First Impressions of Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating
The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating is a name that carries weight among seasoned anglers. Storm, a brand synonymous with innovative and effective fishing lures, promises a hard-bodied bait designed to trigger strikes with its erratic action and vibrant flash. I’ve spent years relying on crankbaits to locate and entice fish in various conditions, so I was eager to see if the Madflash lived up to the hype.
My pursuit of a reliable trolling crankbait for walleye and trout in murky, stained waters led me to the Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating. I was seeking a lure that could effectively call fish in with a distinct vibration and flash, even when visibility was limited.
Upon unboxing, the Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating immediately struck me with its compact size and aggressive profile. The finish appeared durable, and the holographic flash foil certainly lived up to the “Madflash” moniker. Compared to a similar sized Rapala Shad Rap or a Bandit Walleye Deep Diver, the Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating has a more pronounced wobble.
I ultimately chose the Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating over other options because of its reputation for triggering strikes in challenging conditions and its unique, erratic action. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to see how it would perform in the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating on a local lake known for its murky water and abundant walleye population. The conditions were overcast with a slight chop on the water, presenting an ideal scenario for testing the lure’s visibility and action.
The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating performed admirably, exhibiting a tight, aggressive wobble that I could feel through my rod. There were no initial issues, and the lure ran true straight out of the package, requiring no tuning.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. The finish has held up remarkably well, showing only minor scratches despite encounters with rocks and submerged timber.
Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse with fresh water after each use is all that’s needed. Compared to some of the cheaper crankbaits I’ve used in the past, the Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating has far exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and fish-catching ability.
Breaking Down the Features of Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating
Specifications
The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating features a compact profile designed for trolling. It has a length of 2 inches and a tackle weight of 3/16 oz. The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating is designed to float at rest.
These specifications are crucial for achieving the desired depth and action when trolling, especially in shallow to moderately deep waters. The floating design allows it to back out of snags when paused, reducing the risk of getting hung up.
Performance & Functionality
The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating excels at triggering strikes from a variety of game fish. Its erratic wobble and vibrant flash are highly effective at attracting attention, even in low-visibility conditions.
The lure’s greatest strength is its ability to consistently produce strikes, especially when other lures fail. One area for improvement is the hooks; while adequate, upgrading to sharper, stronger trebles would enhance its hooking percentage. Overall, it meets and even exceeds expectations for a crankbait in its class.
Design & Ergonomics
The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating boasts a durable plastic construction and a well-applied holographic finish. Its compact size makes it easy to handle and troll, even for extended periods.
The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating is relatively easy to use, requiring minimal tuning or adjustment.
Durability & Maintenance
The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating is built to last, with a robust plastic body that can withstand repeated impacts with rocks and debris. With proper care, it should provide seasons of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward; simply rinse with fresh water and occasionally inspect the hooks for sharpness.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating doesn’t come with any additional accessories. Anglers can customize the lure by swapping out the treble hooks for different sizes or brands, as well as adding split rings to fine-tune the action.
The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating is compatible with most standard treble hooks and split rings.
Pros and Cons of Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating
Pros
- Aggressive wobble and vibrant flash effectively attract fish. The lure’s erratic action triggers strikes even in murky water and low-light conditions.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance. The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating can withstand repeated impacts with rocks and debris.
- Floating design reduces the risk of snags. When paused, the lure backs out of cover, minimizing hang-ups.
- Easy to use and requires minimal tuning. The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating runs true straight out of the package.
- Compact size is ideal for trolling in various conditions. The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating works well in shallow to moderately deep water.
Cons
- The factory hooks could be sharper. Upgrading to higher-quality trebles would improve hooking percentages.
- Limited diving depth. The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating is best suited for shallow to moderately deep water applications.
Who Should Buy Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating?
The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating is perfect for anglers targeting walleye, trout, and other game fish in murky or stained waters. It’s an excellent choice for those who troll in shallow to moderately deep environments, such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.
Anglers seeking a deep-diving crankbait for targeting fish in deeper water columns should skip this product. Must-have accessories include higher-quality treble hooks and split rings for enhanced performance.
Conclusion on Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating
The Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating is a highly effective and durable lure that delivers consistent results. Its aggressive wobble, vibrant flash, and floating design make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box.
At $12.49, the price is justified by its performance and longevity. I would definitely recommend it to any angler looking for a reliable crankbait for trolling in shallow to moderately deep water. Add the Storm Hot ‘N Tot Madflash Trolling Crankbait, Floating to your arsenal and get ready to experience the thrill of more strikes and bigger catches!