First Impressions of Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait
As an avid angler with over a decade of experience navigating the murky waters and dense vegetation of the American South, I’ve seen my share of spinnerbaits. But the Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait promises something different: a truly weedless lure designed to conquer the thickest cover and entice the most elusive predators. The hefty price tag of $33.99 – $37.99 certainly sets expectations high, suggesting a premium build and performance that justifies the investment.
I was constantly losing lures to submerged timber and thick weed beds. My primary need was a spinnerbait that could navigate these areas without snagging every other cast. The Reed-Runner’s weedless design and tandem blades immediately caught my eye.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the robust construction. The heavy gauge wire frame and oversized blades exuded confidence. The paint job was clean and durable, hinting at a lure built to withstand the abuse of heavy cover. Compared to my usual bargain-bin spinnerbaits, the Nichols Lures offering felt like a professional-grade tool. I chose this one specifically because of the reputation of Nichols Lures for building quality products that can withstand the test of time.
Compared to a similar-sized Strike King spinnerbait or a cheaper generic model, the Reed-Runner felt significantly more substantial and purpose-built. The Trokar hook looked incredibly sharp, and the overall design screamed “big bass.” My initial reaction was excitement tempered by the price. Could this lure truly deliver on its promise of weedless performance and monster catches?
Real-World Testing: Putting Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait to my local honey hole: a notoriously challenging lake choked with hydrilla, lily pads, and submerged timber. I fished it on a heavy-action baitcasting rod with 65-pound braided line. The water was slightly stained, and the air was humid, typical conditions for late summer in the South.
The lure performed remarkably well, gliding through thick vegetation with minimal snagging. The tandem blades created a noticeable thump, even at slow retrieve speeds. The lure ran true right out of the package. After about an hour, I hooked into a feisty 3-pound largemouth that inhaled the lure right at the edge of a lily pad field.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of rigorous testing in various conditions, the Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait has proven its worth. It has become one of my go-to lures for fishing heavy cover. While the paint has shown some minor wear around the head, the wire frame remains straight and the blades still spin freely.
Maintenance is simple: a quick rinse after each use and occasional lubrication of the swivel points. Compared to cheaper spinnerbaits that fall apart after a few trips, the Reed-Runner is a clear winner in terms of durability. It easily outperforms cheaper spinnerbaits in similar conditions. The Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait has instilled a new sense of confidence when fishing heavy cover.
Breaking Down the Features of Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Nichols Lures
- Hook Size: 4/0
- Hook Type: EWG Short Shank Trokar Treble
- Additional Features: Ben Parker Magnum, 8 in
- Quantity: 1
- Lure Weight: 3 1/2 oz
- Number of Hooks: 1
- Species: Bass
The 4/0 EWG Short Shank Trokar Treble hook is exceptionally sharp and provides excellent hook-up ratios, especially when fishing for larger bass. The 3 1/2 oz lure weight allows for long casts and the ability to fish deep or in windy conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait excels at its primary function: navigating heavy cover and attracting strikes. Its weedless design minimizes snags, while the tandem blades create a fish-attracting vibration. It’s an exceptionally effective lure for targeting bass in areas where other lures would be rendered useless.
The lure’s strength lies in its ability to come through weeds, brush, and timber with ease. Its weakness, like all spinnerbaits, is its susceptibility to line twist if not used with a quality swivel or trailer hook. The Reed-Runner has exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is top-notch, with a heavy-gauge wire frame that can withstand the punishment of big fish and thick cover. The lure has a substantial feel that instills confidence. The design is effective and well thought out, and there is minimal learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
The durable components ensure a long lifespan, even with frequent use in demanding environments. The lure is easy to maintain. Simple rinse after use will remove debris and keep the lure in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, anglers can customize it with different trailer hooks or plastic trailers to alter the action and profile of the lure. It is compatible with most standard trailer hooks and plastic trailers.
Pros and Cons of Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait
Pros
- Excellent weedless performance allows fishing in the thickest cover. This is the lure’s primary strength and justifies the higher price point.
- Durable construction ensures a long lifespan, even with heavy use. The heavy-gauge wire and quality components contribute to its longevity.
- Sharp Trokar hook provides excellent hook-up ratios. This minimizes lost fish and maximizes success.
- Tandem blades create a strong vibration that attracts fish. This is crucial for fishing in stained or murky water.
- Versatile lure that can be used for a variety of techniques. This lure can be adapted to different situations and presentations.
Cons
- Can be prone to line twist if used without a quality swivel.
- Relatively high price compared to other spinnerbaits.
Who Should Buy Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait?
Perfect for: Professional anglers and serious bass fishermen who frequently fish heavy cover. The Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait offers unmatched weedless performance and durability.
Who should skip this product? Anglers who primarily fish open water or those on a very tight budget may find this lure to be overkill. Instead, they should consider a less expensive option.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality ball-bearing swivel is essential to prevent line twist. A soft plastic trailer can also enhance the lure’s action and profile.
Conclusion on Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait
The Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait is a premium lure that delivers on its promise of weedless performance and durability. While the price tag may seem steep, the lure’s ability to navigate heavy cover and consistently produce fish justifies the investment. It is a great addition to any serious angler’s tackle box.
If you’re tired of losing lures to snags and want a spinnerbait that can handle the toughest conditions, the Nichols Lures Reed-Runner Tandem Spin Spinnerbait is well worth the money. Stop wasting money on cheap spinnerbaits that fall apart and start catching more fish! I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their heavy cover fishing game.