South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig Review

What Makes South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig Stand Out?

The South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig is a specialized piece of tackle designed for trout fishing, combining a treble hook for cheese baits with a baitholder hook for salmon eggs or worms. Manufactured by South Bend, this rig’s claim to fame is its twin stainless steel arms, engineered to keep the hooks strategically separated from the leader, potentially increasing hook-up rates and reducing tangles. At a mere $1.52, it presents itself as an incredibly affordable option, enticing anglers seeking a simple yet effective solution for presenting multiple bait options.

I was looking for a trout rig that offered versatility in bait presentation without constant re-rigging. The South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig promised this, allowing me to present both cheese and salmon eggs simultaneously, something standard single-hook setups don’t easily allow.

My first impression upon seeing the South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig was its simplicity. The stainless steel arms are surprisingly rigid for their size, and the inclusion of a bottom snap for sinker attachment seemed practical.

Compared to using traditional snelled hooks or even pre-tied double hook rigs, the South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig offered a different approach. Unlike traditional rigs, this one emphasized separation of bait. I chose this over standard rigs hoping the spreader arms would make a noticeable difference in presentation and hook-up ratios.

I was cautiously optimistic. The price point was certainly appealing, but I was curious to see if the design translated into improved results on the water.

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Real-World Testing: Putting South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig on a local stocked trout stream known for its heavily pressured fish. I used it with artificial cheese bait on the treble hook and salmon eggs on the baitholder hook, targeting areas with moderate current and submerged structure.

In slightly murky water, the rig performed surprisingly well initially. I did notice the rig was a bit harder to cast accurately compared to a single hook and split shot rig.

The ease of use was quite good. Tying it on was simple, and baiting both hooks took only a few moments.

One initial issue I encountered was the tendency for the line to twist, particularly during retrieves. I also missed a few strikes that felt promising, making me question if the hook placement was optimal.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig on multiple fishing trips, I began to develop a more nuanced understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. It held up surprisingly well, with no immediate signs of rust or corrosion on the stainless steel arms.

Durability-wise, the rig showed minimal wear and tear. The stainless steel arms retained their shape.

Cleaning the rig was straightforward. A quick rinse with fresh water after each use was sufficient.

Compared to my previous experiences with standard single-hook rigs, the South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig didn’t dramatically outperform them. While it offered the advantage of dual-bait presentation, the increased line twist and occasional missed strikes tempered my initial enthusiasm.

Breaking Down the Features of South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig

Specifications

The South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig features a design with twin stainless steel arms. It incorporates a treble hook specifically for cheese baits, alongside a baitholder hook designed for salmon eggs or worms. The rig also includes beads for added attraction and a bottom snap swivel for easy sinker attachment.

These specifications are important because the stainless steel arms aim to keep the hooks separated, theoretically improving presentation and reducing tangles. The choice of a treble hook for cheese bait maximizes the chance of hooking fish that nibble at the bait.

Performance & Functionality

The South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig offers a unique bait presentation that can be effective in certain situations. It excels in situations where trout are actively feeding on both cheese and salmon eggs, allowing anglers to “match the hatch” with a single cast.

However, the rig’s performance suffers from a tendency to twist the line and a somewhat cumbersome casting experience. Hook-up ratios can be inconsistent, possibly due to the position of the hooks relative to each other.

The product meets expectations in terms of providing a dual-bait presentation system, but falls short of exceeding them due to the aforementioned performance issues.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig is decent considering its low price. The stainless steel arms feel reasonably sturdy, and the hooks appear to be of acceptable quality.

The rig is relatively user-friendly, requiring minimal setup time and no specialized knowledge to use effectively. However, it can be cumbersome for inexperienced anglers.

Durability & Maintenance

The South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig is likely to last for several fishing trips with proper care. The stainless steel arms should resist corrosion, and the hooks can be replaced if they become dull or damaged.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick rinse with fresh water after each use to remove any residue. Replacing a hook if necessary is straightforward.

Accessories and Customization Options

The South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig comes pre-assembled with hooks, beads, and a bottom snap swivel. Customization options are limited but anglers can experiment with different hook sizes or colors.

Compatibility with accessories is primarily limited to sinkers that can be easily attached to the bottom snap swivel. Anglers could also add small attractors to the line above the rig.

Pros and Cons of South Bend Cheese/Egg Spreader Rig