First Impressions of Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse
The Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse promises a simple, yet effective solution for inshore anglers targeting species like Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and bonito. It’s a pre-rigged lure designed to be fished quickly and efficiently, eliminating the need to tie complex rigs on the water. I was intrigued by its simplicity and the potential to quickly deploy a proven lure when the bite is on.
For years, I’ve been improvising similar rigs with varying degrees of success, often spending precious fishing time fumbling with wire, hooks, and squids. This often happened when I should have been catching fish. The allure of a ready-to-go setup that could withstand the sharp teeth of blues and Spanish was strong.
Upon receiving the Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse, my first impression was that it was exactly as advertised: a no-frills, functional fishing lure. The three 3″ chartreuse squids looked vibrant, and the Mustad 1/0 gold hooks appeared sharp and sturdy. The 30# wire was a welcome sight, giving me confidence that it could hold up against aggressive strikes.
Compared to tying my own rigs, the Blue Water Candy setup looked cleaner and more consistent. I had previously considered lures like the Clarkspoon or Got-Cha plugs, but these don’t always perform well in high-speed trolling scenarios. The pre-rigged nature and wire leader of the Blue Water Candy setup seemed ideal for fast presentations and toothy fish. My initial feeling was one of cautious optimism.
Real-World Testing: Putting Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse on a recent trip to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, specifically targeting Spanish mackerel in the Pamlico Sound. The conditions were choppy, with a moderate wind creating a challenging environment for casting light lures. I trolled the lures behind my kayak at various speeds to find what the fish were biting.
The lure performed well under these conditions. The chartreuse color was highly visible in the slightly murky water, and the 3″ squids created an enticing wiggle at trolling speeds. There were no immediate issues with the lure’s construction or the wire leader.
After about an hour, I landed a feisty Spanish mackerel, validating the lure’s effectiveness. The Mustad hook held firm, and the wire leader showed no signs of damage. The ease of deployment and the immediate success were impressive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse has proven to be a reliable addition to my tackle box. I have used it extensively while trolling for Spanish mackerel and bluefish. I have found it to be equally effective from my kayak and from larger boats.
The durability has been impressive; the wire leader has resisted kinking and fraying despite numerous encounters with toothy fish. The chartreuse squids have held their color well, though they have sustained some minor cosmetic damage from strikes. The hooks remain sharp, but I’ve made sure to rinse the lures with fresh water to remove any salt.
Compared to my previous homemade rigs, the Blue Water Candy lure is significantly more durable and requires less maintenance. It consistently outperforms other lures in terms of attracting strikes from Spanish mackerel and bluefish. The pre-rigged setup saves valuable time and ensures consistent performance, making it a definite upgrade.
Breaking Down the Features of Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse
Specifications
The Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse features three 3″ chartreuse squids, designed to mimic small baitfish. This profile is highly effective in attracting predatory fish.
It’s rigged on 30# wire, providing excellent protection against sharp teeth, a crucial feature when targeting Spanish mackerel and bluefish. The wire is essential for preventing bite-offs.
The lure is equipped with two 1/0 gold Mustad hooks, known for their sharpness and strength. Mustad hooks are highly reputable in the fishing community.
The lure weighs 0.05 lb, making it easy to troll at various speeds without excessive drag. The light weight allows for a natural presentation.
The overall length of the lure is 7 inches, providing a substantial profile in the water. This size is ideal for attracting attention from a distance.
Performance & Functionality
The Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse excels at attracting strikes from Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and bonito. Its chartreuse color is highly visible, especially in slightly murky or stained water conditions. The three squids create a lifelike swimming action, enticing fish to strike.
The lure’s primary strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. It requires minimal setup and consistently produces results. A potential weakness is that the pre-rigged nature limits customization.
Overall, the lure meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose. It offers a reliable and convenient solution for anglers targeting toothy inshore species.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse is straightforward and functional. The materials used are of good quality, and the construction is solid. The light weight makes it easy to handle and troll.
The lure requires no learning curve. It’s simply tie-on and go. The pre-rigged design eliminates the need for complex knot tying on the water.
Durability & Maintenance
The Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse is built to withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing. The 30# wire leader is resistant to kinking and fraying. The Mustad hooks hold their sharpness well.
Maintenance is minimal. Rinsing the lure with fresh water after each use is sufficient to prevent corrosion and extend its lifespan. Periodic hook sharpening may be necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse comes as a complete, pre-rigged unit. There are no included accessories. Customization options are limited due to the pre-rigged design.
While you cannot easily change the squids or hooks, you could add a small swivel or snap to the leader for easier attachment to your fishing line. The lure is compatible with standard saltwater fishing tackle.
Pros and Cons of Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse
Pros
- Pre-rigged and ready to fish, saving valuable time on the water.
- Durable 30# wire leader effectively prevents bite-offs from toothy fish.
- Bright chartreuse color is highly visible in various water conditions.
- Sharp and strong Mustad hooks ensure solid hooksets.
- Effective for targeting Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and bonito.
Cons
- Limited customization options due to the pre-rigged design.
- Wire leader can sometimes kink if not stored properly.
Who Should Buy Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse?
The Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse is perfect for inshore anglers targeting Spanish mackerel, bluefish, and bonito, especially those who value convenience and reliability. It’s an excellent choice for kayak anglers and boaters alike. It benefits anglers who want a quick and effective lure without the hassle of rigging their own wire leaders.
Anglers who prefer to customize their lures or use specific hook brands might want to skip this product. Also, if you primarily target fish species that are not typically found in inshore saltwater environments, this lure may not be the best choice. A swivel snap for easy attachment is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse
The Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse is a simple, yet highly effective lure that delivers on its promises. It provides a convenient and reliable solution for targeting toothy inshore species like Spanish mackerel and bluefish. The pre-rigged design, durable wire leader, and sharp Mustad hooks make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box.
At a price of $9.49 for two lures, the value proposition is excellent. The time saved rigging and the reduced risk of losing lures to bite-offs more than justify the cost. I would personally recommend the Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse to any angler looking for a hassle-free way to catch these exciting inshore predators.
So, if you’re tired of losing lures to sharp teeth and want to spend more time fishing and less time rigging, give the Blue Water Candy 30# Wire Chartreuse a try. You might just be surprised at how effective this simple lure can be!