Clam The Drop XXL Review

First Impressions of Clam The Drop XXL

The Clam The Drop XXL jig isn’t just another piece of tackle; it’s a declaration of war on oversized panfish and even larger gamefish. Manufactured by Clam, it promises a tungsten body in a compact size, coupled with a ridiculously large hook, designed to entice even the most wary of underwater predators. Its purpose, as the name suggests, is to get your bait down fast and present it in a way that triggers aggressive strikes. I was immediately intrigued by the claim of a compact tungsten body paired with an oversized hook – usually, jigs are one or the other, not both.

I initially sought out a jig like the Clam The Drop XXL because I was facing a frustrating situation on my local lake. The panfish were deep, and only responding to larger presentations, but were also incredibly finicky and spooked easily by bulky jigheads. I needed something that would drop quickly, maintain a natural presentation, and have the hook power to handle the occasional rogue bass or walleye.

Upon receiving the Clam The Drop XXL, I was immediately struck by the jig’s diminutive tungsten body. The finish was clean, and the paint job seemed durable enough to withstand some abuse. The hook, a massive #4, lived up to its “XXL” designation and was indeed two hook sizes larger than the standard Clam The Drop.

I was considering the Northland Tackle Fire-Ball Jig and the VMC Tungsten Tubby Jig, but both felt too small in the hook size for my specific needs. The Fire-Ball Jig is a proven performer, but its hook gap seemed limiting. Similarly, the VMC Tungsten Tubby is excellent for finesse presentations, but lacks the sheer hooking power I desired. The Clam The Drop XXL felt like the perfect middle ground, combining the best aspects of both.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. It felt like Clam had successfully engineered a jig that could potentially solve my deep-water panfish problem. I was excited to get it on the water and see if it lived up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Clam The Drop XXL to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Clam The Drop XXL was on a chilly morning at Lake Serenity, a local reservoir known for its deep, clear water. I was targeting crappies suspended near submerged timber in about 20 feet of water. I paired the jig with a small soft plastic crappie tube.

The Clam The Drop XXL immediately proved its worth by plummeting through the water column with impressive speed. Even with a slight breeze, it held its position perfectly, allowing me to maintain contact with the bottom and feel subtle strikes. The sensitivity transmitted through my line was excellent. After about 30 minutes, I landed a beautiful 14-inch crappie.

There were no significant issues during this initial test. The jig performed exactly as I had hoped, and the hookup ratio was surprisingly good, considering the hook size.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Clam The Drop XXL has become a staple in my tackle box. The paint finish has held up remarkably well, showing only minor chips despite bouncing off rocks and timber. The hook remains razor-sharp, and I’ve yet to experience any bending or breaking, even when battling larger fish.

Maintenance is simple: a quick rinse with fresh water after each use is all it takes to keep the Clam The Drop XXL in top condition. The tungsten body resists corrosion effectively.

Compared to my previous jig selections, the Clam The Drop XXL is a clear winner. Its combination of fast-dropping speed, excellent sensitivity, and sheer hooking power has significantly improved my catch rate. It has exceeded my initial expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Clam The Drop XXL

Specifications

The Clam The Drop XXL boasts some impressive specifications for such a small jig. Its tungsten body measures a compact 7mm, allowing it to drop quickly through the water column. It weighs in at a full 1/8 oz (approximately 3.5 grams), providing ample weight for reaching deeper depths or fishing in windy conditions.

The standout feature is the XXL #4 hook, which is two hook sizes larger than the standard Clam The Drop. This hook is made with a larger wire diameter, increasing its strength for battling larger panfish or even gamefish species. The longer shank allows for stringing more live bait or larger plastics, and the wider hook gap ensures better hookups. The larger tie-eye is a thoughtful touch, making it easier to tie knots with cold hands or larger line diameters. According to the manufacturer, the product is 2 inches in length, 0.5 inches in height, 1.5 inches in width, and weighs 0.13kg (4.6 ounces).

These specifications are critical to the Clam The Drop XXL‘s performance. The tungsten body’s density allows it to drop faster than lead, getting your bait into the strike zone quickly. The oversized hook ensures solid hooksets and the ability to handle larger fish, providing confidence when targeting mixed species.

Performance & Functionality

The Clam The Drop XXL excels at its intended purpose: delivering a compact presentation to deep-water fish while providing the hooking power to handle larger specimens. Its fast-dropping speed is a major advantage, allowing you to quickly reach the desired depth and maintain contact with your bait. The larger hook gap is crucial for securing solid hooksets, especially when fish are nipping or biting lightly.

One potential weakness is its smaller size. This could prove detrimental if fishing in extremely turbid water or if fish are solely keyed in on larger prey.

Overall, the Clam The Drop XXL meets and even exceeds expectations for its intended use. It’s a highly effective jig for targeting panfish and other species in deeper water.

Design & Ergonomics

The Clam The Drop XXL‘s design is simple yet effective. The tungsten body is compact and streamlined, minimizing water resistance and maximizing sinking speed. The larger tie-eye is a thoughtful detail, making it easier to tie knots, especially in cold weather.

The build quality is excellent. The materials used are of high quality, and the construction is solid. The jig feels well-balanced and comfortable to use. The weight is appropriate for most light to medium-light fishing rods.

There is no significant learning curve associated with using the Clam The Drop XXL. Simply tie it on, add your favorite bait, and start fishing.

Durability & Maintenance

The Clam The Drop XXL is built to last. The tungsten body is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. The hook is made from high-quality steel and maintains its sharpness well. With proper care, the Clam The Drop XXL should last for many fishing trips.

Maintenance is minimal. Simply rinse the jig with fresh water after each use to remove any dirt or debris. Inspect the hook regularly for any signs of damage or corrosion.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Clam The Drop XXL itself doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, its versatility allows it to be paired with a wide range of baits and accessories. It works well with various soft plastic trailers, including crappie tubes, grubs, and small swimbaits. It can also be used with live bait, such as minnows or wax worms.

The Clam The Drop XXL is compatible with most standard jig heads and line types. There are no specific customization options available for the jig itself.

Pros and Cons of Clam The Drop XXL

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Who Should Buy Clam The Drop XXL?

The Clam The Drop XXL is perfect for anglers targeting panfish, perch, trout, and even small gamefish in deeper water or situations where a fast-dropping, compact presentation is required. It is especially well-suited for ice fishing, open-water jigging, and vertical fishing techniques. Pro anglers and weekend warriors alike will benefit from its performance and durability.

Anglers who primarily fish in shallow water or prefer larger, bulkier presentations might want to skip this product. It is also not the best choice for anglers on a tight budget, as tungsten jigs tend to be more expensive than lead jigs.

Must-have accessories for the Clam The Drop XXL include a quality fluorocarbon or braided line for increased sensitivity, a selection of soft plastic trailers in various colors and sizes, and a reliable hook sharpener to maintain the hook’s razor-sharp point.

Conclusion on Clam The Drop XXL

The Clam The Drop XXL is a well-designed, high-performance jig that delivers on its promise of providing a fast-dropping, compact presentation with excellent hooking power. Its tungsten body and oversized hook make it a highly effective tool for targeting panfish and other species in deeper water. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, its durability and performance justify the price.

I would personally recommend the Clam The Drop XXL to any angler looking to improve their deep-water fishing game. It’s a game-changer. If you’re tired of losing fish due to poor hooksets or struggling to reach the bottom in windy conditions, give the Clam The Drop XXL a try. You won’t be disappointed. Go ahead, drop into the action!