First Impressions of Strike King Bull Worm
The Strike King Bull Worm is a soft plastic lure designed to entice big bass. Manufactured by Strike King, this worm aims to trigger aggressive strikes with its large profile, soft texture, and built-in scent. It’s a worm promising to turn any fishing trip into a trophy hunt, and that alone demanded my attention.
I was looking for a reliable soft plastic bait to target larger, more wary bass in my local lake. I’d been struggling to entice those bigger fish with smaller, more subtle presentations. The promise of a larger profile and enticing scent of the Strike King Bull Worm seemed like the perfect solution.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the Strike King Bull Worm’s size and softness. The plastic felt incredibly pliable, and the bubble tail was perfectly formed. The worm seemed well constructed. Compared to the Zoom Ol’ Monster and the Berkley PowerBait Power Worm, the Bull Worm felt softer and had a more pronounced tail action.
I was definitely excited. The initial feel and look of the Strike King Bull Worm suggested a high-quality lure capable of attracting the lunker bass I was after. It had the potential to be a game-changer in my fishing arsenal.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Bull Worm to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Strike King Bull Worm on a local lake known for its clear water and healthy population of largemouth bass. I rigged it on a Texas rig with a 3/8 oz weight and a 4/0 EWG hook. The day was partly cloudy, with a slight breeze and water temperatures in the low 70s.
The Bull Worm performed admirably, even in the varying conditions, the supple plastic gave the worm a lifelike action even at slow speeds. The worm was easy to cast, and the bubble tail created an enticing swimming action on the retrieve. On my very first cast, I landed a respectable 3-pounder!
There were no immediate issues. The hook penetration was solid, and the worm held up well to the initial abuse from the fish. I did notice the Coffee Scent was quite potent, which could be either a pro or a con, depending on the fisherman.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Strike King Bull Worm has proven to be a reliable and effective lure. The plastic held up surprisingly well, even after multiple catches and encounters with underwater structure. A few nicks and tears were inevitable, but the worm remained fishable for an impressive length of time.
Durability has been excellent, with only minor signs of wear and tear. The worm’s color held up well, and the bubble tail remained intact. I simply rinsed the worms with clean water and stored them back in their original packaging to preserve their scent and suppleness.
Compared to my previous experiences with other soft plastic worms, the Strike King Bull Worm definitely outperforms them in terms of durability and fish-attracting power. The action of the worm is enticing, and has helped me produce some quality catches. It is a welcome addition to my soft plastic lineup.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Bull Worm
Specifications
The Strike King Bull Worm is an 8-inch soft plastic worm. It is specifically designed for bass fishing. It comes in a pack of 1 worm.
The worm is infused with Strike King’s exclusive Coffee Scent technology. The plastic is also heavily salted to encourage fish to hold on longer. These specifications matter because they contribute to the worm’s ability to attract and hook fish, and ultimately improve the angler’s success rate.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King Bull Worm excels at attracting largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. The worm’s large profile and enticing action generate strikes from fish of all sizes. The soft plastic ensures solid hooksets, while the infused scent keeps fish interested long enough for the angler to react.
The worm is extremely effective on a Texas rig, Carolina rig, or even weightless. One potential downside is the relatively short lifespan of each worm compared to some other brands on the market. Overall, it meets and often exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike King Bull Worm boasts a round-ribbed profile, a flat bottom, and a beveled bubble tail. The material is soft, pliable plastic infused with Strike King’s Coffee Scent and salt. The design is comfortable to handle and easy to rig.
There’s a slight learning curve in terms of mastering the optimal retrieve for triggering strikes. The worm is relatively user-friendly. It casts smoothly and has a great action in the water.
Durability & Maintenance
The worm will last for a respectable amount of time. It will remain fishable for multiple trips if properly stored. Minor tears and rips are unavoidable.
Maintenance is simple. Just rinse the worm with clean water after use and store it in its original packaging. If the worm becomes too damaged, replace it with a new one.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike King Bull Worm doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it is highly customizable in terms of rigging and presentation. Anglers can experiment with different hook sizes, weights, and retrieve styles.
The worm is compatible with a wide range of hooks, weights, and terminal tackle from other brands. The Strike King Bull Worm is versatile, making it a great addition to any angler’s tackle box.
Pros and Cons of Strike King Bull Worm
Pros
- Enticing Action: The beveled bubble tail creates a lifelike swimming action. This attracts fish even at slow speeds.
- Effective Scent: Infused with Strike King’s Coffee Scent, which masks human scent and encourages fish to hold on longer.
- Versatile Rigging: Can be rigged on a Texas rig, Carolina rig, or weightless, making it adaptable to different fishing conditions.
- Soft and Pliable: The soft plastic ensures solid hooksets and a natural feel for the fish.
- Proven Track Record: Designed by Kevin VanDam. It is a trusted and proven lure.
Cons
- Scent Can Be Overpowering: Some anglers might find the Coffee Scent too strong.
- Durability: It is a very soft worm. It may not hold up as well as some other brands.
Who Should Buy Strike King Bull Worm?
The Strike King Bull Worm is perfect for anglers targeting largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, particularly in clear water conditions. The worm is also ideal for those who want a soft plastic lure with a proven track record and a strong scent. It is a great choice for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Those who prioritize extreme durability above all else might want to consider other options. Those sensitive to strong scents might find the Coffee Scent overpowering.
Must-have accessories include a selection of EWG hooks in sizes 3/0 to 5/0. A variety of weights for Texas and Carolina rigging.
Conclusion on Strike King Bull Worm
The Strike King Bull Worm is a highly effective soft plastic lure that delivers on its promise of attracting big bass. The worm’s enticing action, effective scent, and versatile rigging options make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box. While durability could be improved, the Bull Worm’s fish-catching ability more than makes up for it.
At a price of $6.99, the Strike King Bull Worm offers excellent value for its performance. It is well justified for its quality, features, and potential to increase your catch rate.
I would absolutely recommend the Strike King Bull Worm to any angler looking to target bass with a proven and effective soft plastic lure. Pick up a pack (or several!) of Strike King Bull Worms and experience the difference for yourself!