First Impressions of Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper
The Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper promises the same enticing action as its larger sibling, the Tapout worm, but in a more compact, universally appealing package. Bass Assassin aims to deliver a versatile lure infused with their proprietary Combo scent BANG formula and liquid salt, enticing even the most finicky freshwater predators. As an experienced angler who’s always on the hunt for an edge, especially when the bite is slow, the promise of a smaller profile with maximum scent and action piqued my interest.
I was searching for a finesse worm that could still pack a punch in terms of scent and vibration, especially for pressured waters. Many finesse worms lack the profile or scent to trigger strikes when bass are being particularly selective. The Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper seemed to offer a solution to this problem.
Upon opening the package, the powerful scent of the BANG formula was immediately apparent, a promising sign. The Litl Tappers themselves felt supple and well-made, suggesting good action in the water. Compared to other finesse worms like the Zoom Trick Worm or the Yamamoto Senko (smaller sizes), the Litl Tapper stood out due to its more pronounced ribbed body and the intense scent infusion.
I chose the Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper hoping the combination of size, action, and scent would give me an advantage in tough fishing conditions where other lures have failed. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism – the scent and texture were right, but the proof would be in the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper was on a local lake known for its clear water and heavily pressured bass population. I fished it on a drop-shot rig and a Texas rig, targeting submerged weed lines and rocky points. The water was clear, and the sun was high, conditions where finesse tactics often shine.
The Litl Tapper proved easy to rig and cast, exhibiting a subtle but enticing action even with minimal movement. I found that it performed well with both slow, deliberate presentations and more erratic, twitching retrieves. After about an hour of fishing with other baits and getting no bites, I switched to the Litl Tapper, and within 15 minutes, I landed a solid 2-pound largemouth.
The ease of rigging was excellent. No issues arose in initial use, and the bait seemed to hold up well.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper in various conditions, I can confidently say it’s become a staple in my tackle box. The Litl Tappers have proven effective in clear and slightly stained water, and even produced some strikes in windier conditions when paired with a heavier weight. While the scent does diminish slightly after several hours of use, it’s still noticeable, and I often re-apply scent attractant to maintain its potency.
The durability is acceptable for a soft plastic worm. They will tear after several fish catches or encounters with heavy cover, but this is typical of most soft plastics. Cleaning is not really a factor, as they are disposable. It outperforms other finesse worms in terms of scent dispersion and action, especially in pressured water scenarios.
Breaking Down the Features of Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper
Specifications
The Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper boasts the following specifications:
- Lure Type: Worm
- Quantity: 12 per Pack
- Length: 4.5 inches
- Water Type: Freshwater
- Hook Type: Worm
- Manufacturer: Bass Assassin
These specifications are important because they dictate the lure’s presentation and suitability for different fishing situations. The 4.5-inch length is a good compromise between a finesse bait and a more substantial offering, making it appealing to a wide range of bass sizes. The worm hook type suggests it’s best suited for Texas rigging, Carolina rigging, or drop-shotting, allowing for weedless presentations.
Performance & Functionality
The Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper excels at attracting fish, particularly in situations where bass are pressured or finicky. Its subtle action, combined with the potent BANG scent, is a winning combination.
Its strength lies in its versatility; it can be fished on a variety of rigs and retrieves. A potential weakness is its durability; softer plastic baits will tear more easily. It meets expectations as a finesse worm with enhanced scent and action, and its performance is usually above average.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper is designed with a ribbed body that enhances its vibration and water displacement, further contributing to its effectiveness. The material used is soft and pliable, allowing for lifelike action, but also makes it more prone to tearing. The 4.5-inch size feels good in hand and is easy to manage on various tackle setups.
There is no noticeable learning curve. The ease of rigging and fishing allows instant access.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper is average for a soft plastic worm. Anglers should expect to go through several lures per fishing trip, especially when fishing around heavy cover.
No maintenance is required since these are disposable baits. However, keeping them in their original packaging will help preserve their scent and softness.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper doesn’t come with any specific accessories. The most common customization involves pairing it with different worm hooks, weights, and rigging styles.
It is compatible with a wide variety of worm hooks, bullet weights, and swivels. Anglers can also use various scent attractants to further enhance its appeal.
Pros and Cons of Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper
Pros
- Effective scent: The BANG scent formula is potent and long-lasting, attracting fish even in tough conditions.
- Versatile size: The 4.5-inch length is a great compromise, appealing to a wide range of bass sizes.
- Subtle action: The ribbed body provides enticing vibration and water displacement, triggering strikes without being overly aggressive.
- Easy to rig: Compatible with a wide range of rigging styles, including Texas rig, Carolina rig, and drop-shot.
- Proven performance: Successfully catches fish in various water conditions and fishing scenarios.
Cons
- Durability: Softer plastic makes it prone to tearing, especially around heavy cover.
- Price: At $3.906.69 per pack, these are one of the most expensive soft plastics on the market.
Who Should Buy Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper?
The Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper is perfect for anglers who are looking for a versatile and effective finesse worm that can perform well in pressured waters. It’s an excellent choice for anyone targeting largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass in clear or slightly stained water conditions.
Anglers primarily fishing heavy cover or those on a very tight budget might find the durability and price to be drawbacks. Must-have accessories include a selection of worm hooks in various sizes and styles, bullet weights for Texas rigging, and swivels for Carolina rigging.
Conclusion on Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper
The Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper is a well-designed and highly effective finesse worm that lives up to its promises. It’s a versatile bait that can be fished in a variety of ways, and its potent scent and subtle action make it a go-to choice when the bite is tough.
The cost of $3.906.69 is absolutely outrageous, but if the actual price is significantly lower, this would be a great value. I would personally recommend the Bass Assassin BANG Lures Litl Tapper to any serious angler looking to improve their success rate, but not at the stated price. Add this lure to your arsenal and prepare for more hooksets.