Let’s Talk About Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait
The Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait is a creature bait designed to entice bass with its unique profile and erratic action. Manufactured by Strike King, this soft plastic lure boasts a scalloped Rage Tail, elongated legs, and strategically placed bumps that create a disturbance in the water. Its innovative design and June Bug color are meant to attract bass in various fishing conditions, making it a staple in any angler’s tackle box.
I was looking for a versatile soft plastic bait that could be fished in a variety of conditions and presentations. The Space Monkey caught my eye with its unique design and reputation for triggering strikes. I was hoping it would be the confidence bait I could rely on when other lures failed to produce.
My first impression upon opening the package was positive. The June Bug color was rich and vibrant, and the plastic felt durable yet pliable. The details in the molding, especially the scalloped tail and leg appendages, were impressive, indicating quality craftsmanship.
Compared to other creature baits like the Zoom Brush Hog or the Berkley PowerBait Creature, the Space Monkey stood out due to its unique Rage Tail design. I chose it because I believed that the enhanced water displacement and visual profile would give it an edge in attracting pressured fish. I was excited to see it in action.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait at Lake Fork, a renowned bass fishing destination in Texas. I fished it Texas-rigged around submerged timber and grass lines. The conditions were partly cloudy with a slight wind, and the water had a moderate stain.
The Space Monkey performed well in these conditions. The June Bug color was highly visible, and the Rage Tail created a noticeable vibration as I dragged it along the bottom. I quickly realized that the back slit helped with hooksets, as advertised.
Using this bait was intuitive, requiring little to no adjustment for someone experienced with Texas-rigged soft plastics. Its profile and action immediately felt natural. I was impressed by its easy of use.
After the first few casts, I noticed that the bait did seem to tear slightly easily when pulling it through heavy cover. This made me wonder about its long-term durability. However, I was impressed that the bass were actively striking it.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait has proven to be a consistent producer. I’ve fished it in clear water, murky water, and around various types of cover, and it continues to perform. Its versatility is a key strength.
While the plastic is durable enough for most applications, it does show signs of wear and tear after repeated use, particularly when fishing around sharp rocks or heavy brush. Replacing them is easy, but the rate of consumption can increase when fishing heavy cover. A little bit of mend-it glue can extend the life of each bait.
Cleaning the baits is straightforward. I simply rinse them off with water and store them back in their original packaging or a soft plastic tackle binder. Proper storage helps maintain their shape and color.
The Space Monkey outperforms many other creature baits I’ve used in terms of triggering reaction strikes. Bass seem to be particularly drawn to the erratic action of the Rage Tail. This makes it a confidence bait when other presentations aren’t working.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait
Specifications
The Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait is a soft plastic creature bait designed for bass fishing. It is available in lengths of 4 inches and 4.5 inches.
The bait comes in a June Bug color and is sold in packs of 6. Its features include a scalloped Rage Tail, elongated legs, and extra bumps for added vibration and water displacement. The specifications cater to a lifelike presentation and attract bass.
The Manufacturer is Strike King. They are known for high quality and innovation.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait excels at attracting bass in a variety of conditions and cover types. Its unique design creates a distinct profile and action in the water. This bait triggers strikes from both active and inactive fish.
The strength of this bait lies in its versatile design and ability to be fished with multiple rigging methods. The plastic could be a bit tougher to improve durability. It exceeds my expectations for a soft plastic creature bait due to its ability to draw strikes when other lures fail.
Design & Ergonomics
The Space Monkey’s build quality is high, with detailed molding and a durable yet pliable plastic composition. The bait’s weight is balanced for easy casting and presentation, and its profile mimics various prey species. The June Bug color further enhances its appeal to bass.
The bait is user-friendly, requiring no specialized knowledge or techniques to fish effectively. Its streamlined design makes it easy to rig on various hooks and presentations. It’s simple and it works.
Durability & Maintenance
With reasonable care, the Space Monkey can last through multiple fishing trips. However, the plastic is susceptible to tearing when fished in heavy cover or around sharp objects. The bait is best suited for anglers who prioritize performance over extreme durability.
Maintaining the Space Monkey is simple: rinse with water after use and store in a cool, dry place. Mend-It glue can significantly increase the life of each bait. Proper storage and care maximize its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait doesn’t come with any included accessories. Its design is well-suited for various rigging methods, including Texas-rigging, Carolina-rigging, and jig trailers. The bait is compatible with a wide range of hooks, weights, and other terminal tackle.
The Space Monkey can be customized by adding rattles, scent attractants, or trimming the appendages to alter its action. It pairs well with Strike King hooks and weights, but it is also compatible with accessories from other popular brands. The ability to customize and adapt it to different fishing situations is a big plus.
Pros and Cons of Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait
Pros
- Unique Rage Tail design creates a distinct action that triggers strikes.
- Versatile bait that can be fished with various rigging methods and in different conditions.
- Effective June Bug color attracts bass in clear and stained water.
- Durable enough for multiple fishing trips with reasonable care.
- Back slit design facilitates better hooksets.
Cons
- Plastic is susceptible to tearing in heavy cover or around sharp objects.
- Slightly more expensive than some other creature baits on the market.
Who Should Buy Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait?
The Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait is perfect for:
- Bass anglers of all skill levels seeking a versatile and effective soft plastic bait.
- Anglers fishing in a variety of conditions, from clear to stained water and around various types of cover.
- Those who appreciate a unique lure design and action that triggers reaction strikes.
This product might not be ideal for:
- Anglers fishing exclusively in extremely heavy cover where durability is paramount.
- Those seeking the absolute cheapest soft plastic bait option available.
Must-have accessories or modifications:
- Texas-rigged hook and weight for traditional presentation.
- Scent attractant to further enhance its appeal.
- Mend-It glue to repair tears and extend its lifespan.
Conclusion on Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait
The Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait is a top-performing soft plastic lure that delivers exceptional results in a variety of fishing scenarios. Its innovative design, versatile application, and ability to trigger strikes make it a worthwhile addition to any angler’s arsenal. While it may not be the most durable option on the market, its performance more than compensates for this minor drawback.
The price of $4.70 is justified by the bait’s effectiveness and versatility. It offers excellent value for anglers seeking a reliable and productive soft plastic lure. The consistent performance makes the cost per fish caught very reasonable.
I would highly recommend the Strike King Rage Tail Space Monkey June Bug Soft Bait to any bass angler looking to elevate their game. It’s a proven fish-catcher. Go out there and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!