First Impressions of Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures
The Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures promise a blend of simplicity and effectiveness for saltwater anglers, particularly those targeting king mackerel and other predatory species. Blue Water Candy has built a solid reputation for producing quality, no-nonsense fishing tackle, and these lures aim to deliver on that promise. These lures aim to provide a versatile option for enhancing natural bait presentations.
My fishing often involves trolling for kingfish in the Gulf Stream, where presentation is everything. I was seeking a lure that could add flash and action to my rigged baits, without overpowering the natural scent and profile that kingfish find so appealing. I had been using similar skirted lures from other brands, but was finding their construction a bit flimsy; and I was eager to try the Blue Water Candy offering based on the company’s reputation for durability.
Upon opening the package, I immediately noticed the quality of the silicone skirts and the pearl flashabou. The skirts appeared durable and well-attached to the lightweight plastic head. The flashabou added a subtle shimmer that I anticipated would be very effective in attracting fish. Compared to some cheaper skirted lures I’ve used, the Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures felt significantly more robust and well-made.
My initial impression was positive. The lures seemed well-suited for their intended purpose. I felt excited to rig them up and put them to the test in the Gulf Stream.
Real-World Testing: Putting Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures came during a king mackerel tournament off the coast of North Carolina. I incorporated the Hot Shot Lures into my standard king rig, placing one ahead of a live blue runner. The conditions were challenging, with choppy seas and a moderate current.
The lure performed admirably. Its light weight allowed the bait to swim naturally. I appreciated how the flashabou provided an extra visual attractant. We landed three king mackerel that day, and two of them took the bait rigged with the Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lure.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures have proven to be remarkably durable. Despite numerous encounters with toothy kingfish and other saltwater predators, the skirts have remained intact, and the flashabou hasn’t frayed excessively. The lightweight plastic head is also showing no signs of cracking or degradation. They consistently perform well.
Cleaning is a breeze; a quick rinse with freshwater is all that’s needed to remove salt and grime. Compared to some other skirted lures I’ve used, the Blue Water Candy version requires significantly less maintenance. I’ve found them to be a reliable addition to my kingfish trolling arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures
Specifications
The Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures are designed with the saltwater angler in mind. Key specifications include:
- Ultralight Plastic Head: Minimizes weight and allows for a natural bait presentation.
- 4-inch Silicone Skirts: Provide enticing action and color variations.
- Pearl Flashabou Overlay: Adds a reflective shimmer to attract fish.
- #5 Wire Rigging (Pre-Rigged Option): Offers robust construction for handling powerful fish.
- Single Nose Hook and 4X Strong #4 Treble Hook (Pre-Rigged Option): Ensures solid hooksets.
- Sold in a 2-Pack: Provides anglers with a spare or the ability to fish multiple rods.
These specifications are significant. Their importance is due to the lure’s ability to entice strikes without hindering the natural movement of the bait. The durable construction ensures that the lure can withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing and the aggressive strikes of predatory fish.
Performance & Functionality
The Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures excel at adding visual appeal and action to natural bait rigs. The skirts create a lifelike swimming motion, while the flashabou reflects light, attracting fish from a distance. In my experience, the lures have been particularly effective in targeting king mackerel, wahoo, and tuna.
The lure’s main strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. It enhances bait presentation without being overly bulky or intrusive. One area for potential improvement is the hook configuration on the pre-rigged version.
Design & Ergonomics
The Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures feature a simple, yet effective design. The lightweight plastic head is streamlined. The silicone skirts are available in a variety of colors.
The lure is easy to rig and requires no special tools or expertise. Even novice anglers can quickly incorporate it into their fishing setups.
Durability & Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, the Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures are surprisingly durable. The materials used are resistant to saltwater corrosion and abrasion. With proper care, these lures should last for multiple fishing seasons.
Maintenance is minimal; a simple rinse with freshwater after each use is all that’s needed. Inspecting the hooks regularly and replacing them when necessary will also prolong the lure’s lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures are primarily designed to be used with natural baits. However, anglers can customize their rigs by adding various weights, beads, and swivels to achieve the desired presentation. The color of the skirt can also be modified by swapping out individual strands or adding additional flash material.
The pre-rigged version is ready to fish right out of the package, but anglers can easily replace the hooks with different sizes or styles to suit their specific needs. The Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures are compatible with a wide range of terminal tackle and rigging components commonly used in saltwater fishing.
Pros and Cons of Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures
Pros
- Effective at attracting fish, especially king mackerel. The combination of silicone skirts and flashabou creates a visually appealing presentation.
- Durable construction that withstands saltwater conditions. The materials are resistant to corrosion and abrasion, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Easy to rig and use. The lures can be quickly incorporated into existing fishing setups without requiring special tools or expertise.
- Versatile application. They can be used with a variety of natural baits and trolling techniques.
- Affordable price point. They offer excellent value for the money compared to other skirted lures on the market.
Cons
- The hook configuration of the pre-rigged version may not be ideal for all anglers. Some may prefer to use different hook sizes or styles.
- Limited color options available. More color variations would cater to a wider range of fishing conditions and target species.
Who Should Buy Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures?
The Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures are perfect for saltwater anglers who enjoy trolling for king mackerel, wahoo, tuna, and other predatory fish. They are particularly well-suited for anglers who prefer to use natural baits but want to add an extra element of visual attraction. These lures are also a great choice for anglers who are looking for a durable and affordable option that can withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing.
Anglers who primarily fish in freshwater or prefer to use artificial lures exclusively may not find the Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures as useful. Those who require highly specialized or customized lures for specific fishing techniques may also want to explore other options.
A must-have accessory for using the Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures is a quality pair of crimpers for securing the wire leader to the hooks and swivels. A selection of different hook sizes and styles is also recommended for anglers who want to customize their rigs.
Conclusion on Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures
The Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures offer a simple, effective, and affordable way to enhance natural bait presentations for saltwater fishing. Their durable construction, enticing action, and ease of use make them a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box. While the hook configuration and color options could be improved, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by the lure’s overall performance and value.
The price of $10.54 for a two-pack is justified by the lure’s quality and effectiveness. They are well worth the investment for anglers who are serious about catching king mackerel and other predatory fish.
I would personally recommend the Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures to any saltwater angler looking for a reliable and versatile way to improve their natural bait presentations. They have proven to be a consistent fish-catcher in my own experience, and I am confident that they will deliver similar results for other anglers as well. Give the Blue Water Candy Hot Shot Lures a try on your next saltwater fishing trip and see the difference they can make!