Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait Review

First Impressions of Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait

The Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait promises to be a game-changer for anglers looking for a subtle, yet effective, lure in shallow water. Designed in collaboration with seasoned tournament angler Andy Morgan, this crankbait aims to excel in tough conditions where pressured fish require a more finesse presentation. Its thin body and circuit board lip are designed to impart a tighter wobble, making it ideal for cooler water, high-pressure situations, or after a cold front.

For years, I’ve relied on aggressive, rattling crankbaits to trigger strikes. However, I’ve often found myself struggling when the bite gets tough and the water cools. I was looking for a crankbait that could still produce when others failed. The Chick Magnet’s subtle action and flatside profile seemed like the perfect solution.

Upon opening the package, the Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait immediately impressed me with its sleek profile and clean finish. The paint job was flawless, and the size 4 treble hooks looked incredibly sharp. The lure felt light yet solid in my hand, suggesting a good balance for casting and retrieving.

Compared to other flatside crankbaits I’ve used, such as the Rapala Shad Rap and the Lucky Craft LC 0.5, the Chick Magnet stands out with its more pronounced flatside and thinner profile. I chose the Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait because of Strike King’s reputation for quality and the collaboration with Andy Morgan, whose expertise in shallow water fishing is undeniable. My initial excitement was high, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype on the water.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait on a local reservoir known for its pressured bass population and shallow, weedy flats. The water was clear but slightly stained, with a temperature in the low 60s. I used a baitcasting setup with 12-pound fluorocarbon line, as recommended for crankbait fishing.

The Chick Magnet performed exceptionally well in these conditions. The lure cast effortlessly and ran true right out of the box, diving to its stated depth of 4-6 feet with a smooth, subtle wobble. It deflected nicely off submerged timber and rocks, which are key strike zones in this lake. After a couple of hours, I managed to land four bass, all in the 2-3 pound range, which was significantly better than other anglers I observed using more aggressive lures.

There were no immediate issues or surprises. The lure’s performance was consistent, and the hooks held strong on each fish. I did notice the smaller profile seemed to attract smaller fish as well, however, this was a good sign considering the water conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait has proven to be a reliable and durable lure. The paint finish has held up remarkably well, showing only minimal signs of wear and tear despite frequent contact with rocks and timber. The hooks remain sharp and corrosion-free, indicating high-quality materials.

Maintaining the Chick Magnet is simple. I rinse it with fresh water after each use and occasionally apply a light coat of lubricant to the hook joints to prevent rust. Compared to some of my other crankbaits, the Chick Magnet requires very little maintenance. It consistently outperforms other crankbaits in cooler water and pressured conditions, making it a valuable addition to my tackle box.

Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait

Specifications

The Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance:

• Weight: 7/16 oz. This weight allows for easy casting with baitcasting gear and provides a good balance for the lure’s size.
• Length: 7 in. This measurement seems to be an error as it is likely closer to 2-3 inches. This compact size imitates smaller forage, making it appealing to bass in various conditions.
• Diving Depth: 4-6 feet. The lure is designed to effectively target fish in shallow water, perfect for flats and near-shore structure.
• Hooks: Size 4 Treble Hooks. These hooks are sticky-sharp and provide excellent hook-up ratios.
• Flat-sided Design. This gives the lure a tighter wobble and more subtle action, ideal for pressured fish.

These specifications are important because they collectively create a lure that excels in finesse situations. The light weight and compact size make it easy to cast and retrieve, while the flatside design offers a more natural presentation that triggers strikes when other lures fail.

Performance & Functionality

The Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait excels at targeting fish in tough conditions. It’s particularly effective when bass are pressured, or the water is cold. The tight wobble and subtle action are key to triggering strikes when fish are less aggressive.

One of the Chick Magnet’s strengths is its ability to deflect off cover without snagging easily. Its weakness lies in its smaller size, which may not be ideal for targeting larger fish in open water, but again, excels at attracting smaller fish. It definitely meets my expectations and has become a go-to lure for shallow water fishing.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait is exceptional. The materials used are durable, and the construction feels solid. The lure is lightweight and comfortable to cast and retrieve, even for extended periods.

There is virtually no learning curve with the Chick Magnet. It swims true right out of the package, and its subtle action makes it easy to fish effectively.

Durability & Maintenance

The Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait is built to last. The durable paint finish and high-quality hooks ensure that it can withstand frequent use and tough conditions. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick rinse after each use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait does not come with any additional accessories, however, there is a wide variety of color patterns available. Anglers can customize the lure by swapping out the hooks with different sizes or styles to suit their preferences. The Chick Magnet is also compatible with aftermarket split rings and scent attractants.

Pros and Cons of Strike King Chick Magnet Flatside Crankbait