First Impressions of Bass Assassin Curly Shad
As a seasoned angler with over a decade of experience rigging everything from tiny jigs for panfish to hefty swimbaits for monster bass, I’ve seen countless soft plastics come and go. When I first heard about the Bass Assassin Curly Shad, I was intrigued. Could this simple, yet effective, design really live up to the hype I’d seen online?
I was looking for a versatile bait that could target multiple species, specifically something that would entice both crappie and the occasional largemouth in the murky waters of my local reservoir. Many swimbaits are too large or aggressive for finesse presentations, while standard curly tail grubs often lack the subtle action needed to trigger bites in clear water. The Bass Assassin Curly Shad seemed to offer a balance of both.
Upon receiving my pack of 4-inch Bass Assassin Curly Shads in “Acid Rain” color, I was initially impressed with the soft, pliable plastic. The slender body and pronounced curly tail looked ideal for creating an enticing swimming action. Comparing it to similar offerings like the Zoom Swimmin’ Super Fluke Jr. and the Strike King Rage Tail Swimmer, the Bass Assassin Curly Shad appeared to have a slightly more subtle tail action, potentially making it more effective in clear or pressured waters. The unique slit in the belly was also an interesting feature I hadn’t seen before in a bait of this style.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The bait looked promising, but the real test would be how it performed in the water. I was eager to hit the lake and put these Bass Assassin Curly Shads to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bass Assassin Curly Shad to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Bass Assassin Curly Shad was a local reservoir known for its healthy population of crappie and largemouth bass. I rigged the 4-inch Curly Shad on a 1/8 oz jig head and started fishing around submerged timber. The water was slightly stained, and the weather was overcast with a light breeze.
Right away, I noticed the bait’s incredibly lifelike swimming action. The curly tail kicked vigorously with even the slightest retrieve, creating a subtle yet enticing presentation. It didn’t take long before I hooked into my first crappie, a chunky slab that hammered the bait near a fallen tree. After a few more casts, I landed several more crappie of similar size, all responding well to a slow, steady retrieve.
The slit in the belly of the Bass Assassin Curly Shad seemed to help with hooksets, allowing the hook to penetrate easily even on light-biting fish. There were no issues on the first time use and I was very happy with its performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Bass Assassin Curly Shad has proven to be a reliable and effective soft plastic bait. The plastic is durable enough to withstand multiple fish catches. However, it is soft enough to provide excellent action.
I’ve noticed some minor wear and tear on the tail after catching several fish, but this is to be expected with any soft plastic bait. The Curly Shads are easy to clean and maintain. Simply rinsing them off with water after each use will help prolong their lifespan. Compared to other soft plastic baits I’ve used in the past, the Bass Assassin Curly Shad holds up remarkably well, especially considering its relatively low price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Bass Assassin Curly Shad
Specifications
The Bass Assassin Curly Shad boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall performance. These include:
- Manufacturer: Bass Assassin
- Length: Available in 2-inch and 4-inch sizes. The 4-inch model is the one tested in this review.
- Quantity: Typically sold in packs of 10.
- Weight: Each 4-inch Curly Shad weighs approximately 0.11 lb per pack.
- Color: Available in a variety of colors, including the “Acid Rain” tested here, which features a vibrant green and chartreuse combination.
- Water Type: Suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
- Lure Type: Soft plastic swimbait.
- Species: Primarily designed for crappie and panfish, but also effective on bass.
- Package Type: Pack
- Width: 6.1 in
- Height: 0.5 in
- Additional Features: The unique curly tail design creates a realistic swimming action, and the slit in the belly aids in hook penetration.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the bait’s action, profile, and overall effectiveness. The 4-inch size is ideal for targeting both crappie and bass, while the soft plastic construction ensures a realistic feel and enticing swimming motion.
Performance & Functionality
The Bass Assassin Curly Shad excels at its intended job: attracting and catching fish. The curly tail design creates a vibrant swimming action that is irresistible to crappie, bass, and other predatory fish. The bait’s slender profile and subtle presentation make it particularly effective in clear or pressured waters.
One of the main strengths of the Curly Shad is its versatility. It can be rigged on a variety of presentations, including jig heads, Carolina rigs, and even as a trailer on spinnerbaits or buzzbaits. The slit in the belly aids in hook penetration, resulting in more solid hooksets. One minor weakness is that the soft plastic can tear easily if fished around heavy cover or aggressively attacked by larger fish. However, this is a common issue with most soft plastic baits.
Overall, the Bass Assassin Curly Shad meets and even exceeds my expectations. The bait is highly effective, versatile, and a great value for the price.
Design & Ergonomics
The Bass Assassin Curly Shad features a simple yet effective design. The slender body and pronounced curly tail create a realistic swimming action that is both visually appealing and enticing to fish. The soft plastic construction ensures a natural feel and lifelike presentation.
The bait is easy to rig and fish, with no significant learning curve. The slender profile allows it to be fished effectively on a variety of presentations.
Durability & Maintenance
While the Bass Assassin Curly Shad is not the most durable soft plastic bait on the market, it offers a reasonable lifespan for its price point. With proper care, each bait can typically withstand multiple fish catches. Keeping them out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperatures will also help prolong their lifespan.
Cleaning is simple, and no special tools are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bass Assassin Curly Shad itself does not come with any accessories. However, it can be paired with a wide variety of jig heads, hooks, and terminal tackle.
Some popular customization options include adding scent attractants, using different colored jig heads to match the water clarity, and trimming the tail to alter the swimming action. The Curly Shad is compatible with most standard jig heads and hooks, making it easy to find the perfect combination for your fishing needs.
Pros and Cons of Bass Assassin Curly Shad
Pros
- Highly effective at attracting and catching crappie, bass, and other panfish.
- Versatile bait that can be rigged on a variety of presentations.
- Realistic swimming action due to the curly tail design.
- Slit in the belly aids in hook penetration.
- Excellent value for the price.
Cons
- The soft plastic can be prone to tearing when fished around heavy cover.
- Tail may wear down after catching multiple fish.
Who Should Buy Bass Assassin Curly Shad?
The Bass Assassin Curly Shad is perfect for anglers targeting crappie, panfish, and bass in a variety of conditions. It is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced anglers looking for a versatile and effective soft plastic bait.
This product may not be ideal for anglers who primarily fish in extremely heavy cover or target very large fish that are likely to tear the bait apart quickly. In these situations, a more durable soft plastic option may be a better choice. Must-have accessories include a selection of jig heads in various weights and colors, as well as some scent attractant to further entice fish.
Conclusion on Bass Assassin Curly Shad
The Bass Assassin Curly Shad is a fantastic soft plastic bait that offers exceptional performance and value. Its realistic swimming action, versatile rigging options, and proven effectiveness make it a must-have for any angler’s tackle box.
The price is certainly justified, considering its performance and the number of baits included in each pack. I would absolutely recommend the Bass Assassin Curly Shad to anyone looking for a reliable and effective bait for crappie, panfish, and bass.
Don’t just take my word for it, though. Grab a pack of Bass Assassin Curly Shads and experience the difference for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!