Missile Baits Hover Jig Review

First Impressions of Missile Baits Hover Jig

The Missile Baits Hover Jig is making waves in the bass fishing world, and I, as a seasoned angler with over a decade of experience, had to get my hands on it. Developed by Bassmaster Elite Series angler John Crews and manufactured by Missile Baits, this jig head promises to revolutionize mid-strolling techniques for suspended bass. Its unique torpedo-shaped design, coupled with the ability to securely hold soft plastics, piqued my interest immediately.

I was particularly drawn to the Hover Jig because I’ve been struggling to find a consistent presentation for bass suspended around submerged timber in my local lake. Traditional jigs often plummet too quickly, while weightless presentations lack the control needed to target specific depths. The promise of a controlled, enticing hover was exactly what I was looking for.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the jig’s compact profile and the quality of the Gamakatsu hook. The unpainted lead head had a clean, well-defined shape, and the inverse missile-shaped weight felt sturdy. The small hole designed for a toothpick or fiber weedguard was a clever touch, showing attention to detail.

Compared to other jig heads I’ve used, like the Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Jig or the Owner Rattling Jig, the Missile Baits Hover Jig is significantly lighter and more streamlined. This difference suggests a vastly different presentation in the water, leaning towards finesse rather than power fishing. My initial excitement was high – this seemed like a well-thought-out tool for a specific fishing scenario.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Missile Baits Hover Jig to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Missile Baits Hover Jig was on a cloudy morning at Lake Fork, Texas, known for its deep, clear waters and abundant submerged structure. I paired the jig with a Missile Baits Spunk Shad, as recommended, and targeted bass suspended around a series of flooded timber stands. The water temperature was in the low 60s, and the bass were transitioning from their winter patterns.

The Hover Jig performed admirably in these conditions. It allowed me to maintain a slow, steady retrieve, keeping the Spunk Shad hovering just above the submerged branches. The jig’s design truly excelled at this technique, producing a more natural and enticing presentation compared to traditional jigs.

I did experience a slight learning curve in terms of hooksets. The 90-degree Gamakatsu hook requires a solid, sweeping hookset, especially with longer casts. However, after a few missed opportunities, I adjusted my technique and started landing fish consistently.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Missile Baits Hover Jig has proven to be a reliable and effective tool in my arsenal. The unpainted lead has held up surprisingly well, showing minimal signs of wear and tear, even after bouncing off rocks and timber. The Gamakatsu hook remains sharp and strong, with no signs of bending or dulling.

Maintaining the Hover Jig is incredibly simple. A quick rinse with fresh water after each use is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition. I haven’t experienced any issues with rust or corrosion.

Compared to my previous experiences with other finesse jigs, the Missile Baits Hover Jig stands out for its ability to maintain a specific depth and its natural presentation. It has consistently outperformed heavier jigs in situations where bass are suspended and easily spooked.

Breaking Down the Features of Missile Baits Hover Jig

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Missile Baits
• Color: Unpainted
• Water Type: Freshwater
• Species: Bass
• The Missile Baits Hover Jig is specifically designed for mid-strolling techniques. This allows anglers to target suspended bass with greater precision.
• The Gamakatsu 90-degree jig hook ensures solid hooksets. Its design is critical for penetrating the tough mouths of bass, even on longer casts.
• The unique inverse missile-shaped weight functions as a plastic keeper. This ingenious design securely holds soft plastics in place, preventing them from sliding down the hook shank.
• The small hole at the head of the jig is designed for inserting a toothpick or piece of fiber weedguard. It allows for even greater security and customization.

These specifications matter because they directly contribute to the Hover Jig’s effectiveness in targeting suspended bass. The streamlined design, coupled with the secure plastic keeper, allows for a natural and enticing presentation, while the Gamakatsu hook ensures solid hooksets.

Performance & Functionality

The Missile Baits Hover Jig excels at its intended purpose: presenting a soft plastic bait in a controlled, enticing manner to suspended bass. Its ability to maintain a specific depth and hover just above cover is unmatched by other jig heads I’ve used.

The jig’s strengths lie in its finesse presentation and its ability to trigger strikes from wary bass. However, its relatively light weight may not be ideal in windy conditions or when targeting bass holding in deeper water.

The Hover Jig has consistently met and even exceeded my expectations in situations where a subtle, natural presentation is key. It has become my go-to jig head for targeting suspended bass in clear water and around submerged structure.

Design & Ergonomics

The Missile Baits Hover Jig boasts a sleek, streamlined design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The unpainted lead head provides a natural look that doesn’t spook wary bass.

The jig is comfortable to handle and easy to rig. The small hole for the toothpick or weedguard is a thoughtful addition that enhances its versatility.

Durability & Maintenance

The Missile Baits Hover Jig is constructed from high-quality materials that are built to last. The lead head is durable and resistant to chipping and cracking, while the Gamakatsu hook is incredibly strong and sharp.

Maintaining the Hover Jig is simple and straightforward. A quick rinse with fresh water after each use is all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Missile Baits Hover Jig does not come with any specific accessories. However, it is highly compatible with a wide range of soft plastic baits, allowing for endless customization options.

The jig pairs perfectly with the Missile Baits Spunk Shad, but it also works well with other popular soft plastics such as swimbaits, flukes, and craw trailers. Anglers can also customize the jig by adding rattles, weedguards, or different colored skirts.

Pros and Cons of Missile Baits Hover Jig

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Who Should Buy Missile Baits Hover Jig?

The Missile Baits Hover Jig is perfect for anglers who:

• Target bass suspended around submerged structure.
• Fish in clear water conditions.
• Prefer a finesse presentation.
• Value high-quality components and durable construction.

This product might not be ideal for anglers who:

• Primarily fish in heavy cover or murky water.
• Prefer power fishing techniques.
• Require a jig that can be fished at great depths.

A must-have accessory for the Hover Jig is a selection of high-quality soft plastic baits, such as the Missile Baits Spunk Shad, swimbaits, flukes, and craw trailers.

Conclusion on Missile Baits Hover Jig

The Missile Baits Hover Jig is a game-changer for anglers looking to master the mid-strolling technique for suspended bass. Its unique design, high-quality components, and exceptional performance make it a valuable addition to any tackle box.

The price of $8.99 is justified by the jig’s superior quality and effectiveness. It is a small investment that can pay off big in terms of increased catch rates.

I would highly recommend the Missile Baits Hover Jig to any angler looking to elevate their finesse fishing game. Its ability to present a soft plastic bait in a natural, enticing manner is unmatched.

Don’t just take my word for it – give the Missile Baits Hover Jig a try and experience the difference for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!