First Impressions of Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait
The Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait is a finesse lure designed for the ever-popular Ned rig. Manufactured by Strike King, this bait boasts a unique 8-sided design and coffee scent infusion, features aimed at attracting fish and increasing hook-up ratios. It immediately stood out to me as a potentially more versatile and effective alternative to traditional stick baits used in Ned rigging.
I was looking for a subtle but effective bait to use in clear water and pressured fishing conditions. The claim of a coffee scent masking human odors also intrigued me. Upon opening the package, the Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait felt noticeably soft and salty. The coffee scent was also present without being overpowering. Compared to the YUM Dinger and the Z-Man TRD, the Ned Ocho’s unique shape and advertised scent were the deciding factors in my choice. While I was optimistic, I was also slightly skeptical about whether the 8-sided design would genuinely make a difference.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait on a local lake known for its clear water and finicky bass. I rigged it on a 1/16 oz Ned rig jig head and fished it along rocky bottom structure. The bait’s action was immediately noticeable; it had a subtle wobble and enticing fall. I had several strikes within the first hour, and the coffee scent seemed to keep the fish holding on longer than usual.
Even in slightly stained water, the bait performed. I even tried Texas-rigging it weightless and got surprisingly good results, and the bait still triggered strikes even with minimal action applied.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait has proven to be remarkably durable. Despite being soft, the bait holds up well to repeated casts and catches, far better than some other similarly-shaped baits. The coffee scent does fade slightly over time, but it remains noticeable. Cleaning is as simple as rinsing with water, and proper storage (away from extreme heat) seems to maintain its softness.
Compared to other finesse baits I’ve used, the Ned Ocho has consistently produced better results, especially in challenging conditions. I would say it definitely out-performs any similar products in its class.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait
Specifications
The Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait is a 2.5-inch finesse stick bait designed for Ned rigging and other finesse fishing techniques. It is manufactured by Strike King and comes in packs of 9. A key feature is its unique 8-sided design, intended to create a different action and bubble release compared to traditional round stick baits. The bait is made from a soft, salty plastic blend infused with Strike King’s exclusive coffee scent.
These specifications are important because the 2.5-inch length is ideal for Ned rigging, and the soft plastic and salt content provide a natural feel and taste that encourages fish to hold on. The coffee scent aims to mask human scent, while the 8-sided design is meant to enhance the bait’s action and visual appeal.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait excels in finesse fishing scenarios, particularly when targeting bass in clear water or under heavy fishing pressure. The bait’s subtle action is incredibly effective at triggering strikes. I have personally experienced much success when other presentations fail. The coffee scent is a definite plus, as it seems to give fish more confidence to take the bait and hold on longer, increasing hook-up ratios.
The only weakness I’ve observed is that the bait is relatively small, which may not be ideal for targeting larger fish in open water situations where a bigger profile bait would be preferred. It absolutely exceeds my expectations for a finesse bait.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait‘s design is well thought out. The 8-sided shape provides a unique profile in the water, and the soft plastic makes the bait incredibly lifelike. The size is perfect for Ned rigging, and the bait is easy to rig on a variety of jig heads. While the bait is soft, it still offers decent durability.
There is virtually no learning curve to use this bait, and its compact size makes it easy to store and transport.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the soft plastic construction, the Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait is surprisingly durable. With proper rigging, they can withstand multiple casts and catches before needing replacement. Proper storage is important. Keep them sealed in the original package or a similar airtight container to prevent them from drying out or becoming brittle.
To maintain the bait’s attractiveness, I occasionally add a drop of fish attractant, although the coffee scent seems to be effective enough on its own.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait does not come with any accessories, but it is highly compatible with a wide range of Ned rig jig heads. Anglers can customize the bait’s action and presentation by using different jig head weights and styles. It also works well on a drop shot rig.
While it is primarily designed for Ned rigging, the Ned Ocho can also be used on other finesse rigs, such as a split shot or Carolina rig, making it a versatile addition to any angler’s tackle box.
Pros and Cons of Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait
Pros
- Unique 8-sided design creates a subtle, enticing action.
- Infused with coffee scent to mask human odor and attract fish.
- Soft, salty plastic encourages fish to hold on longer.
- Very durable for a soft plastic bait.
- Versatile and effective on a variety of finesse rigs.
Cons
- May be too small for targeting larger fish in open water.
- Coffee scent may fade over time.
Who Should Buy Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait?
The Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait is perfect for anglers who enjoy finesse fishing for bass, especially in clear water or pressured fishing conditions. It’s also ideal for beginners learning the Ned rig technique. It’s perfect for those who are looking for a subtle but effective presentation to entice finicky fish.
Anglers who prefer larger, more aggressive presentations may want to skip this product in favor of larger swimbaits or crankbaits. A must-have accessory is a selection of quality Ned rig jig heads in various weights to adapt to different fishing conditions.
Conclusion on Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait
The Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait is an exceptional finesse bait that consistently delivers results. Its unique design, enticing action, and coffee scent make it a standout in the crowded finesse fishing market. At $5.99 per pack, the price is more than justified, given the bait’s effectiveness and durability.
I would absolutely recommend the Strike King Ned Ocho Soft Bait to any angler looking to improve their finesse fishing game. Add it to your tackle box, and get ready to catch more fish!