First Impressions of Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid
The Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid – the name alone conjures images of deep-sea battles and trophy catches. Mold Craft has a long-standing reputation in the saltwater fishing world, and the “Squirt” is arguably their most iconic creation. This soft, pliable lure promises irresistible action, designed to entice even the most finicky predators. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
I’ve spent years battling pelagic giants and chasing inshore speedsters. My quest often involves finding the perfect lure that combines realism, durability, and action. The Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid seemed to address this need. It promised a lifelike presentation with its squid-like shape and realistic action, unlike some of the more rigid, less-forgiving lures on the market.
Upon receiving the Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The soft, pliable plastic felt durable, but not overly stiff. This suggested the advertised “amazing action” might be legitimate. Its smooth body and subtle details gave it a surprisingly realistic appearance.
Compared to other squid imitations I’ve used, the Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid seemed less bulky and more streamlined than the Yozuri Octopus Skirt. Its simplicity felt like a refreshing change from the intricate designs of some Williamson lures. Its action appears more subtle and realistic based on initial inspection alone, a feature that could prove key in pressured waters.
Initially, I felt a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. The reputation of Mold Craft is impressive. I was eager to get it in the water and see if the action matched the anticipation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid was a bluewater trip targeting sailfish off the Florida coast. I rigged it behind a teaser and trolled it at varying speeds to observe its action. The lure immediately started dancing enticingly behind the boat, even at relatively low speeds.
The conditions were fairly choppy, with a moderate swell and slight wind. The Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid held its own, maintaining its action despite the turbulence. It was easy to see why this lure is so highly regarded.
The lure was surprisingly easy to use. I simply rigged it with a weighted hook and leader, and it was ready to go. No complicated adjustments or specialized equipment were needed. The simplicity of the design translated to a hassle-free experience on the water.
After a few hours of trolling, a feisty sailfish hammered the Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid. The hook set cleanly, and after a spirited battle, the fish was brought boat-side for release. This first-time success definitely instilled confidence in the lure’s fish-catching ability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid is holding up remarkably well. Despite numerous encounters with toothy predators, it shows only minor signs of wear. The soft plastic has proven surprisingly resilient.
There are some visible hook marks and minor abrasions. The lure still maintains its original shape and action. It continues to attract strikes, demonstrating its durability and effectiveness.
The Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid is incredibly easy to maintain. A simple rinse with freshwater after each use is all that’s needed. No special cleaners or protectants are required.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper, less durable lures, the Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid stands head and shoulders above the rest. It consistently outperforms other lures in terms of action, durability, and overall fish-catching ability. It’s a worthy investment.
Breaking Down the Features of Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid
Specifications
The Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid is a soft plastic lure designed to mimic a squid. It is primarily intended for saltwater use.
- Manufacturer: Mold Craft
- Quantity: One lure per pack
- Additional Features: Designed for Sailfish/Small Gamefish
- Water Type: Saltwater
These specifications, particularly the soft plastic construction and squid-like shape, contribute directly to the lure’s realistic action and appeal to predatory fish. Its design for sailfish indicates its size and action are optimized for smaller to medium-sized gamefish.
Performance & Functionality
The Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid excels at imitating a fleeing squid. This triggers aggressive strikes from a variety of predatory fish.
Its key strengths are its lifelike action and ease of use. The primary weakness might be its size; larger predators may require a larger profile lure. It meets and even exceeds expectations for targeting sailfish and similar-sized gamefish.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid boasts a simple, yet effective design. Its soft plastic construction and streamlined shape contribute to its realistic swimming action.
The lure is incredibly user-friendly. Even novice anglers can quickly and easily rig and use it effectively. The simplicity is a major asset.
Durability & Maintenance
Given proper care, the Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid should last for many fishing trips. The quality of the plastic makes it more durable than many other soft plastic lures.
Maintaining the lure is simple: rinse with fresh water after use and store properly. This prevents degradation of the plastic and ensures longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid doesn’t come with any accessories. Its simple design lends itself to easy customization.
Anglers can pair it with a variety of hooks, leaders, and weights. The ability to customize rigging is a major advantage.
Pros and Cons of Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid
Pros
- Lifelike Action: The lure’s soft plastic and streamlined shape create an incredibly realistic swimming motion, enticing strikes from even the most cautious fish.
- Durability: The Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid is made from high-quality materials that withstand repeated use and aggressive strikes.
- Ease of Use: Its simple design makes it easy to rig and fish. Even beginner anglers can quickly master its use.
- Versatility: It can be fished in a variety of ways, making it suitable for different fishing techniques and target species.
- Proven Fish Catcher: Its reputation speaks for itself; this lure is a proven performer that consistently produces results.
Cons
- Price: At around $19, it’s more expensive than some other soft plastic lures.
- Size: The lure’s size might not be suitable for targeting larger pelagic species.
Who Should Buy Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid?
The Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid is perfect for saltwater anglers targeting sailfish, small tuna, dolphin (mahi-mahi), and other small to medium-sized gamefish. It’s also an excellent choice for those seeking a durable, easy-to-use lure with realistic action.
Those primarily targeting larger species like marlin or giant tuna might want to explore larger lure options. This squid is more suited for smaller to medium game fish.
A weighted hook and a quality leader are must-have accessories for the Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid. These ensure proper presentation and a secure hookset.
Conclusion on Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid
The Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid is a truly exceptional lure. Its lifelike action, durability, and ease of use make it a standout performer in the saltwater fishing world.
While the price might be slightly higher than some alternatives, the performance justifies the cost. The quality is evident.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid to any angler looking to increase their success on the water. It delivers incredible action and catches fish.
Don’t just take my word for it – give the Mold Craft Original Squirt Squid a try and experience the difference for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.