Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating Review

First Impressions of Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating

The Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating promises a realistic presentation of a grasshopper, a common food source for bass, trout, and other gamefish, especially during the summer and fall months. As an avid angler who appreciates versatility in my tackle, this lure immediately piqued my interest. Could this small bait deliver on its promise of drawing strikes both on the surface and with a crankbait retrieve?

For years, I’ve relied on larger swimbaits and more conventional crankbaits, sometimes overlooking the effectiveness of smaller, more natural presentations. I needed a lure that could entice fish in pressured waters where they’ve become accustomed to seeing the same old presentations. I wanted a bait that could trigger strikes from wary fish.

Upon receiving the Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating, my first impression was positive. The paint job was surprisingly detailed for such an inexpensive lure, closely mimicking the coloration and markings of a real grasshopper. The Rebel Crickhopper felt incredibly lightweight at just 3/32 oz, which made me question its castability but also suggested it would excel as a topwater bait.

Compared to other small crankbaits I’ve used, like the Rapala Ultralight Crank or the Yo-Zuri Snap Bean, the Rebel Crickhopper distinguishes itself with its highly realistic grasshopper profile. While the Rapala and Yo-Zuri excel in finesse presentations, they lack the specific insect imitation that the Crickhopper offers. I chose the Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating hoping to tap into a niche presentation that other lures couldn’t match. My initial excitement was tempered by a slight apprehension about its durability, given its lightweight construction, but I was eager to put it to the test.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating was on a local trout stream in late summer. The water was low and clear, conditions where a subtle presentation is key. I primarily fished it as a topwater bait, twitching it gently to mimic a grasshopper struggling on the surface.

The Rebel Crickhopper performed admirably in these conditions. It floated high and true, and the subtle twitches produced a lifelike action. Several small trout eagerly took the bait, confirming its effectiveness as a topwater lure. I did experience some difficulty casting it accurately due to its extremely light weight, requiring a very light action rod and finesse line.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Rebel Crickhopper has held up reasonably well, despite its delicate construction. The paint has chipped slightly from encounters with rocks and toothy fish, but the lure’s overall structure remains intact. Maintaining the Crickhopper is simple; I just rinse it with fresh water after each use to remove any debris.

Compared to some of my more expensive hard-bodied lures, the Rebel Crickhopper naturally shows wear and tear more quickly. However, considering its low price point, I find its durability acceptable. It outperforms cheaper, generic lures in terms of realism and action, making it a worthwhile addition to my tackle box.

Breaking Down the Features of Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating

Specifications

The Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating boasts the following specifications:

• Manufacturer: Rebel Lures
• Tackle Weight: 3/32 oz. This ultralight weight is crucial for its topwater performance, allowing it to float naturally and respond to subtle twitches.
• Length: 1 1/2 in. The compact size makes it an ideal imitation of a small grasshopper, perfect for targeting wary fish.
• Size: 1.5 in. The small size is great for pressured waters.
• Floating: Being a floating lure, it excels on the surface with a twitching retrieve, mimicking an insect struggling on the water.

These specifications are important because they dictate the lure’s presentation and target species. The lightweight and small size make it perfect for finesse fishing and targeting trout, panfish, and smaller bass.

Performance & Functionality

The Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating excels at imitating a grasshopper on the water’s surface. Its lightweight design allows for a realistic presentation and responsive action. The lure’s primary strength lies in its ability to draw strikes from fish that are accustomed to seeing more traditional presentations.

However, its light weight can be a disadvantage in windy conditions or when trying to cast long distances. The hooks, while adequate, could be upgraded for better hooksets, especially with larger fish. Overall, the Rebel Crickhopper meets expectations as a specialized lure for specific conditions.

Design & Ergonomics

The Rebel Crickhopper features a realistic grasshopper profile with a detailed paint job. The lightweight plastic construction keeps it afloat and allows for a natural presentation. The small size makes it easy to handle and cast in close quarters.

The Rebel Crickhopper requires no special expertise to use, but mastering the twitching retrieve is key to maximizing its effectiveness. Anglers familiar with topwater fishing will find it easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rebel Crickhopper‘s durability is adequate for its price point. The paint can chip, but the lure itself is relatively resilient. Regular cleaning with fresh water is sufficient to maintain it.

While the lure is not designed to be repaired, replacing it is inexpensive. With proper care, the Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating should last for multiple fishing trips.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating does not come with any accessories. However, anglers can customize it by swapping out the stock hooks for higher-quality trebles or single hooks. Using a small split ring pliers makes this easy.

The Crickhopper is compatible with various hook sizes and brands, allowing anglers to tailor the lure to their specific needs and target species. The ability to customize the hooks enhances its versatility and overall performance.

Pros and Cons of Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating

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Who Should Buy Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating?

The Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating is perfect for:

• Trout anglers looking for a realistic insect imitation.
• Bass fishermen seeking a unique topwater presentation.
• Panfish enthusiasts who enjoy finesse fishing.
• Anglers fishing in clear, pressured waters where fish are wary.
• Beginners looking for an inexpensive and easy-to-use lure.

This product is not ideal for anglers who:

• Primarily fish in heavy cover or murky water.
• Need a lure for long-distance casting.
• Target large, powerful fish that require heavy-duty tackle.

A must-have modification is upgrading the stock hooks to improve hookup ratios and ensure secure holds on larger fish.

Conclusion on Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating

The Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating is a specialized lure that excels in specific conditions. Its realistic grasshopper profile and effective topwater action make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box, especially for trout and bass fishing in clear water. While its lightweight design and stock hooks have limitations, its affordability and unique presentation make it a worthwhile purchase.

The price is certainly justified, considering its performance and the fact that it offers something different from more conventional lures. I would definitely recommend the Rebel Crickhopper to anglers looking to expand their topwater arsenal and target fish with a natural insect imitation. Give the Rebel Lures Rebel Crickhopper Topwater/Crankbait Lure, Floating a try and experience the thrill of fooling even the most finicky fish.