Let’s Talk About Berkley PBMSTG5-BPBHF PBMXS THGENRL 5IN BLPRBH 1436790
The Berkley PBMSTG5-BPBHF PBMXS THGENRL 5IN BLPRBH 1436790, more commonly known as the Berkley MaxScent The General, is a soft plastic stick bait designed to entice even the most finicky fish. Measuring five inches in length and sporting a Blue Pearl Black Hologram color, this bait promises a potent combination of visual appeal and an enhanced scent profile thanks to Berkley’s MaxScent technology. It’s a blend of finesse presentation and proven effectiveness that’s grabbed my attention.
As an experienced angler who often finds himself battling pressured fish in clear water, I was looking for a soft plastic that could deliver realistic action and a strong scent trail. I was looking for something to tip the odds in my favor. The promise of MaxScent, coupled with the classic stick bait profile, seemed like a perfect match.
My initial impression upon opening the package was positive. The baits had a soft, almost oily texture, indicative of the Berkley MaxScent formula. The Blue Pearl Black Hologram color was striking, offering a subtle flash without being overly gaudy. Compared to other stick baits I’ve used, the Berkley MaxScent The General felt more pliable and seemed to hold its shape better.
I’ve previously used the Yamamoto Senko and the Strike King Ocho with varying success. The Senko is a classic, but its scent is relatively mild. The Ocho has great action, but I’ve found it tears easily. The Berkley MaxScent The General aims to provide the best of both worlds: the alluring action of a stick bait with a super-charged scent.
I was excited to put these to the test; the texture and appearance felt promising. Could these baits live up to the hype and consistently outfish my old standbys?
Real-World Testing: Putting Berkley PBMSTG5-BPBHF PBMXS THGENRL 5IN BLPRBH 1436790 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Berkley PBMSTG5-BPBHF PBMXS THGENRL 5IN BLPRBH 1436790 on a local reservoir known for its clear water and heavily pressured bass population. I rigged it weightless on a 3/0 EWG hook, Texas-rigged, to allow for a slow, natural fall. The weather was overcast with a slight breeze, and the water temperature was around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Berkley MaxScent The General performed admirably, exhibiting a subtle wiggle on the fall that seemed to entice bites. I landed four bass in a two-hour period, a respectable number considering the fishing pressure and conditions. The action of the bait on the fall was irresistible.
I encountered no immediate issues, but I did notice that the bait became slightly slick after repeated casts. However, this didn’t seem to affect its performance. The bait remained effective even when wet.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Berkley MaxScent The General continues to impress. They still outproduce my older baits. The baits hold up reasonably well, although they will tear after repeated hooksets or encounters with heavy cover. This is the typical tradeoff for the softer, more pliable plastic that gives them their lifelike action.
Maintenance is minimal; I simply rinse them off with clean water after each use and store them in a plastic bag to prevent them from drying out. Compared to other soft plastics, the Berkley MaxScent The General seems to retain its scent longer, even after multiple uses. The scent seems deeply embedded in the material.
It outperforms my previous baits, especially in clear water conditions where scent is crucial. This has become my go-to bait when the bite is tough.
Breaking Down the Features of Berkley PBMSTG5-BPBHF PBMXS THGENRL 5IN BLPRBH 1436790
Specifications
- Color: Blue Pearl Black Hologram – A visually appealing color combination that blends natural hues with subtle holographic flash. This provides a good balance for clear water conditions.
- Bait Length: 5″ – A versatile length that appeals to a wide range of bass sizes. This 5″ size also allows for various rigging options.
- Quantity: 8 Per/Pack – A standard quantity for soft plastic baits, providing a reasonable supply for multiple fishing trips.
- Material: MaxScent – Berkley’s proprietary scent-infused plastic that releases a super-charged scent field. This is the key feature that differentiates this bait from others.
- Type: Stick Bait – A classic profile known for its subtle action and effectiveness in a variety of conditions. The stick bait design allows it to be fished in many ways.
