First Impressions of Matzuo Kinchou 11
The Matzuo Kinchou 11 is a hard bait lure designed to entice fish with its realistic appearance and action. Matzuo promises a top-performing attractant, and for the price point, it’s certainly worth investigating. I was particularly drawn to its natural walleye color scheme, hoping it would be effective in the murky waters I often fish.
My interest in the Matzuo Kinchou 11 stemmed from a frustrating string of fishing trips where I struggled to attract any attention from walleye. I needed a lure that could dive to the 6-10 foot range advertised, present a natural profile, and hopefully trigger some strikes. I was looking for an affordable option to add to my tackle box.
Upon receiving the Matzuo Kinchou 11, my initial impression was decent for a lure in this price range. The paint job, while not perfect, was acceptable, and the lure felt reasonably solid. I was eager to see how it would perform in the water.
I considered several similar lures from brands like Rapala and Strike King, but their prices were significantly higher. I opted for the Matzuo Kinchou 11 due to its promising specifications and budget-friendly price, hoping it would be a hidden gem. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to the hype and help me land some walleye.
Real-World Testing: Putting Matzuo Kinchou 11 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Matzuo Kinchou 11 at a local lake known for its walleye population, focusing on areas with submerged structures and varying depths. I used a standard casting and retrieve technique, varying the speed and pauses to see how the lure responded. The conditions were slightly overcast with a light breeze, providing decent visibility in the water.
The lure performed adequately in the water, diving to approximately the advertised depth with a moderate retrieve speed. It had a decent wobble action, but it didn’t feel as lively as some of my higher-end crankbaits. However, I appreciated the way it tracked straight and didn’t veer off course.
The only issue I experienced during the first use was that the hooks seemed slightly dull out of the package. I should have sharpened them before using the lure. Despite this, I managed to get one small walleye to strike, which boosted my confidence in the lure’s potential.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Matzuo Kinchou 11 has held up surprisingly well, considering its price. The paint has shown some minor chipping, particularly around the bill and hook hangers, but the overall structure remains intact. I also noticed that the split rings started to show signs of rust after being exposed to water multiple times.
The lure’s durability is acceptable for the price, but it’s clear that it won’t last as long as more expensive options. I’ve found that rinsing the lure with fresh water after each use and occasionally applying a light coat of lubricant to the split rings helps to prolong its lifespan. It’s an easy lure to take care of with minimal effort.
Compared to my previous experiences with similar budget-friendly lures, the Matzuo Kinchou 11 outperforms many in terms of action and durability. While it doesn’t rival the performance of premium crankbaits, it offers a solid value for the money and has become a reliable option in my tackle box. I found that with sharper hooks it became a more reliable fish catcher.
Breaking Down the Features of Matzuo Kinchou 11
Specifications
The Matzuo Kinchou 11 is a plug-style hard bait lure designed for casting and retrieving. It weighs 5/8 oz, making it suitable for a variety of casting rods and reels. The lure measures 4 1/2 inches in length and is designed to run at a depth of 6 to 10 feet.
The lure’s natural walleye color scheme is intended to mimic the appearance of a common prey fish, increasing its attractiveness to walleye and other predatory species. The specifications make it versatile for both experienced and beginner fisherman. The lure’s running depth is ideal for targeting fish holding in submerged structures or along drop-offs.
These specifications contribute to the lure’s overall performance by allowing it to effectively target fish in a specific depth range with a realistic presentation. The weight and size make it easy to cast accurately and cover a decent amount of water. The natural walleye color enhances its appeal in clear and moderately stained water conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Matzuo Kinchou 11 performs its job adequately, attracting strikes from walleye and other predatory fish. Its wobble action and diving depth are effective in enticing fish to bite, especially when retrieved at a moderate speed. The lure’s straight tracking helps to maintain a consistent presentation.
However, the lure’s strengths are somewhat offset by the quality of the hooks, which are not as sharp as those found on higher-end lures. This requires the user to either replace the hooks or sharpen them regularly. Overall, it meets expectations for a lure in its price range, but it’s not without its limitations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Matzuo Kinchou 11 features a basic but functional design. The materials used are adequate for its intended purpose, but they don’t exude the same level of quality as premium lures. The lure’s weight feels balanced in hand, making it comfortable to cast for extended periods.
There is minimal learning curve with this lure. Anglers of all skill levels should find it easy to use. The natural walleye pattern looks great in the water.
Durability & Maintenance
The Matzuo Kinchou 11 has decent durability, but the paint is prone to chipping with use. The split rings are also susceptible to rust. With proper care, this lure should last a reasonable amount of time, but it’s not as robust as more expensive options.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only rinsing with fresh water after each use and occasional lubrication of the split rings. Replacing the hooks with higher-quality ones can also improve its longevity and performance. Overall, it’s an easy lure to maintain with minimal effort.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Matzuo Kinchou 11 doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, there are some customization options available. Anglers can replace the hooks with higher-quality trebles or single hooks to improve hookup ratios.
It is also possible to add weight to the lure to adjust its running depth or change its action. The lure is compatible with most standard-sized split rings and hooks. No extensive modifications can be made to the lure.
Pros and Cons of Matzuo Kinchou 11
Pros
- Affordable price point: Great value for anglers on a budget.
- Effective wobble action: Entices strikes from walleye and other predatory fish.
- Runs at advertised depth: Accurately targets fish in the 6-10 foot range.
- Easy to use: Suitable for anglers of all skill levels.
- Realistic natural walleye color pattern: Enhances its attractiveness in clear and moderately stained water.
Cons
- Hooks are not very sharp and may need to be replaced or sharpened.
- Paint is prone to chipping, especially with heavy use.
- Split rings are susceptible to rust.
Who Should Buy Matzuo Kinchou 11?
The Matzuo Kinchou 11 is perfect for casual anglers looking for an affordable and effective crankbait. It’s also a good option for beginners who are just starting to build their tackle collection. Anglers who frequently lose lures to snags may also appreciate its low cost.
Experienced anglers seeking top-tier performance and durability may want to skip this product. Anglers who fish in extremely clear water may prefer lures with more realistic details and higher-quality finishes. Those who are fishing for record sized fish should select a more premium lure with better quality hooks.
A must-have modification for the Matzuo Kinchou 11 is to replace the stock hooks with sharper, higher-quality trebles. This will significantly improve hookup ratios and reduce the chances of losing fish. Additionally, consider adding a small split ring to the line tie to allow for greater freedom of movement and improved action.
Conclusion on Matzuo Kinchou 11
The Matzuo Kinchou 11 offers a solid value proposition for anglers seeking an affordable and effective crankbait. While it may not boast the same level of quality and durability as premium options, it performs its job adequately and is easy to use. The lure’s natural walleye color and wobble action are effective in attracting strikes from walleye and other predatory fish.
The price is definitely justified, considering its performance and the number of strikes it can generate. I would personally recommend the Matzuo Kinchou 11 to anglers on a budget or those looking for a reliable backup lure.
If you’re looking for an affordable crankbait that can help you catch fish without breaking the bank, give the Matzuo Kinchou 11 a try! Just be sure to sharpen or replace the hooks for optimal performance and get ready to reel in some walleye!