Let’s Talk About Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754
The Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754 is a mid-sized crankbait designed by Berkley to mimic the profile and action of a fleeing baitfish. This lure is part of the Flicker Shad series, known for its realistic appearance and enticing wobble, making it a staple in many anglers’ tackle boxes. Its blue smelt color pattern aims to replicate a common forage species, increasing its appeal to predatory fish.
I’ve been on the hunt for a reliable crankbait that dives to a consistent depth without sacrificing action. Many crankbaits on the market either require extensive tuning or simply don’t perform as advertised, leaving me frustrated and fishless. The advertised dive depth and the promise of a pro-designed lure is what piqued my interest in the Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754.
Out of the package, the lure’s finish is immediately striking. The blue smelt pattern has a nice shimmer, and the overall build feels solid for a lure in this price range. Compared to similar crankbaits like the Rapala Shad Rap or the Strike King KVD 1.5, the Flicker Shad has a slightly more aggressive wobble.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. It appeared to be a well-constructed lure with an attractive color pattern, but the real test would be its performance in the water. I was hoping that it would live up to the hype and become a go-to lure in my arsenal.
Real-World Testing: Putting Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754 on a local lake known for its walleye and bass populations. The water was slightly murky, and I was fishing from a boat, trolling along weed lines in about 12 feet of water. I ran it behind my kayak, varying my speed.
The lure performed remarkably well in these conditions. It dove quickly to its advertised depth and maintained a consistent wobble, even at varying speeds. There were no immediate issues with the lure’s action, and I quickly gained confidence in its ability to attract fish.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754 has proven to be a reliable and durable lure. The finish has held up well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear despite numerous encounters with rocks and submerged timber. The hooks remain sharp, and the lure continues to run true.
Maintenance is simple: just rinse it off after each use to remove any debris. Compared to some of the more expensive crankbaits I’ve used, the Flicker Shad holds its own in terms of performance and durability. This has exceeded my expectations for a lure in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754
Specifications
Color: Blue Smelt. This color pattern mimics a common forage fish, increasing its appeal to a wide range of predatory species.
Bait Length: 2-3/4″ (7cm). The 7cm length makes it a versatile size for targeting both bass and walleye.
Bait Size: 5/16 oz. (8.8g). This weight allows for decent casting distance while maintaining a natural presentation.
Swimming Depth: 11′-13′. This depth is ideal for trolling along weed lines or fishing deeper structure.
Number of Hooks: 2. Two treble hooks increase the chances of a solid hookup.
Quantity: 1. Each package contains one lure.
These specifications are important because they dictate the lure’s effectiveness in specific fishing scenarios. The dive depth, for example, allows anglers to target fish holding at certain depths, while the size and color influence its attractiveness to different species.
Performance & Functionality
The Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754 performs its job admirably, diving to its advertised depth and producing a consistent, fish-attracting wobble. The lure is easy to cast and troll, and it holds its action even at varying speeds.
A minor weakness is that the factory hooks could be upgraded for increased hook-setting power. Overall, the lure meets and even exceeds expectations for its price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The lure’s design is well-thought-out, with a realistic profile and an attractive blue smelt finish. The weight and balance are just right, making it comfortable to cast and troll.
The lure is user-friendly, requiring minimal tuning or adjustment straight out of the package. Its design makes it accessible even to beginner anglers.
Durability & Maintenance
The Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754 is surprisingly durable, with a finish that holds up well to repeated use. Basic maintenance involves rinsing the lure after use and occasionally checking the hooks for sharpness.
With proper care, the lure should last for many fishing trips, making it a great value for the money. The durable construction is a pleasant surprise, particularly given the relatively low cost.
Accessories and Customization Options
The lure comes as is, with no included accessories beyond the lure itself. However, the hooks can easily be replaced with higher-quality trebles for increased hook-setting power.
The lure is compatible with most standard split rings and snaps, allowing anglers to customize their presentation. One might consider adding a small swivel to the line to reduce line twist when trolling.
Pros and Cons of Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754
Pros
- Realistic blue smelt finish. This color pattern is highly effective in attracting predatory fish in a variety of water conditions.
- Consistent diving depth. The lure reliably reaches the advertised depth, allowing anglers to target specific depth zones.
- Enticing wobble action. The lure’s action is highly effective in triggering strikes from walleye and bass.
- Durable construction. The lure holds up well to repeated use, even in rocky or snag-filled environments.
- Affordable price. This crankbait offers excellent value for the money.
Cons
- The factory hooks could be sharper or stronger. An upgrade might be desirable for larger fish.
- Only one lure per package. Buying multiple lures at once is necessary to ensure availability.
Who Should Buy Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754?
The Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754 is perfect for anglers targeting walleye and bass in depths of 11-13 feet. It is equally suitable for both experienced anglers and beginners looking for a reliable and affordable crankbait. Pro anglers can make use of this lure in tournaments.
Someone who primarily fishes in very shallow water (less than 10 feet) might want to skip this product and opt for a shallower-diving crankbait. Likewise, anglers targeting very large fish (e.g., musky or pike) may want to consider a larger, more robust lure. An angler fishing in heavily stained or muddy water might choose a brighter color pattern for better visibility.
A must-have modification would be upgrading the hooks to a sharper and stronger treble hook for increased hook-setting power. Also, using a quality snap swivel helps prevent line twist, particularly when trolling.
Conclusion on Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754
The Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754 is an excellent crankbait that offers exceptional value for the money. Its realistic finish, consistent diving depth, and enticing wobble action make it a highly effective lure for targeting walleye and bass.
The price is definitely justified, considering the lure’s performance and durability. I would personally recommend it to any angler looking for a reliable and affordable crankbait to add to their arsenal.
Don’t hesitate – add the Berkley FFSH7M-BLUSM FLCKR SHAD MED 7CM BLU SMLT 1432754 to your tackle box today and experience the difference for yourself! Go catch some fish!