First Impressions of Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait
The buzzbait. It’s a lure that screams, quite literally, “I’m here, and I’m angry!” The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait promises to deliver that message loud and clear to any lurking bass. Manufactured by Strike King, this bait boasts premium features like a Perfect Skirt, Magic Tails trailer, and twin counter-rotating blades. It’s designed to create maximum commotion and draw strikes even at slower speeds, which is a huge selling point for finesse anglers like myself.
I was looking for a buzzbait that could perform reliably in various conditions and wouldn’t break the bank. I’ve often struggled with buzzbaits that require a fast retrieve to stay on the surface or that get easily fouled with debris. The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait aims to solve these problems with its design, suggesting it can stay on top at slower speeds and create an enticing action even when conditions aren’t ideal.
My first impression was positive. The paint job on the head was clean, and the skirt appeared full and vibrant. Compared to the classic Strike King buzzbait, the Perfect Skirt and Magic Tails seemed like an excellent upgrade, offering more realistic movement and attraction. I also considered the Terminator T-1 Buzzbait and the Booyah Pond Magic Buzz, but the Strike King stood out due to its twin blades and the promise of slower retrieve performance. The pre-rigged Sabre point trailer hook was also a welcome sight, saving me the hassle of adding one myself.
I was genuinely excited to put it to the test. I’ve had mixed results with buzzbaits in the past. Hopefully, this one would change that and become a go-to topwater lure in my arsenal.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait was on a local reservoir known for its clear water and pressured bass. I primarily fished it along weed edges and around submerged timber, using a medium-heavy baitcasting setup with 15-pound fluorocarbon line, as Strike King recommends.
The buzzbait performed exceptionally well. It stayed on the surface even at incredibly slow retrieve speeds, thanks to the twin counter-rotating blades. The blades churned up a significant amount of water, creating a noticeable wake and a distinct buzzing sound. On my third cast, a solid 3-pound bass hammered the lure right next to a fallen tree. It was a textbook buzzbait strike!
The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait proved itself reliable right out of the package. I didn’t experience any issues with the lure diving or getting fouled.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of fishing with the Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait, it has become a staple in my topwater arsenal. The durability of the lure is impressive. The wire frame has held its shape well, even after numerous encounters with aggressive bass and submerged obstacles.
The Magic Tails trailer has proven surprisingly resilient, with only minor wear and tear despite being repeatedly chomped on by fish. Cleaning is simple; a quick rinse with fresh water after each trip is all it takes to keep it in prime condition.
Compared to other buzzbaits I’ve used, the Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait stands out for its consistent performance. It maintains its action and stays on the surface better than other single-blade buzzbaits. This results in more strikes and fewer frustrating moments of the lure diving or getting bogged down.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait
Specifications
The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait is a top-of-the-line buzzbait from Strike King, featuring a unique combination of components designed for maximum fish-attracting action.
- The lure weighs 1/2 ounce, a versatile weight for various fishing conditions and depths.
- It’s constructed from a durable wire frame and features a silicone skirt.
- The Perfect Skirt blooms wide and evenly, creating a lifelike profile in the water.
- The Magic Tails trailer provides additional action and enticement.
- The twin counter-rotating blades generate extra lift, allowing the lure to track straight at slower speeds.
- The Sabre point trailer hook comes pre-rigged.
- This buzzbait’s design allows for significant water displacement, creating a “hawg-calling commotion.”
These specifications contribute directly to the lure’s overall performance and user experience. The 1/2-ounce weight is ideal for casting distance and controlling the lure’s depth. The silicone skirt and Magic Tails offer a realistic presentation that bass find irresistible. The twin blades and pre-rigged hook ensure optimal hooksets and a high landing ratio.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait excels at its primary job: attracting and hooking bass. Its ability to stay on the surface at slow speeds allows anglers to fish it effectively in a wider range of conditions.
The twin blades create a significant amount of noise and vibration, which is particularly effective in murky water or when bass are holding tight to cover. However, in very clear water, the commotion might spook some fish.
The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait generally meets or exceeds expectations. Its consistent performance, durable construction, and fish-catching ability make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait boasts a well-thought-out design and solid build quality. The materials used are durable and resistant to wear and tear. It’s lightweight enough to cast all day without fatigue.
The design is user-friendly, requiring no special modifications or adjustments before use. The pre-rigged trailer hook is a nice touch that saves time and effort. The only slight drawback is the wire frame’s potential to bend out of shape after repeated use or snagging on heavy cover, but this is easily corrected with pliers.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait is built to last. The wire frame is robust, the skirt is durable, and the blades are resistant to corrosion.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick rinse with fresh water after each use is sufficient to keep the lure in good condition. I’ve found that occasionally adding a drop of oil to the blade swivels helps to maintain their smooth rotation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait comes ready to fish right out of the package, with a pre-rigged Sabre point trailer hook. While no additional accessories are included, there are several ways to customize the lure to suit different fishing conditions and preferences.
Anglers can easily swap out the skirt with different colors or patterns to match local forage. Replacing the Magic Tails trailer with a different style of trailer, such as a swimbait or creature bait, is another popular customization option. While there aren’t specific Strike King accessories designed solely for this buzzbait, it’s compatible with various trailer hooks and skirt replacements available from other brands. This allows anglers to fine-tune the lure’s action and appearance to match the specific conditions they are fishing in.
Pros and Cons of Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait
Pros
- Exceptional topwater action, attracting bass with noise and vibration.
- Twin counter-rotating blades allow for slower retrieves, effective in diverse conditions.
- Perfect Skirt and Magic Tails provide a realistic, enticing presentation.
- Pre-rigged Sabre point trailer hook ensures optimal hooksets.
- Durable construction for long-lasting performance.
Cons
- The high level of commotion might spook fish in clear water conditions.
- Wire frame can bend after heavy use or snagging.
Who Should Buy Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait?
The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait is perfect for anglers who enjoy topwater fishing and are looking for a versatile and reliable buzzbait that can perform in various conditions. It’s particularly well-suited for anglers fishing in murky water or around heavy cover, where its noisy action and weedless design can excel. Pro anglers will appreciate the ability to customize the bait to match local conditions and target specific species.
Anglers who prefer finesse presentations or primarily fish in clear, open water might find the Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait too aggressive or noisy.
A must-have accessory would be a pair of pliers to correct any bending in the wire frame. Experimenting with different trailer styles is also highly recommended.
Conclusion on Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait
The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait is a top-performing lure that delivers on its promise of attracting and hooking bass. Its unique combination of features, including the twin blades, Perfect Skirt, and Magic Tails, creates a commotion that bass can’t resist.
At a price of $6.72, the value proposition is excellent. The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait offers premium features and reliable performance at an affordable price point.
I would absolutely recommend the Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait to any angler looking to expand their topwater arsenal. Get yours today and experience the thrill of explosive topwater strikes!