications
The South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers is a relatively small, lightweight topwater lure designed to create a popping action on the water’s surface. While specific weight and length dimensions weren’t readily available, the lure feels to be around 2-3 inches in length and under 1/2 oz in weight. It is designed for general freshwater fishing. The lure’s main features are its cupped face for creating the popping sound and the prominent bulging eyes, designed to attract fish.
These specifications make it a versatile lure for various fishing conditions. Its size and weight make it easy to cast. Its visual presentation is designed for attracting strikes in clear or slightly stained water.
Performance & Functionality
The South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers delivers a consistent popping action. It mimics the sound of a distressed baitfish. The action is dependent on the angler’s retrieve, allowing for varied presentations.
The lure’s primary strength is its affordability. Its greatest weakness is that the hooks aren’t the sharpest out of the package and might require upgrading for optimal hooksets. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly topwater option.
Design & Ergonomics
The South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers has a simple, functional design. The plastic body feels relatively durable, although not on par with higher-end lures. Its light weight makes it easy to cast for extended periods.
There is virtually no learning curve. It is an easy lure to fish right out of the package.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its price point, the South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers is surprisingly durable. The paint will chip with use, particularly around rocks and heavy cover, but the body itself seems resilient. Maintenance is simple; rinsing it off after use and occasionally sharpening or replacing the hooks will extend its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers doesn’t come with any accessories. The most common customization would be to replace the stock hooks with higher-quality, sharper trebles. Anglers might also experiment with adding a feathered trailer hook to increase its visual appeal. It is compatible with standard-sized treble hooks from various brands.
Pros and Cons of South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers
Pros
- Incredibly affordable: At just over two dollars, you can stock up without breaking the bank.
- Effective popping action: Creates a good disturbance on the water, attracting fish.
- Easy to use: Suitable for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
- Decent durability: Holds up reasonably well to normal wear and tear.
- Versatile: Can be fished in various conditions and for multiple species.
Cons
- Lower-quality hooks: The stock hooks aren’t the sharpest and might require upgrading.
- Basic finish: Lacks the refined details of more expensive lures; paint chips easily.
Who Should Buy South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers?
The South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers is perfect for:
- Budget-conscious anglers who want to experiment with topwater fishing without investing heavily.
- Beginners who are learning the basics of lure fishing.
- Anglers fishing in areas with heavy cover or a high risk of losing lures.
- Casual anglers who want a reliable and effective lure for occasional fishing trips.
Who should skip this product?
- Serious anglers who demand the highest level of performance and durability.
- Anglers fishing in extremely clear water where a more realistic presentation is required.
- Those unwilling to upgrade hooks if needed.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- Consider replacing the stock hooks with sharper treble hooks for better hooksets.
- A small tackle box to keep the lure organized and protected.
Conclusion on South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers
The South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers is an exceptional value. It delivers a functional topwater action at a price that’s hard to beat. While it lacks the refinement of more expensive lures, its effectiveness and durability make it a worthwhile addition to any angler’s tackle box.
The price is absolutely justified. The lure performs as expected.
I would absolutely recommend it to anglers looking for an affordable and reliable topwater option. If you’re on a budget or simply want a lure you can fish without worry, give the South Bend Pick’s Signature Bulging Eye Poppers a try. You might be surprised at how well it performs!