Chasebaits Armour Prawn Review

What Makes Chasebaits Armour Prawn Stand Out?

The Chasebaits Armour Prawn enters a crowded market of soft plastic lures, promising to mimic the realistic look and action of a prawn to entice even the most discerning fish. Chasebaits, a manufacturer known for innovative lure designs, aims to deliver a durable and effective prawn imitation with this product. It piqued my interest because I was looking for a versatile lure to target finicky bream and flathead inshore, especially around structure.

Tired of lures that tear easily on oyster leases and mangrove roots, I needed something tougher. Upon unboxing, the Chasebaits Armour Prawn felt surprisingly robust, with a segmented body and realistic appendages. The translucent plastic with internal detailing hinted at a quality build.

Compared to cheaper, generic prawn imitations, the Armour Prawn felt significantly more durable. Against the Z-Man TRD PrawnZ, which I also use, the Armour Prawn offers a different action and profile, a key factor for pressured fish. I also considered the Daiwa Tournament Baits Prawn, but the Chasebaits Armour Prawn’s more realistic appearance won me over.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The lure looked great, but the proof would be in the water. Would it swim naturally? Would it hold up to aggressive strikes and abrasive structure? Time would tell.


Real-World Testing: Putting Chasebaits Armour Prawn to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Chasebaits Armour Prawn in a brackish estuary system known for its bream and flathead populations. I fished it around submerged oyster racks and mangrove edges, using a light jighead and a slow, hopping retrieve. The water was slightly murky after a recent rain event.

The Armour Prawn performed admirably, even in less-than-ideal conditions. The segmented body gave it a realistic swimming action, even with minimal movement. I could feel the lure pulsing as it descended, mimicking the natural movements of a fleeing prawn.

The lure was easy to rig and cast. I didn’t experience any issues with the lure tearing or slipping off the hook. After only a few casts, I hooked a feisty bream that put up a good fight.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Chasebaits Armour Prawn has held up remarkably well. It’s become a staple in my tackle box. I’ve used it in various environments, from clear, shallow flats to deeper, more turbid waters.

Durability is a definite strong point. The plastic compound resists tearing and abrasion much better than other soft plastics I’ve used. Even after multiple fish catches and encounters with oyster shells, the Armour Prawn shows minimal signs of wear.

Maintenance is simple: a quick rinse with freshwater after each use is all it needs. This is crucial for saltwater fishing to prevent corrosion of the jighead. Compared to my previous experiences with less durable lures, the Chasebaits Armour Prawn has significantly reduced the number of lures I go through on a single fishing trip. It outperforms many similar lures in its price range.

Breaking Down the Features of Chasebaits Armour Prawn

Specifications

The Chasebaits Armour Prawn is a soft plastic lure designed to mimic the appearance and movement of a natural prawn. It’s manufactured by Chasebaits. The key specifications are as follows:

  • Realistic Prawn Design: Mimics the profile and texture of a real prawn.
  • Durable Construction: Made from a tough, yet flexible plastic compound. This ensures longevity and resistance to tearing.
  • Segmented Body: Allows for a realistic swimming action. The segmented body enhances movement and appeal.
  • Realistic Appendages: Features detailed legs, antennae, and tail. These contribute to the lifelike presentation.
  • Various Sizes and Colors: Available in multiple sizes to match different prawn sizes. Also available in a range of colors to suit different water conditions and target species.

These specifications contribute directly to the lure’s effectiveness. The realistic design fools fish into thinking it’s a real prawn. The durable construction ensures it can withstand repeated strikes and encounters with structure. The segmented body and realistic appendages create a natural swimming action that entices fish to strike.

Performance & Functionality

The Chasebaits Armour Prawn performs exceptionally well in targeting various predatory fish species. This includes bream, flathead, bass, and mangrove jack. Its lifelike appearance and action trigger aggressive strikes.

The lure’s strengths lie in its versatility and realistic presentation. It can be rigged in various ways, including on a jighead, Texas rig, or Carolina rig. The subtle yet effective swimming action works well with both slow and fast retrieves. A slight weakness might be its slightly higher price point compared to very basic soft plastics.

It definitely meets my expectations. The Armour Prawn has proven to be a consistent fish-catcher and a durable lure. It also excels in challenging fishing environments.

Design & Ergonomics

The Chasebaits Armour Prawn boasts a well-thought-out design. The materials used feel high-quality and durable. The weight is balanced, allowing for easy casting and a natural sink rate.

The lure is user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve for rigging or using it. The segmented body allows for easy hook placement.

Durability & Maintenance

The Chasebaits Armour Prawn is built to last. Its durable plastic compound resists tearing and abrasion. With proper care, it should last for many fishing trips.

Maintenance is minimal. Rinse with freshwater after use. This helps prevent deterioration and keeps the lure in good condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Chasebaits Armour Prawn doesn’t come with any accessories. However, it’s compatible with a wide range of jigheads, hooks, and terminal tackle. You can easily customize the lure to suit different fishing situations.

The lure’s versatile design allows for creative rigging options. It pairs well with jigheads from brands like Owner, Gamakatsu, and Mustad. Using different weight jigheads will allow you to effectively fish various water depths.

Pros and Cons of Chasebaits Armour Prawn

Pros

  • Realistic Appearance and Action: The Armour Prawn closely mimics a natural prawn, enticing fish to strike.
  • Durable Construction: The robust plastic resists tearing and abrasion, extending the lure’s lifespan.
  • Versatile Rigging Options: Can be rigged on jigheads, Texas rigs, Carolina rigs, and more.
  • Effective for Multiple Species: Attracts a variety of predatory fish, including bream, flathead, and bass.
  • Easy to Use: Simple to rig and cast, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers.

Cons

  • Slightly Higher Price Point: Compared to basic soft plastic lures, the Chasebaits Armour Prawn is a bit more expensive.
  • Can Be Difficult to Store: The appendages can sometimes get tangled with other lures if not stored properly.


Who Should Buy Chasebaits Armour Prawn?

The Chasebaits Armour Prawn is perfect for inshore anglers targeting bream, flathead, and other estuary species. It’s also suitable for freshwater anglers targeting bass and other predatory fish. Those who value durability and realistic presentation in their lures will appreciate this product.

Those who should skip this product are anglers on a very tight budget who are only looking for the cheapest possible lure. Also, anglers who primarily fish offshore or target very large pelagic species might find this lure too small for their needs.

Must-have accessories include a selection of jigheads in various weights and hook sizes. A quality fluorocarbon leader is also recommended for stealth.

Conclusion on Chasebaits Armour Prawn

The Chasebaits Armour Prawn is a top-tier soft plastic lure that delivers on its promise of realism and durability. It has consistently produced results in my fishing adventures. The lifelike design and enticing action make it a go-to choice for targeting various predatory fish.

The price is justified by the lure’s quality and longevity. It ultimately saves money by lasting longer than cheaper alternatives. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Chasebaits Armour Prawn to any angler looking to up their lure fishing game.

Don’t just take my word for it – give the Chasebaits Armour Prawn a try and see the difference it can make in your catch rate. Upgrade your tackle box today!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top