First Impressions of Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig
The Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig isn’t just another lure; it’s a purpose-built tool designed to wrestle bass from the thickest, nastiest cover imaginable. Designed in collaboration with professional angler Greg Hackney, this jig promises to be a game-changer for anglers who aren’t afraid to venture where others won’t. Its heavy-duty construction and weed-deflecting design immediately caught my eye, hinting at a lure that can withstand the rigors of heavy cover fishing.
I’ve been searching for a reliable swim jig that can consistently penetrate heavy vegetation without snagging, allowing me to target bass holding tight in those hard-to-reach areas. My local lake is notorious for its thick hydrilla and lily pads, making it a swim jig graveyard. I need a swim jig that can handle this environment.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the robust construction of the jig. The heavy-gauge wire weed guard feels incredibly durable, and the Gamakatsu hook looks like it could haul a small car out of the water. The skirt is vibrant and full, suggesting a lifelike action that’s sure to entice bass.
Compared to other swim jigs I’ve used, like the Z-Man Evergreen Chatterbait Jack Hammer (bladed jig) and the Strike King KVD Swim Jig (finesse swim jig), the Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig seems far more geared toward brute strength and weed penetration. While the Jack Hammer excels in open water and the KVD Swim Jig is great for slightly lighter cover, the Hack Attack looks ready to take on anything. My initial reaction is excitement and anticipation to see if it lives up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig to the Test
First Use Experience
I put the Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig to the test at my local lake, focusing on areas choked with hydrilla, lily pads, and submerged timber. The water was slightly stained, with a visibility of about two feet. I tied it onto 65lb braided line with a 7’3″ heavy action rod and went to work.
The jig lived up to its name immediately. It sliced through the thickest vegetation with minimal resistance. The weed guard did its job perfectly, deflecting snags and allowing me to keep the bait in the strike zone. I found that varying my retrieve speed and occasionally “popping” the jig free from cover triggered aggressive strikes. No issues or surprises occurred besides a few missed hooksets, likely due to the bulk of the jig and the need for a strong hookset in heavy cover.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig, it has become a staple in my tackle box. The jig shows minimal signs of wear, even after countless encounters with abrasive vegetation and submerged timber. The paint on the jig head has held up remarkably well.
Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse with fresh water after each use keeps the skirt and hook free from debris. Compared to other jigs I’ve used in similar conditions, the Hack Attack has outperformed them in terms of durability and weedlessness. It has become my go-to choice when targeting bass in heavy cover.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig
Specifications
Manufacturer: Strike King.
The Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig weighs 1/2oz, making it ideal for penetrating thick cover and maintaining depth in deeper water. This weight allows for a more aggressive presentation.
It features a Size 5/0 Gamakatsu Extra-Strong Siwash Hook, designed for superior hooksets and holding power. This is critical for extracting bass from heavy cover.
The jig’s construction includes a heavy weed guard, preventing snags in dense vegetation. This is essential for fishing effectively in challenging environments.
It is designed with a “Perfect Skirt” for lifelike action. The skirt mimics the natural movement of baitfish.
Each pack contains one jig. Anglers must purchase multiple packs to have a variety of colors and sizes.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig excels at its primary function: catching bass in heavy cover. The jig’s weedless design allows it to navigate through thick vegetation without snagging, while the sharp Gamakatsu hook ensures solid hooksets. The skirt provides a realistic presentation that triggers aggressive strikes.
A minor weakness is that the jig can be a bit bulky, which may deter finicky fish in clear water or during periods of low activity. Overall, the jig meets and exceeds expectations for heavy cover fishing.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig is built with high-quality materials, including a durable jig head, a strong weed guard, and a premium skirt. The weight is well-balanced. The design is very user-friendly, even for anglers who are new to swim jig fishing.
The learning curve is minimal; simply tie it on and start fishing. I’ve found the jig to be relatively easy to control and manipulate in the water.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig is built to last. The jig head is resistant to chipping and cracking, and the weed guard is designed to withstand repeated abuse.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick rinse after each use is all that’s needed to keep the jig in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig doesn’t come with any additional accessories, but it’s highly customizable. Anglers can easily change the skirt to match local forage or add a trailer to enhance the jig’s action.
The jig is compatible with a wide range of trailers, including swimbaits, craws, and creature baits. This allows anglers to fine-tune the presentation to suit their specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig
Pros
- Exceptional weedlessness for fishing in heavy cover.
- Sharp and strong Gamakatsu hook ensures solid hooksets.
- “Perfect Skirt” provides a realistic and enticing action.
- Durable construction holds up well to abuse.
- Versatile design allows for customization with different trailers.
Cons
- Can be a bit bulky for clear water or finicky fish.
- Only one jig per pack.
Who Should Buy Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig?
The Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig is perfect for anglers who frequently fish in heavy vegetation, timber, or other types of dense cover. It’s an excellent choice for bass anglers targeting largemouth bass in challenging environments. The Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig is also well-suited for anglers who are looking for a durable and reliable swim jig that can withstand the rigors of heavy cover fishing.
Anglers who primarily fish in open water or clear water may find the Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig to be too bulky. Fishermen may prefer a smaller, more finesse-oriented swim jig.
A must-have modification would be to add a trailer. The choice of trailer depends on the desired action and profile, but popular options include swimbaits, craws, and creature baits.
Conclusion on Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig
Overall, the Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig is an outstanding lure that delivers on its promise of performance in heavy cover. The jig’s weedless design, sharp hook, and realistic action make it a valuable tool for any serious bass angler. At a price of $6.99, the Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig is a fantastic value.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Swim Jig to any angler who wants to catch more bass in heavy cover. It’s a game-changer that will help you unlock the potential of those hard-to-reach areas. Go ahead and add a few to your tackle box – you won’t regret it!