First Impressions of Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait
The Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait arrives with a promise: to be the undisputed king of saltwater lures. Coming from Bomber, a name synonymous with reliable fishing tackle, this jointed crankbait isn’t just another lure; it’s a statement, a beefy offering designed to entice the most aggressive saltwater predators. Its sheer size and robust construction suggest it’s ready to tackle anything from feisty stripers inshore to the elusive king mackerel offshore.
I’ve been chasing saltwater gamefish for over a decade, and I’m always on the lookout for lures that can withstand the brutal conditions and toothy critters that inhabit our coastal waters. My go-to lures are typically hard-bodied swimmers and bucktails, but I was missing a true presentation for those times when you need to trick big, smart, stubborn fish. I decided to give this oversized crankbait a shot.
Unboxing the Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait was impressive. The lure feels incredibly solid, with a weight that inspires confidence and shows a build quality that speaks volumes. It’s immediately clear that this isn’t some flimsy, mass-produced piece of plastic, but a purpose-built tool ready for serious action.
Compared to other jointed lures I’ve used, like the smaller Rapala X-Rap Jointed Shad or the Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow Jointed, the Bomber is noticeably larger and heavier. This feels more rugged, geared towards bigger species and harsher conditions. It was also more appealing to me than just using a dead or live bait rig.
My initial impression is excitement, tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. This crankbait looks fantastic on paper, but the true test will be how it performs in the real world.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait was in the inshore flats of Tampa Bay, targeting snook and redfish. I focused on areas with heavy current and mangrove edges, spots where these ambush predators love to hide.
The lure performed admirably in the moderate current. Its jointed body created a seductive wiggle on the retrieve, and I could feel the rod loading up nicely with each crank. The lure felt a little heavy at first, but once I got my retrieve dialed in, it was easy to manage.
Despite my best efforts, the snook and redfish weren’t cooperating that day. However, a sizable jack crevalle hammered the lure, putting up a fierce fight before I could bring it to the boat. The Bomber handled the battle with ease, the heavy-duty hardware proving its worth.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait continues to impress. The polycarbonate shell has held up remarkably well against barnacles, rocks, and the teeth of various saltwater species.
I have noticed minor scratches on the finish, but that’s to be expected after being dragged through the harsh saltwater environment. More importantly, the lure’s action hasn’t been affected, and the hardware remains corrosion-free.
Cleaning the Bomber is simple; a quick rinse with freshwater after each use is all it takes to keep it in top condition. The split rings and hooks show no signs of rust, even after prolonged exposure to saltwater. Compared to some of the cheaper lures I’ve used in the past, this Bomber clearly stands out in terms of durability and longevity.
Breaking Down the Features of Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait
Specifications
- The Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait weighs in at 1 7/8 oz, providing ample casting distance and allowing it to track well in strong currents. This is crucial for covering ground and targeting fish in a variety of conditions.
- It falls into the “minnow” lure type, imitating a common forage fish for many saltwater predators. This versatile profile makes it effective in a wide range of scenarios.
- Designed specifically for saltwater, the Bomber features super-duty saltwater grade hardware and a durable polycarbonate shell. This ensures it can withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater and the punishment inflicted by powerful fish.
- The lure trolls at 4-8 ft depth and 2-3 ft when using a cranking retrieve, offering flexibility in targeting fish at different depths. This range covers many inshore and nearshore environments.
- Clocking in at over 7 inches, the lure is massive! This size is ideal for attracting larger predators and triggering aggressive strikes.
Performance & Functionality
The Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait excels at attracting strikes from a variety of saltwater gamefish. Its jointed body imparts a natural, enticing swimming action that mimics an injured baitfish, triggering predatory instincts.
The lure’s strength lies in its ability to draw strikes from fish that are otherwise uninterested in other offerings. The extra sass from the jointed body really gets fish to react when other lures are getting ignored.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bomber boasts a rugged, well-constructed design that inspires confidence. The 350,000-modulus polycarbonate shell feels virtually indestructible, and the heavy-duty hardware is built to withstand the test of time.
While its size may feel slightly unwieldy at first, its weight contributes to excellent casting distance and stability in the water. The lure’s jointed body enhances its swimming action, adding to its appeal.
Durability & Maintenance
Built with a virtually indestructible polycarbonate body and super-duty saltwater grade hooks, hangers, and split rings, the Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait is built to last. Simple rinsing is all you need for maintenance.
Given its robust construction and corrosion-resistant hardware, the Bomber should provide years of reliable service with proper care. This lure is one of the most durable crankbaits I’ve used.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait doesn’t come with any additional accessories, focusing on delivering a high-quality lure straight out of the package. You can easily swap out the hooks.
While there aren’t any specific customization options offered by Bomber, you can easily upgrade the hooks to your preferred brand and size. Some anglers might also choose to add weight to the lure to adjust its swimming depth.
Pros and Cons of Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait
Pros
- Extremely durable construction: The polycarbonate shell and heavy-duty hardware can withstand the abuse of saltwater fishing.
- Irresistible swimming action: The jointed body creates a natural, enticing movement that triggers strikes.
- Versatile application: Effective for trolling or casting in both inshore and offshore environments.
- Large profile: Ideal for targeting larger gamefish such as stripers, bluefish, and king mackerel.
- Saltwater-grade hardware: Resists corrosion and ensures long-lasting performance.
Cons
- Lacks an extreme diving range: It is only effective in shallow to medium depths.
- It is large for some fish species: It will not be effective on smaller fish.
Who Should Buy Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait?
The Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait is perfect for saltwater anglers targeting large, aggressive gamefish in inshore and nearshore environments. It’s an excellent choice for those who value durability, realistic action, and a large profile that can entice even the most stubborn predators.
If you’re primarily targeting smaller species or fishing in extremely shallow water, this lure might be overkill. Also, if you want to reach extremely deep water columns with crankbaits, this is not the lure to use.
Must-have accessories include a quality saltwater fishing rod and reel capable of handling the lure’s weight and the power of the targeted species. A strong leader line is also recommended to prevent bite-offs from toothy fish.
Conclusion on Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait
The Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait is a well-designed, durable, and effective lure that lives up to its promise. It is well-built and will catch fish for a long time.
At a price point of around $11, the Bomber offers exceptional value for money, providing performance and durability that rivals lures costing significantly more. I do not recommend this lure at prices above $20.
I would absolutely recommend the Bomber Saltwater SW Jointed Heavy Duty Long A Crankbait to any saltwater angler looking for a reliable and effective lure to target large gamefish. Add one to your tackle box today and experience the thrill of landing your next trophy!