First Impressions of Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait
The Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait promises a blend of classic crankbait design and modern features, aimed at enticing shallow-water predators. Manufactured by Norman Lures, a name with a solid reputation, this bait’s fat body and coffin lip immediately suggest a specific application – targeting fish in and around cover. Its flared gills and 3D eyes attempt to mimic a panicked baitfish, a common trigger for strikes.
My need for a shallow-diving crankbait stemmed from recent frustrating outings on local lakes choked with submerged vegetation. I needed a lure that could effectively target fish without constantly snagging on the underwater obstructions. I hoped the Mad N would be the solution.
Upon receiving the lure, its weight felt substantial for its size, which felt promising for casting distance. The Lavender Shad color, though not my typical choice, was surprisingly appealing with its subtle shimmer. The build quality appeared robust, with tight seams and sharp, sturdy hooks.
Compared to my existing shallow divers like the Strike King KVD 1.0 and the Rapala Shad Rap, the Norman Lures Mad N stood out due to its wider profile. The Strike King excels in open water, while the Shad Rap offers a tighter wobble. I chose the Mad N hoping its wider profile and aggressive wobble would trigger reaction strikes in murky, vegetation-filled water.
I was cautiously optimistic. The Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait looked like a well-built lure designed for a specific purpose. Only time on the water would reveal its true potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Norman Lures Mad N at Lake Serenity, a local reservoir known for its abundant largemouth bass and heavy weed growth. I fished from my kayak, targeting areas near fallen trees and along the edges of weed beds. The conditions were overcast with a slight breeze, creating ideal crankbait conditions.
The lure performed well in the moderate wind, maintaining its action and depth. It tracked true without any noticeable rolling or instability. The Mad N deflected off cover surprisingly well, thanks to its coffin lip design.
Initially, I experienced a few snags in particularly dense vegetation. Adjusting my retrieve speed and rod angle helped minimize these instances. I also noticed the hooks were incredibly sharp.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait has proven to be a reliable and productive lure. The paint finish has held up remarkably well. I’ve used the Lavender Shad pattern through thick cover without any significant chipping or scratching.
The hooks, though exceptionally sharp initially, have required occasional sharpening after repeated contact with rocks and wood. The lure’s action remained consistent after countless casts and collisions with underwater obstacles. The Mad N is fairly easy to clean with soap and water, maintaining its vibrancy and effectiveness.
Compared to other shallow-diving crankbaits I’ve used in the past, the Norman Lures Mad N stands out for its durability and deflection capabilities. It outperforms the cheaper, mass-produced options in terms of both longevity and snag resistance. This bait has quickly become a go-to lure for fishing in and around cover.
Breaking Down the Features of Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait
Specifications
The Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait is designed for shallow-water fishing. It weighs 3/8 ounce, which is a versatile weight for both casting distance and retrieve control. Its 2-inch length provides a substantial profile without being overly bulky.
The Lavender Shad color offers a realistic baitfish imitation. The Norman Lures Mad N is equipped with a coffin-shaped lip, contributing to its deflection capabilities and unique action. Its flared gills and 3D eyes enhance its realistic appearance.
These specifications are crucial for targeting fish in shallow, cover-filled environments. The weight allows for accurate casts, while the length and color imitate common forage species. The coffin lip minimizes snags, and the flared gills and 3D eyes add a touch of realism that triggers strikes.
Performance & Functionality
The Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait excels at its intended purpose: targeting fish in shallow water. Its action is a wide, aggressive wobble that creates significant vibration, attracting fish from a distance. The lure’s buoyancy allows it to float quickly over submerged cover.
The Mad N excels at triggering reaction strikes. The lure is most effective when cranked through cover and allowed to deflect off obstructions. One notable weakness is its performance in extremely dense vegetation, where even its coffin lip can’t prevent occasional snags.
The Norman Lures Mad N meets and often exceeds expectations for a shallow-diving crankbait. Its combination of action, deflection capabilities, and realistic appearance makes it a highly effective lure. I’ve landed numerous quality fish using this bait in various conditions.
Design & Ergonomics
The Norman Lures Mad N boasts a well-thought-out design. The quality of materials used is evident in its robust construction and durable finish. The weight is balanced, contributing to its castability and stable action.
The Mad N is simple to use, even for beginner anglers. Its straight forward design requires no special techniques or adjustments. Its design and weight balance make it a pleasure to fish with all day long.
Durability & Maintenance
The Norman Lures Mad N is built to withstand the rigors of fishing in and around cover. Its tough plastic body and durable paint finish hold up well to impacts. With proper care, the Mad N should provide seasons of reliable performance.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional hook sharpening and cleaning. A simple rinse with fresh water after use will help prevent corrosion. This ease of maintenance adds to its overall value.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited to hook upgrades. Replacing the stock hooks with higher-quality trebles can enhance hook-up ratios.
The Mad N is compatible with most standard treble hooks. Gamakatsu and Owner hooks are popular choices for upgrading crankbaits. Anglers can also experiment with different split rings to fine-tune the lure’s action.
Pros and Cons of Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait
Pros
- Excellent Deflection: The coffin lip design allows the Mad N to bounce off cover with ease, minimizing snags and maximizing time in the strike zone.
- Aggressive Action: The wide wobble and strong vibration attract fish from a distance, triggering reaction strikes in murky water.
- Durable Construction: The tough plastic body and durable paint finish hold up well to repeated impacts and use around cover.
- Realistic Appearance: The flared gills and 3D eyes enhance the lure’s realism, enticing wary fish to strike.
- Versatile Weight: The 3/8oz weight is ideal for both casting distance and retrieve control in shallow water.
Cons
- Occasional Snags: In extremely dense vegetation, the Mad N can still snag, requiring careful retrieve management.
- Limited Customization: The customization options are limited, primarily to hook upgrades.
Who Should Buy Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait?
The Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait is perfect for anglers targeting largemouth bass, crappie, or other predatory fish in shallow, cover-filled environments. Anglers who frequently fish around vegetation, timber, or rocks will especially benefit from its deflection capabilities. The Mad N is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a reliable and productive shallow-diving crankbait.
Anglers who primarily fish in open water or extremely clear water might not find the Mad N as effective as other lure types. The lure’s aggressive action and wider profile are better suited for triggering reaction strikes in more challenging conditions. If you prefer subtle presentations in clear water, you may want to consider other options.
A must-have modification is upgrading the stock hooks with sharper, stronger trebles for improved hook-up ratios. High-quality split rings can also enhance the lure’s action and durability.
Conclusion on Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait
The Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait is a well-designed and highly effective lure for targeting fish in shallow, cover-rich environments. Its combination of aggressive action, excellent deflection capabilities, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box. The lure’s realistic appearance and ability to trigger reaction strikes make it a consistent producer in challenging conditions.
The price of $7.49 is justified, given the lure’s performance and durability. The Norman Lures Mad N offers excellent value for the money. It is a worthwhile investment for anglers seeking a reliable and productive shallow-diving crankbait.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Norman Lures Mad N 3/8oz Crankbait to any angler looking to improve their success in shallow water. Give the Mad N a try on your next fishing trip, and you might be surprised at how effective it is. Go get yours now!