First Impressions of Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65
The Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65 is a compact crankbait designed to entice strikes with its suspending action and enticing rattle. Manufactured by Owner Hooks, known for their quality terminal tackle, this lure aims to be a versatile option for anglers targeting various species in shallow to medium depths. It’s hard to resist a lure that promises a dive, suspend, and rattle all in one package.
I was looking for a lure that could effectively target bass in murky waters where visibility is limited. The Rip’n Minnow 65’s rattling weight system seemed like a perfect solution to cut through the murk and get noticed.
Unboxing the Rip’n Minnow 65, I was immediately impressed by the holographic foil finish. The Living Eyes added a realistic touch, and the two Owner ST-31 treble hooks looked incredibly sharp. It felt solid and well-built for its size, hinting at decent durability.
Compared to a similar sized Rapala X-Rap or a Yo-Zuri 3DB Minnow, the Rip’n Minnow 65 felt slightly heavier for its length. This difference suggested a potentially different action in the water. I chose the Rip’n Minnow 65 primarily for its suspending capability and the reputation of Owner hooks.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. It looked like a quality lure and the action sounds promising, but the real test would be in the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65 at a local lake known for its bass population. The water was slightly murky, and the weather was overcast, creating conditions where I thought the rattling weight system would be most effective.
The lure performed as advertised, diving quickly on the retrieve and then suspending enticingly when I paused. The rattling sound was definitely noticeable. It took a few casts to dial in the retrieve that would create the desired erratic action.
After about an hour of fishing, I landed a decent-sized largemouth bass. The Owner hooks provided a solid hookset. No issues or surprises arose during the first outing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65 has held up reasonably well. The finish shows some minor scratches from encounters with rocks and submerged timber, but nothing too serious.
The Owner ST-31 treble hooks are still sharp and haven’t shown any signs of rust despite being used in both freshwater and slightly brackish conditions. I rinse the lure with fresh water after each use. Maintenance is minimal.
Compared to some cheaper crankbaits I’ve used in the past, the Rip’n Minnow 65 has definitely outperformed them in terms of durability and hook quality. The action also seems more consistent and reliable.
Breaking Down the Features of Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65
Specifications
- The Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65 is a crankbait with a length of 2 1/2 inches. This compact size makes it ideal for targeting various fish species in different water conditions.
- It weighs 1/4 oz, providing enough weight for decent casting distance while remaining manageable for lighter tackle. This weight also contributes to its suspending action.
- It dives to a running depth of 3 ft – 4 ft, making it suitable for shallow to medium depth fishing. This depth range allows it to target fish holding near the surface or around submerged structures.
- It is equipped with two #8 Owner ST-31 Cutting Point treble hooks. These are known for their sharpness and holding power.
- It features a rattling moving weight system and reflective, holographic foil finishes. These features are designed to attract fish through sound and visual stimulation.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the lure’s overall effectiveness. The size, weight, and depth range dictate the conditions in which it will perform best, while the hooks and attractor features influence its ability to hook and land fish.
Performance & Functionality
The Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65 excels at its primary function: attracting and hooking fish. The suspending action is particularly effective when paused during the retrieve. This gives fish a chance to strike.
The rattling weight system adds another dimension to its performance, creating noise that can attract fish even in murky water. The sharpness of the Owner hooks ensures solid hooksets. While the lure generally performs well, its light weight can be a disadvantage in windy conditions, impacting casting distance and accuracy.
Overall, it meets expectations as a versatile crankbait for shallow to medium-depth fishing.
Design & Ergonomics
The Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65 boasts a realistic minnow profile with a vibrant holographic finish. This enhances its visual appeal to fish.
The lure feels well-balanced in hand. The Living Eyes add to the realistic appearance.
It is easy to use with a simple cast-and-retrieve technique. There’s no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The lure’s construction appears to be solid. I expect it to last for several seasons with proper care.
Cleaning is straightforward. A simple rinse with fresh water after each use is usually sufficient to remove dirt and debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65 comes pre-rigged with two Owner ST-31 treble hooks. There are no included accessories or customization options.
While not specifically designed for customization, anglers could potentially swap out the treble hooks for different sizes or styles depending on their preference and target species. It’s also compatible with most standard snap swivels and line connectors.
Pros and Cons of Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65
Pros
- Excellent suspending action: This allows for enticing pauses that trigger strikes.
- Sharp Owner ST-31 Treble Hooks: Ensures solid hooksets and reduces the chance of losing fish.
- Rattling Weight System: Creates noise and vibration that attract fish, even in murky water.
- Realistic Design and Holographic Finish: Provides visual appeal that enhances its effectiveness.
- Versatile Depth Range (3-4 ft): Suitable for targeting fish in shallow to medium-depth environments.
Cons
- Light Weight: Can be challenging to cast accurately in windy conditions.
- Finish Can Be Scratched: The holographic finish is susceptible to scratches from rocks and submerged structures.
Who Should Buy Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65?
The Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65 is perfect for anglers targeting bass, crappie, and other predatory fish in shallow to medium-depth waters. It’s also well-suited for fishing around submerged structures and vegetation.
Anglers who prefer fishing in open water or who require long casting distances in windy conditions might want to consider a heavier lure.
A quality snap swivel is a must-have accessory to allow for quick lure changes and to prevent line twist.
Conclusion on Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65
The Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65 is a well-designed crankbait that delivers on its promise of a suspending, rattling, and visually appealing presentation. Its strong selling point is the combination of suspending action and the attention-grabbing rattle.
Considering its quality construction, effective features, and the reputation of Owner, the price is justified.
I would definitely recommend the Owner Hooks Rip’n Minnow 65 to anglers looking for a versatile and reliable crankbait for shallow to medium-depth fishing. Give it a cast and get ready for some exciting action!