First Impressions of Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs
The pursuit of trophy striped bass often leads anglers down a rabbit hole of lures, techniques, and, frankly, hope. Many promise that elusive 50+ inch fish. Enter the Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs, a setup designed specifically for targeting those larger, more aggressive striped bass in saltwater environments.
I’ve spent countless hours trolling, jigging, and casting for stripers, with varying degrees of success. Finding a rig that is both durable enough to withstand the brutal strikes of a large fish, and enticing enough to draw those strikes in the first place, is a constant challenge. When I saw the Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs, I was immediately drawn to the simplicity and apparent sturdiness of the design.
Upon receiving the Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs, my initial impression was positive. The twin parachute setup looked well-constructed, and the rubber shads appeared to be of decent quality. Picking them up, they felt reassuringly hefty, suggesting they could handle the weight needed to get down to where the big stripers lurk. Compared to some of the flimsier rigs I’ve seen on the market, these seemed built to last.
I’ve used single parachute rigs, and even some home-made tandem rigs, but the overall quality of those never quite inspired confidence. The Blue Water Candy product appeared far more professionally made. I chose these rigs over some similar offerings due to Blue Water Candy’s reputation for producing quality saltwater lures and terminal tackle. My hope was that this reputation would translate into a reliable and effective striper catching tool.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While I’ve been disappointed by lures before, the Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs had a solid feel and a promising design. I was eager to get them out on the water and see if they could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs on a late fall striper trip in the Chesapeake Bay. The water was cold, the wind was brisk, and the stripers were holding deep. I trolled the rigs behind my boat, varying my speed and depth to try and find the sweet spot.
The rigs performed surprisingly well in the choppy conditions. They tracked true, without excessive wobble or spinning, and the weight of the parachutes allowed them to get down to the strike zone quickly. I did get a solid strike within the first hour, landing a respectable 34-inch striper. The Mustad hooks held firm, and the overall rig showed no signs of stress after the fight.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs have proven to be remarkably durable. I’ve caught numerous striped bass ranging from schoolies to fish over 40 inches, and the rigs have held up admirably. There’s been minimal wear and tear on the parachutes, and the rubber shads are still intact, although showing some teeth marks.
Cleaning the rigs after each use is simple; a quick rinse with freshwater is usually sufficient. I inspect the hooks for sharpness and any signs of corrosion, and occasionally apply a bit of lubricant to the swivel to keep it functioning smoothly. Compared to some other rigs I’ve used, these require very little maintenance. In my experience, these rigs outperform others in terms of durability and consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs
Specifications
The Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs are designed specifically for saltwater fishing, particularly for striped bass. Each rig comes with two parachutes, a heavier main parachute and a lighter teaser parachute, rigged in tandem. The Lure Weight ranges from 4 to 8 oz.
The rigs feature twin Mustad hooks on each parachute, providing excellent hook-setting power. The parachutes are connected via a super strong three-way swivel, which helps to reduce line twist. The leader lengths are 5′ to the heavier parachute and 15′ to the lighter one. The Color I tested was White On John Deere Shad, a popular and effective color combination for stripers in many conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs excel at presenting a realistic and enticing target to striped bass. The tandem configuration, with the two parachutes swimming at different depths, creates a more dynamic and visually appealing presentation than a single parachute rig. The weight of the rigs allows them to get down to the strike zone quickly, even in strong currents.
The rigs are incredibly effective at triggering strikes from larger fish. The Mustad hooks are sharp and strong, ensuring a solid hookset. The super strong three-way swivel prevents line twist and allows for a smooth and natural presentation. One weakness could be the length of the leaders, depending on water clarity and fishing conditions; some anglers may prefer to customize these lengths. Overall, these rigs perform exceptionally well and consistently produce results.
Design & Ergonomics
The Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs are designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. The materials used are high-quality and durable, and the construction is solid and reliable. The weight of the rigs feels substantial, but not overly heavy, making them comfortable to troll or jig for extended periods.
The design is user-friendly, requiring no special knowledge or skills to use effectively. There is no learning curve; simply tie the rig to your mainline and start fishing. The White On John Deere Shad color combination is proven to be effective in a variety of water conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
The Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs are built to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing. The Mustad hooks are corrosion-resistant, and the parachutes are made from durable materials that can withstand repeated use. With proper care and maintenance, these rigs should last for many seasons.
Maintaining the rigs is simple; a quick rinse with freshwater after each use is usually sufficient. Inspect the hooks for sharpness and corrosion, and occasionally lubricate the swivel to keep it functioning smoothly. These rigs are designed to be durable and require minimal maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs come ready to fish right out of the package, with no additional accessories required. However, some anglers may choose to customize the rigs by adding a small bucktail teaser or a scented attractant to the hooks. You could also change the leader lengths to suit specific fishing conditions or preferences.
The rigs are compatible with a variety of aftermarket hooks and swivels, allowing anglers to further customize the setup to their liking. There are no specific brand-name accessories that are essential, but using high-quality components will ensure optimal performance and durability.
Pros and Cons of Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing and repeated strikes from large striped bass.
- Effective Tandem Design: The tandem parachute configuration creates a more dynamic and enticing presentation, attracting larger fish.
- Sharp Mustad Hooks: Mustad hooks provide excellent hook-setting power and ensure a solid hookup.
- Easy to Use: No special knowledge or skills required; simply tie on and start fishing.
- Proven Color Combination: The White On John Deere Shad color is highly effective in a variety of water conditions.
Cons
- Leader Length: Some anglers may prefer to customize the leader lengths to suit specific fishing conditions.
- Cost: At $55.99 for a quantity of four, these rigs are more expensive than some single parachute rigs or homemade options.
Who Should Buy Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs?
These Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs are perfect for serious striped bass anglers who are looking for a durable, effective, and easy-to-use lure for targeting trophy-sized fish. They are also well-suited for charter captains and guides who need reliable gear that can withstand heavy use. This product is ideal for saltwater fishermen who want a ready-to-go tandem parachute rig.
Those who primarily fish for smaller striped bass or are on a tight budget might want to consider less expensive single parachute rigs or homemade options. Someone looking for highly customizable setups from the outset may also want to build their own.
A must-have accessory would be a good quality pair of pliers for removing hooks and crimping sleeves, as well as a tackle box to keep the rigs organized and protected. Some anglers might also want to invest in a variety of different colored rubber shads to experiment with different presentations.
Conclusion on Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs
The Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs are a well-designed and highly effective lure for targeting large striped bass in saltwater environments. The durability, tandem configuration, and Mustad hooks make them a top choice for serious anglers who are looking to increase their chances of landing a trophy fish.
The price of $55.99 for a quantity of four is justified by the quality of the materials and construction. These rigs are built to last, and their effectiveness makes them a worthwhile investment for any serious striper fisherman.
I would highly recommend the Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs to anyone who is looking for a reliable and effective way to catch large striped bass. They are easy to use, durable, and proven to produce results. Don’t just dream about landing that trophy striper; get yourself a set of these rigs and make it a reality! Get out there and get fishing with Blue Water Candy Tandem Parachute Rigs!