First Impressions of Strike King Rage Lobster
The Strike King Rage Lobster burst onto the scene, promising a new level of realism and action in soft plastic craw baits. Strike King is a well-known name in fishing, so I had pretty high expectations for this bait. Its large, Rage-style scalloped claws immediately caught my eye, hinting at the aggressive action bass anglers crave.
I was looking for a versatile soft plastic that could be Texas-rigged, Carolina-rigged, or used as a jig trailer, something that would draw attention in murky water. Countless craw imitations saturate the market, each claiming to be the ultimate bass attractor, but few deliver on the promise. I was particularly intrigued by the Rage Lobster’s body detailing and the distinctive Rage Tail claw design.
Upon opening the pack, I was impressed by the detail molded into the body of the Strike King Rage Lobster. The plastic felt durable yet pliable, a crucial balance for both action and longevity. The claws are substantial and designed to displace a lot of water. Compared to a standard craw such as the Zoom Brush Hog or a Berkley PowerBait Craw, the Rage Lobster is larger and more aggressively styled. This felt like it might give me an edge in tournaments where the fish have seen everything.
Initially, I was excited to see how the Strike King Rage Lobster would perform. It seemed well-made, but the proof would be in the water. Time to see if it lives up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Rage Lobster to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Strike King Rage Lobster was on a local lake known for its healthy largemouth bass population and murky water. I primarily Texas-rigged it with a 3/0 EWG hook and a 1/4 oz bullet weight, targeting submerged grass lines and laydowns. The water clarity was poor, visibility was maybe two feet, which made me think the size and profile of this bait was perfect.
The Rage Lobster performed admirably under those conditions. The large claws created a noticeable vibration as I dragged it along the bottom, and I had several aggressive strikes within the first hour. I even caught a four-pounder right off the bat. A cold front rolled in that afternoon, making the bite tough, but the Rage Lobster still produced strikes when other baits failed.
It took very little time to get used to fishing the Strike King Rage Lobster. The action is very intuitive, and the bait seems to work well with a variety of retrieves. I encountered no issues during the first use, and the bait held up well after several fish and numerous casts into heavy cover.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of fishing the Strike King Rage Lobster in different lakes and rivers, its reliability has become apparent. I have thrown it on Texas Rigs, Carolina Rigs, and as a jig trailer. The bait holds up surprisingly well to repeated casts, snags, and fish catches.
While the claws will eventually tear after multiple hooksets and encounters with heavy cover, the body of the Rage Lobster remains intact, which is fantastic. Proper storage helps; keeping them in their original packaging away from extreme heat extends their lifespan. It’s much more durable than many other soft plastics I’ve used.
Maintenance is straightforward: rinse off any debris after use. Compared to other craw-style baits I’ve used, the Strike King Rage Lobster is more durable and consistently produces strikes. This easily makes it my new “go to” trailer.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Rage Lobster
Specifications
The Strike King Rage Lobster measures 4.5 inches in length and comes in packs of 5. Strike King offers it in a wide array of colors to match various water conditions and forage. As a soft bait, it is designed to be rigged on a hook or used as a trailer on jigs and spinnerbaits.
The key specification of the Rage Lobster is its patented Rage Tail design, specifically the large, scalloped claws. These claws are engineered to create maximum water displacement and vibration, attracting bass from a distance. The bait’s length provides a substantial profile in the water, making it ideal for targeting larger bass, while the plastic’s pliability ensures realistic action.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King Rage Lobster excels at attracting bass, particularly in situations where visibility is limited. The Rage Tail claws generate a significant amount of vibration, allowing bass to locate the bait easily. Its performance is consistently good, whether Texas-rigged through heavy cover or Carolina-rigged along points and drop-offs.
The only weakness I’ve noted is that the claws can tear after extended use, requiring replacement. However, the bait’s overall effectiveness far outweighs this minor drawback. It definitely exceeds expectations and has become a mainstay in my tackle box.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike King Rage Lobster features a detailed body design that mimics a real crawfish, complete with realistic segments and antennae. The material used is pliable and durable, allowing the claws to move freely while resisting tears and punctures. The bait feels substantial in hand, providing a good feel for what’s happening underwater.
The Rage Lobster is very user-friendly. There’s no learning curve. Its design allows for easy rigging on various setups.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strike King Rage Lobster is reasonably durable for a soft plastic bait. While the claws are susceptible to tearing, the body of the bait holds up well to repeated use. Proper storage and care can significantly extend the life of each bait.
Maintenance is minimal: rinse off any mud or debris. Overall, it’s a durable and easy-to-maintain bait.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike King Rage Lobster does not come with any accessories. Its versatility allows it to be paired with a wide range of hooks, weights, and jig heads. Popular rigging options include Texas rigs, Carolina rigs, and jig trailers.
It’s compatible with various hook sizes and styles, allowing anglers to customize their presentation based on conditions. Different colors can be used depending on water clarity.
Pros and Cons of Strike King Rage Lobster
Pros
- Exceptional Vibration: The Rage Tail claws create significant water displacement, attracting fish from a distance.
- Versatile Rigging Options: Can be used Texas-rigged, Carolina-rigged, as a jig trailer, and more.
- Durable Construction: The body holds up well to repeated use and abuse.
- Realistic Design: Detailed body and realistic action entice strikes.
- Wide Range of Colors: Available in various colors to match different water conditions.
Cons
- Claws can tear after extensive use.
- Bulkier profile may not be ideal for clear water.
Who Should Buy Strike King Rage Lobster?
The Strike King Rage Lobster is perfect for bass anglers of all skill levels, particularly those fishing in murky or stained water. It is also a great choice for anglers targeting larger bass and those who need a versatile bait that can be rigged in multiple ways. Tournament anglers will also appreciate its ability to attract fish when other baits fail.
Anglers fishing clear water or those targeting smaller species might want to consider a smaller, more subtle bait. Those looking for extreme durability in a soft plastic may also want to explore other options.
Must-have accessories include a selection of EWG hooks in various sizes, bullet weights for Texas rigging, and Carolina rig components.
Conclusion on Strike King Rage Lobster
The Strike King Rage Lobster is an exceptional soft plastic bait that delivers on its promise of attracting bass with its realistic design and aggressive action. Its versatility, durability, and effectiveness make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box.
The price of $3.79 for a pack of 5 is justified by its performance and longevity. Yes, the price is definitely worth it.
I would highly recommend the Strike King Rage Lobster to any angler looking to catch more bass, especially in challenging conditions. Give it a try! You won’t be disappointed.