These specifications are crucial because they contribute to the bait’s overall effectiveness. The color mimics natural prey, the length is versatile, and the MaxScent technology provides a significant advantage in attracting fish, especially in pressured waters. The super-charged scent is like ringing the dinner bell.
Performance & Functionality
The Berkley PBMSTG5-BPBHF PBMXS THGENRL 5IN BLPRBH 1436790 excels at attracting fish, especially when other baits fail. Its subtle action and potent scent combination make it a go-to choice for clear water and pressured bass. It will bring fish to the boat when nothing else works.
Its strength lies in its ability to entice bites even when fish are not actively feeding. Its weakness is its durability compared to tougher plastics.
The bait meets and often exceeds my expectations, consistently outperforming other soft plastics in challenging conditions. I now reach for this before anything else.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent; the plastic is soft and pliable, allowing for realistic action. The 5-inch length and streamlined profile make it easy to cast and rig in various ways. Rigging this bait is incredibly versatile.
The bait is very user-friendly, requiring no special techniques or modifications. Anyone can pick it up and fish it effectively.
Durability & Maintenance
While not as durable as some other soft plastics, the Berkley MaxScent The General holds up reasonably well with proper care. Expect to replace baits after several fish or encounters with heavy cover.
Maintenance is simple: rinse with clean water and store in a plastic bag. Prolonged exposure to air can cause the baits to dry out and lose their scent.
Accessories and Customization Options
The bait itself doesn’t require any specific accessories, but it pairs well with various hooks and rigging options. EWG hooks, Texas rigs, weightless rigs, and Carolina rigs all work effectively.
It’s compatible with most standard soft plastic accessories, such as bullet weights, beads, and swivels. The bait is a blank canvas ready for any angler’s personal touch.
Pros and Cons of Berkley PBMSTG5-BPBHF PBMXS THGENRL 5IN BLPRBH 1436790
Pros
- Super-charged MaxScent attracts fish even when they are not actively feeding. This is a game changer.
- Versatile stick bait profile can be rigged in numerous ways. Many options to fish it.
- Realistic action entices bites. Irresistible on the fall.
- Effective in clear water and pressured situations. Perfect for those tough days.
- Blue Pearl Black Hologram color provides a subtle flash without being overly gaudy. Very natural looking.
Cons
- Durability is slightly lower than some other soft plastics. Tradeoff for the soft plastic.
- Can become slick after repeated casts. Can become a bit slippery.
Who Should Buy Berkley PBMSTG5-BPBHF PBMXS THGENRL 5IN BLPRBH 1436790?
This bait is perfect for anglers targeting bass in clear water, pressured lakes, or when fish are being finicky. It’s also a great option for anglers who enjoy finesse techniques and want a bait that can be rigged in various ways. Tournament anglers would benefit from this as well.
Anglers who primarily fish in heavy cover or require extremely durable baits may want to consider other options. This bait is not for people who want a super-tough bait.
A high-quality EWG hook is a must-have accessory for rigging the Berkley MaxScent The General. A good pair of polarized sunglasses will also help you spot fish and structure in clear water.
Conclusion on Berkley PBMSTG5-BPBHF PBMXS THGENRL 5IN BLPRBH 1436790
The Berkley PBMSTG5-BPBHF PBMXS THGENRL 5IN BLPRBH 1436790, the Berkley MaxScent The General, is a highly effective soft plastic stick bait that lives up to its promise. Its MaxScent technology and realistic action make it a standout choice for anglers seeking an edge in challenging conditions. The price of $8.99 is reasonable considering the bait’s performance and versatility.
I would definitely recommend this bait to any angler looking to improve their success rate, especially in clear water or pressured situations. It has earned a permanent spot in my tackle box.
Give the Berkley MaxScent The General a try – you might be surprised at how many more fish you catch. It’s time to give your old standbys a rest and see what the MaxScent hype is all about.