First Impressions of Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper
The Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper is a compact, finesse-style worm designed to entice even the most finicky walleye. Bass Assassin has a solid reputation, and I was keen to see how this smaller version compared to their larger offerings. I was hoping this little worm could be my go-to for pressured waters where bigger baits spook the fish.
I was looking for a smaller, more subtle presentation. Many times, walleye in heavily fished areas become accustomed to larger baits, and a smaller offering can be just the ticket to trigger a strike. The Litl Tapper seemed like the perfect solution.
Upon opening the package, I was impressed by the soft, pliable feel of the plastic. The color was vibrant and consistent throughout the bait. The size felt perfect for light jigheads and finesse presentations, but the build quality had me questioning it’s durability.
Compared to other finesse worms I’ve used, like the Zoom Trick Worm or the Strike King KVD Perfect Plastic Finesse Worm, the Litl Tapper seemed slightly smaller and more delicate. I chose this one specifically for its size and the Bass Assassin name. My initial reaction was excitement tempered with a bit of concern about its durability, but overall, I was eager to get it on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper was on a local reservoir known for its clear water and educated walleye population. I rigged it on a 1/16 oz jighead and slowly dragged it along the bottom near some submerged rock piles. The action was immediate; I hooked into a nice 17-inch walleye within the first few casts.
The Litl Tapper performed admirably in the clear water, with its subtle action proving irresistible. It worked well in conjunction with a slow presentation, and the fish inhaled the bait with vigor. It did take some getting used to the size, as setting the hook required a bit more finesse compared to using larger baits.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper, I can attest to its effectiveness in a variety of situations. It excels in clear water and when targeting pressured fish. However, I did notice some durability issues.
The plastic is quite soft, which contributes to its enticing action, but also makes it prone to tearing after a few fish. I lost several baits to short strikes and aggressive takes. Maintaining the bait became quite a hassle, but it proved itself to be worth it.
Cleaning is not really an issue with these baits as they’re disposable. But storing them properly is important to prevent them from melting or sticking together. Compared to other finesse worms, the Litl Tapper required more frequent replacement due to its fragility, but its fish-catching ability often outweighed this inconvenience.
Breaking Down the Features of Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper
Specifications
The Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper is a small, slender worm designed for finesse fishing. Each pack contains 12 worms. These are specifically designed for freshwater use and are intended to be rigged on worm hooks or jigheads.
- Manufacturer: Bass Assassin
- Lure Type: Worm
- Quantity: 12 per Pack
- Water Type: Freshwater
- Hook Type: Worm
These specifications are crucial because they dictate the bait’s ideal use case. The small size and worm hook compatibility make it perfect for light line and finesse presentations. This allows anglers to target wary walleye in clear water or heavily pressured areas.
Performance & Functionality
The Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper excels at eliciting strikes from walleye that are hesitant to commit to larger presentations. It is best used with a slow retrieve, allowing the subtle tail action to entice the fish. The soft plastic provides a realistic feel, encouraging the walleye to hold onto the bait longer.
Its main strength is its ability to generate strikes when other baits fail. However, its primary weakness is its durability; the soft plastic tears easily. It meets expectations as a finesse bait, but requires careful rigging and frequent replacement.
Design & Ergonomics
The Litl Tapper features a streamlined body and a subtle, tapered tail. The soft plastic provides a natural feel and action in the water. The bait is easy to rig on a variety of hooks and jigheads.
The build quality is decent, but the soft plastic makes it susceptible to tearing. There isn’t much of a learning curve; simply rig it and fish it like any other finesse worm. The Litl Tapper is designed to be user friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
Due to its soft plastic construction, the Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper isn’t the most durable bait on the market. Anglers should expect to replace them frequently, especially when targeting aggressive fish or fishing around cover. Maintenance is minimal; simply store them in their original packaging or a plastic tackle box away from direct sunlight to prevent melting or discoloration.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, it is highly customizable in terms of rigging options. Anglers can use it with a variety of jigheads, worm hooks, or even drop shot rigs.
The Litl Tapper is compatible with most standard worm hooks and jigheads. This provides flexibility for anglers to tailor their presentation to the specific conditions and preferences. Using different jig head sizes allows you to adjust the fall rate and action to your personal preferences.
Pros and Cons of Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper
Pros
- Subtle Action: The small size and tapered tail create a very enticing action for walleye.
- Effective in Clear Water: Excels in clear water where walleye are more easily spooked.
- Great for Pressured Fish: Triggers strikes when larger baits fail.
- Versatile Rigging: Can be used with a variety of jigheads, worm hooks, and rigs.
- Realistic Feel: The soft plastic provides a realistic feel, encouraging walleye to hold on longer.
Cons
- Poor Durability: The soft plastic tears easily, requiring frequent replacements.
- Small Size: Can be difficult to handle and rig, especially in windy conditions.
- Not Ideal for Heavy Cover: The delicate nature makes it unsuitable for fishing around heavy cover.
Who Should Buy Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper?
The Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper is perfect for anglers targeting walleye in clear water, pressured lakes, or rivers where finesse presentations are required. It’s a must-have for anglers who appreciate a subtle presentation to entice finicky walleye. This is also a good choice for those who prioritize action over durability.
Anglers who prefer more durable baits for fishing around heavy cover or those targeting larger species might want to skip this product. A must-have accessory is a selection of light wire worm hooks or jigheads, to ensure proper rigging and presentation.
Conclusion on Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper
The Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper is a highly effective finesse worm for targeting walleye. While its durability leaves something to be desired, its ability to generate strikes in tough conditions makes it a valuable addition to any walleye angler’s tackle box. The $6.49 price is justifiable given its performance, especially in situations where other baits fail.
I would personally recommend the Bass Assassin Walleye Assassin Litl Tapper to any angler looking for a finesse bait to target walleye in clear water or pressured environments. Don’t let the small size fool you; this little worm packs a serious punch. Grab a pack, rig it up, and get ready to experience the thrill of catching walleye when others are struggling!