First Impressions of Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301
The Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301 is a single buzzbait designed to create topwater commotion and entice aggressive strikes. Made by Strike King, this lure features a bright chartreuse skirt, and what Strike King calls a “bleeding” effect on the blades, a design intended to mimic an injured baitfish. For a meager $4.28, it promises explosive surface action, a grass cone to prevent snags, and a unique gurgling sound, making it an intriguing option for anglers looking to target bass in weed-choked waters.
My local honey hole had become choked with late-season lily pads, making crankbaits and spinnerbaits nearly impossible to use effectively. I needed a lure that could run weedless on the surface and still draw the attention of bass lurking underneath. I was looking for something to draw those fish out of their weedy lairs.
Upon unboxing (or rather, unclipping it from the store’s lure rack), the first thing I noticed was the vibrant chartreuse skirt, a color known for its visibility in stained water. The blades felt sturdy, and the grass cone seemed well-designed to deflect vegetation. The lure felt compact and well-balanced for a 3/8 oz buzzbait.
Compared to the classic Strike King KVD Buzzbait and a similar buzzbait from a competitor like Booyah, the Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301 stood out for its purported “bleeding” blade finish and dedicated grass cone. I’d used the KVD extensively, but the lily pads had proven too thick. The Booyah was good, but lacked the unique sound promised by this lure. I chose the Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301 for its weedless design and the promise of a unique sound profile, hoping it would trigger strikes where others failed.
I was cautiously optimistic. The price was right, the design looked promising, and the chartreuse color was perfect for the murky waters I intended to fish. It had the potential to be a secret weapon in my bass fishing arsenal.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301 on a local lake known for its heavy vegetation and largemouth bass population. I fished it along the edges of lily pads and over submerged weed beds, using a baitcasting rod with 17-pound test fluorocarbon line. I was looking for those explosive strikes.
The buzzbait performed surprisingly well in the thick cover. The grass cone did an excellent job of deflecting weeds, allowing me to retrieve the lure without constantly snagging. The blade holes did seem to create a unique gurgling sound, distinct from the typical buzzbait whir.
Initially, I experienced a few missed strikes, possibly due to the bass short-striking the lure. Adjusting my hookset to a more deliberate, sweeping motion seemed to improve my hookup ratio. Overall, the first outing was promising, with a couple of decent bass landed and several more strikes.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301 has held up surprisingly well, considering its low price point. The wire frame has remained straight, and the skirt, while showing some signs of wear, is still largely intact. I can see the fish have enjoyed chewing it.
The paint on the blades has chipped slightly, but this hasn’t seemed to affect its performance. The grass cone is showing some wear from being repeatedly pulled through weeds, but still functions effectively. Cleaning is simple: I just rinse it off with fresh water after each use and allow it to air dry.
Compared to previous buzzbaits I’ve used, the Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301 has outperformed many in terms of weedlessness and sound profile. Its durability, however, is comparable to other budget-friendly buzzbaits. The more expensive buzzbaits do tend to last longer, but the price of this one makes it easy to replace after a season or two.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Strike King. Strike King is known for producing affordable and effective fishing lures.
- Tackle Weight: 3/8 oz. This weight is ideal for covering water quickly and working the lure effectively on the surface.
- Fabric/Material: Wire, Silicone. The wire frame provides durability, while the silicone skirt adds lifelike action.
- Quantity: 1. It’s a single buzzbait.
- Unique Buzzbait: The Strike King Bleeding Elite Buzzbait Bass Fishing Lure Delivers Explosive Surface Action From Supersized Bass. This is the primary selling point – big bass action.
- Ready To Fish: The Bait Features Holes In The Blades To Create A Gurgle Type Noise And Leave A Bubble Trail On The Surface. This feature is designed to attract fish with both sound and visual stimuli.
- Expert Design: The 3/8-Ounce Lure Features An Exclusive Grass Cone That Keeps The Blade Clear Of Obstructions. This makes it suitable for fishing in heavy cover.
- Easy Fishing: Present The Bleeding Elite Buzzbait With Baitcasting Tackle And Fluorocarbon Fishing Line For Best Results. This recommendation ensures optimal performance.
- Fish Confidently: Get Ready To Set The Hook, Because Every Strike King Bleeding Elite Buzzbait Is Designed And Manufactured To Help You Catch More And Bigger Fish On Every Trip. Strike King positions this lure as a reliable tool for anglers.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301 performs its job as a topwater lure effectively. The gurgling sound and bubble trail are definitely noticeable, and I believe they contribute to attracting bass. The weedless design allows it to be fished in areas where other lures would snag.
The primary strength is its ability to run through thick cover without getting hung up. A minor weakness is the hook, which could be slightly sharper, but is adequate for the price point. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly buzzbait and exceeds expectations in weedlessness.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price, with the wire frame feeling sturdy and the skirt securely attached. The 3/8 oz weight is comfortable to cast and retrieve for extended periods. The chartreuse color is highly visible, which is important for a topwater lure.
There is no learning curve. Tie it on and cast.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301 should last at least a season of regular use. The wire frame is durable, but the skirt and paint will eventually show signs of wear. Maintenance is simple: just rinse with fresh water after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The lure comes as is, with no additional accessories included. Customization options are limited, but you could potentially replace the skirt with a different color or pattern. The hook can be replaced with a sharper or larger one if desired.
Pros and Cons of Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301
Pros
- Excellent weedless performance: The grass cone effectively deflects vegetation, allowing you to fish in heavy cover.
- Unique sound profile: The blade holes create a gurgling sound that attracts bass.
- Highly visible chartreuse color: Perfect for stained or murky water.
- Affordable price: A great value for a budget-conscious angler.
- Durable wire frame: Holds up well to repeated use.
Cons
- Hook could be sharper.
- Paint on blades chips relatively easily.
Who Should Buy Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301?
The Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301 is perfect for anglers targeting bass in heavily vegetated areas. It’s also a great option for those on a budget who want a reliable and effective topwater lure. This is perfect for anglers fishing stained or murky water, where visibility is key.
Those who primarily fish open water or prefer higher-end lures with premium components might want to skip this product. A hook sharpener is a must-have accessory to ensure solid hooksets.
Conclusion on Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301
Overall, the Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301 is a solid and effective buzzbait, especially considering its low price point. Its weedless performance, unique sound profile, and highly visible color make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box. While it may not be the most durable lure on the market, its affordability allows for easy replacement.
The price is definitely justified for the performance it delivers. I would absolutely recommend it to any angler looking for a budget-friendly buzzbait that can handle heavy cover. Give the Strike King Strike King Lure Co. Bleeding Bait Elite Buzz Bait,Chartreuse BBEB38-301 a try and get ready for some explosive topwater action!