Let’s Talk About Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait
Topwater fishing. It’s an art, a science, and sometimes, a whole lot of frustration. The thrill of seeing a fish explode on a lure is unparalleled, and the Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait promises to deliver that excitement. Designed with input from legendary angler Kevin VanDam, this lure aims to be the ultimate “walk-the-dog” bait, easy to use and deadly effective.
My search for the perfect topwater bait has been a long one. I needed something that could consistently entice strikes in varying conditions, from calm, clear waters to choppy, stained environments. The Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait‘s reputation for easy action and vibrant color caught my eye.
Out of the package, the Sexy Dawg feels solid, well-balanced, and ready for action. The Chartreuse Sexy Shad color is vibrant and eye-catching, a crucial aspect for drawing attention in murky water. Its size and shape look promising for mimicking various baitfish.
Compared to a Heddon Zara Spook and a Rapala Skitter Walk, the Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait immediately felt different. The Zara Spook requires a very specific cadence to walk correctly, and the Skitter Walk can be a bit too subtle. The Sexy Dawg seemed easier to manipulate right off the bat.
My initial impression was excitement mixed with cautious optimism. It certainly looked the part, but the real test would be on the water. Could this lure live up to the hype and become a consistent producer in my topwater arsenal?
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait was on a local lake known for its healthy bass population and stained water. I fished it around shallow weed beds and submerged timber, prime ambush points for bass. The weather was overcast with a slight chop, perfect conditions for topwater action.
The Sexy Dawg performed admirably, even in the choppy conditions. The lure’s action was remarkably easy to achieve; a simple twitch of the rod tip resulted in a wide, gliding “walk-the-dog” retrieve. The internal rattles created a subtle, enticing sound that seemed to call fish in from a distance.
I didn’t need much time to get accustomed to the lure. Within the first hour, I had two solid strikes, landing a respectable 3-pound bass. The lure’s hooks held firm, and the bass were clearly targeting the bait.
The only minor issue was a tendency for the lure to occasionally roll over on itself if the retrieve was too aggressive. However, adjusting my cadence quickly solved that problem. Overall, the first use was a resounding success.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait has become a reliable weapon in my fishing arsenal. It consistently produces strikes, even when other topwater lures fail. The finish has held up surprisingly well, with only minor scratches and hook rash despite numerous encounters with submerged cover.
The durability of the lure has been impressive. The plastic body shows no signs of cracking or breaking, and the hooks remain sharp and strong. The lure is easy to clean; a quick rinse with fresh water after each use is all it takes.
Compared to other topwater baits I’ve used, the Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait outperforms them in terms of ease of use and consistent action. While some lures require a very specific technique, the Sexy Dawg is forgiving and adaptable to different retrieve styles. It’s become my go-to topwater bait in most situations.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait
Specifications
The Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It is a 4.5-inch walking lure, weighing in at 5/8 oz. The color is Chartreuse Sexy Shad, designed for visibility in stained water.
It is a topwater lure with a cast and retrieve lure type. It comes with size 2 treble hooks for solid hooksets. The lure’s action, combined with its size and color, makes it an irresistible target for predatory fish.
These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The 4.5-inch length is ideal for mimicking a variety of baitfish, while the 5/8 oz weight allows for long, accurate casts. The Chartreuse Sexy Shad color provides excellent visibility in murky water, and the size 2 treble hooks ensure a high hookup ratio.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait excels at its primary function: enticing topwater strikes. The lure’s ability to “walk-the-dog” with minimal effort is a major strength. Its side-to-side action, combined with the internal rattles, creates a commotion that attracts fish from a distance.
The lure’s strengths lie in its ease of use, consistent action, and attractive color pattern. Its primary weakness is its occasional tendency to roll over if the retrieve is too aggressive. However, this is easily corrected with a slight adjustment in technique.
It exceeds my expectations for a topwater bait. It’s easy to use, casts well, and consistently produces strikes. It’s a valuable tool for any angler looking to improve their topwater game.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait features a well-designed body shape that facilitates its “walk-the-dog” action. The lure’s weight is perfectly balanced, allowing it to sit correctly in the water and respond to the slightest rod movement. The realistic 3D eyes add to its lifelike appearance.
The build quality is excellent. The plastic body feels durable and the hooks are sharp and strong. There’s no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait should last for many fishing trips. Its durable construction and quality components ensure long-term reliability.
Maintenance is simple: rinse the lure with fresh water after each use to remove any dirt or debris. Replace the hooks as needed to maintain optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait does not come with any additional accessories. However, anglers can customize the lure by changing the hooks to different sizes or styles.
The lure is compatible with most standard treble hooks, allowing anglers to tailor the lure to their specific fishing conditions and preferences. You can also add feathers or bucktail to the rear hook for added attraction.
Pros and Cons of Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait
Pros
- Easy “walk-the-dog” action: Requires minimal effort to achieve a wide, gliding retrieve.
- Effective color pattern: The Chartreuse Sexy Shad color is highly visible in stained water.
- Durable construction: The plastic body and quality hooks ensure long-term reliability.
- Internal rattles: Creates a subtle, enticing sound that attracts fish.
- Versatile: Effective in a variety of conditions and fishing scenarios.
Cons
- Tendency to roll over: Can happen if the retrieve is too aggressive.
- Hook rash: The finish can show signs of wear after repeated use.
Who Should Buy Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait?
The Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait is perfect for anglers of all skill levels who enjoy topwater fishing. It is especially well-suited for those who fish in stained or murky water conditions. The lure is also a great choice for anglers who are new to “walk-the-dog” style baits, as it is very easy to use.
Those who prefer ultra-realistic lures or primarily fish in crystal-clear water might prefer a different option. The Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait is designed for attracting attention, not necessarily mimicking a specific baitfish.
Must-have accessories include a quality rod and reel combo with a sensitive tip for working the lure and strong line for handling explosive strikes. A good pair of polarized sunglasses is also essential for spotting fish and monitoring the lure’s action.
Conclusion on Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait
The Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait is a fantastic topwater lure that delivers on its promises. Its easy action, durable construction, and effective color pattern make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box.
The price of $5.85 is more than justified. Given its performance and reliability, the lure offers excellent value for money.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Chartreuse Sexy Shad Hard Bait to anyone looking for a reliable and effective topwater bait. Go out and experience the thrill of topwater fishing with the Sexy Dawg!