Strike King Bitsy Shad Review

First Impressions of Strike King Bitsy Shad

The Strike King Bitsy Shad is Strike King’s answer to finesse fishing with a lipless crankbait. Emulating the renowned Red Eyed Shad in a smaller, 1/8 oz package, this bait promises to be a versatile tool for catching a variety of species in different environments. What immediately grabbed my attention was the combination of Strike King’s reputation for quality and the appeal of a downsized presentation. The Bitsy Shad looked like it would be perfect for pressured waters and targeting fish keyed in on smaller forage.

My home waters have been hammered lately, and the bass seem to be ignoring larger presentations. I was looking for something that could trigger strikes when traditional crankbaits were getting ignored. The smaller profile and free-floating rattle system sounded like a promising combination.

Upon opening the package, I was impressed with the finish and the sharpness of the size 8 hooks. The paint job looked durable, and the 3D eyes added a touch of realism. It felt well-built for such a small lure. Compared to other small crankbaits I’ve used, the Strike King Bitsy Shad had a noticeable weight and presence, hinting at its ability to cast well and maintain its action in the water.

I was immediately excited to hit the water with this bait. The promise of a smaller, more subtle presentation combined with the proven design of the Red Eyed Shad filled me with confidence. I anticipated a productive day on the lake, targeting those finicky bass that have been giving me a hard time.

Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Bitsy Shad to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Strike King Bitsy Shad was on a local lake known for its clear water and pressured bass. I focused on areas with submerged vegetation and rocky points. I experimented with different retrieves, from slow and steady to erratic stop-and-go actions.

The Strike King Bitsy Shad performed admirably in these conditions. Its tight wobble and subtle rattle proved irresistible to several bass that had previously ignored larger crankbaits. The bait cast surprisingly well for its size, and the size 8 hooks provided solid hookups. However, in areas with thick vegetation, the small size did make it prone to getting hung up more easily.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Strike King Bitsy Shad has proven to be a reliable and effective lure. The paint finish has held up well, showing minimal signs of chipping despite frequent contact with rocks and cover. The hooks remain sharp, and the lure’s action has remained consistent.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only a quick rinse after each use to remove any debris or algae. Compared to some other crankbaits I’ve used, the Strike King Bitsy Shad seems to be built with a higher level of durability. The free-floating rattles still sound crisp and clear, even after numerous casts and collisions with submerged objects. It has certainly outperformed my expectations for a lure in this price range.

Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Bitsy Shad

Specifications

• The Strike King Bitsy Shad weighs in at 1/8 oz. This makes it ideal for finesse presentations and targeting fish that are focused on smaller prey.
• It features premium size 8 treble hooks. These hooks are sticky sharp and provide excellent hook-up ratios, ensuring that you land more fish.
• The Bitsy Shad boasts Strike King’s most popular paint schemes. These proven color patterns are designed to attract fish in a variety of water conditions and clarity levels.
• It incorporates 3D eyes. These realistic eyes add to the lure’s overall appeal and help to trigger strikes from wary fish.
• The Bitsy Shad includes free-floating rattles. These internal rattles create a subtle yet effective sound that calls fish in from a distance.

Performance & Functionality

The Strike King Bitsy Shad excels at catching fish in pressured waters and situations where a subtle presentation is required. Its tight wobble and realistic profile mimic the movements of small baitfish, triggering strikes from bass and other predatory species. The lure’s small size and weight make it easy to cast and retrieve, even with lighter tackle.

While the lure performs exceptionally well in open water and around sparse cover, its small size can be a disadvantage in heavy vegetation. It can also be challenging to fish in windy conditions due to its light weight. Overall, the Strike King Bitsy Shad meets and often exceeds expectations, especially when used in the right conditions.

Design & Ergonomics

The Strike King Bitsy Shad is a well-designed lure that is built to last. The quality of the materials used is evident in the lure’s durable finish and sharp hooks. Its compact size and weight make it comfortable to fish with for extended periods.

The lure’s simple design requires no special knowledge or techniques to use effectively. Anyone, from beginner to experienced anglers, can pick up a Bitsy Shad and start catching fish. There is virtually no learning curve involved.

Durability & Maintenance

The Strike King Bitsy Shad is built to withstand the rigors of fishing. Its tough plastic body and durable paint finish hold up well against rocks, wood, and other cover. With proper care, this lure should last for many seasons.

Maintaining the lure is simple: rinse it off with fresh water after each use and store it in a dry place. Replacing the hooks when they become dull will help to maintain the lure’s effectiveness. Minimal maintenance is required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Strike King Bitsy Shad does not come with any additional accessories. Anglers can customize the lure by changing the hooks to different sizes or styles, or by adding split rings for increased action. Swapping out the stock hooks for higher-end trebles is a popular modification.

The Bitsy Shad is compatible with most standard split rings and treble hooks. Anglers can easily experiment with different combinations to fine-tune the lure’s performance to their specific needs. It is also compatible with aftermarket lure wraps or stick-on eyes to further customize the appearance.

Pros and Cons of Strike King Bitsy Shad

Who Should Buy Strike King Bitsy Shad?

The Strike King Bitsy Shad is perfect for anglers who frequently fish pressured waters, or those who are looking for a subtle presentation to trigger strikes. It is also an excellent choice for anglers who are targeting a variety of species, including bass, crappie, and panfish. Beginner anglers will appreciate its ease of use and consistent performance.

Anglers who primarily fish in heavy vegetation or extremely windy conditions may want to skip this product in favor of larger, heavier lures. If you always fish open water, however, this lure is a great addition to any tackle box.

A must-have accessory for the Strike King Bitsy Shad would be a set of high-quality treble hooks to replace the stock hooks when they become dull. Having a variety of colors to match the local forage will also increase the lure’s effectiveness.

Conclusion on Strike King Bitsy Shad

The Strike King Bitsy Shad is a highly effective and versatile lure that delivers exceptional performance in a compact package. Its realistic profile, durable construction, and ease of use make it a must-have for any angler’s tackle box. The lure is especially effective in pressured waters where finicky fish require a subtle presentation.

The price is absolutely justified. At $6.99, it is an incredibly affordable bait that offers excellent value.

I would highly recommend the Strike King Bitsy Shad to any angler looking to increase their catch rate, especially in tough fishing conditions. Give it a try, and you might just find your new go-to lure!