First Impressions of Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig
The Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig isn’t just another jig; it’s a meticulously designed tool crafted by Strike King to conquer the toughest, most inaccessible bass hideouts. Its unique flat-sided head and premium components promise a seamless skipping action and rock-solid hooksets, setting it apart from the crowded jig market. For someone who has spent over a decade deciphering the intricacies of fishing gear, the initial glimpse of this jig sparked an immediate curiosity to explore its potential.
My fishing style often involves targeting bass in heavily structured environments, such as under docks, around fallen trees, and beneath overhanging vegetation. These areas demand a lure that can be presented quietly and accurately, without snagging on every piece of cover. I needed a jig that could effortlessly glide into these tight spots and trigger strikes from wary fish.
Upon unboxing the Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig, I was immediately impressed by the attention to detail. The jig felt solid and well-constructed, with a quality finish that suggested durability and reliability. The flat-sided head design was unlike anything I had seen before, and I was eager to see how it performed in the water.
Compared to other jigs I’ve used, like the Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Jig and the Booyah Boo Flex Jig, the Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig stood out due to its specific design for skipping. The Hack Attack excels in heavy cover but can be clunky for skipping, while the Boo Flex offers some skipping ability but lacks the precision and control of the Strike King skipping jig. I chose this one specifically because of its reputation for smooth skipping and its ability to penetrate those hard-to-reach areas.
My first impression was definitely excitement. I was eager to hit the water and put the Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig to the test, confident that it would deliver on its promise of superior skipping performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig was on a local lake known for its abundance of docks and overhanging trees. The water was slightly stained, and a light breeze created ideal skipping conditions. I targeted areas where bass were likely to be hiding, such as under docks and around submerged timber.
The jig skipped effortlessly across the water’s surface, gliding smoothly into the tightest spots with minimal effort. The flat-sided head truly lived up to its design, providing a stable and predictable skipping action. I was particularly impressed with how easily I could control the jig’s trajectory, allowing me to place it precisely where I wanted it.
The first few casts resulted in several solid hookups, indicating that the jig was effective in triggering strikes. There were no immediate issues, but I did notice that the Green Pumpkin color seemed to blend a bit too well with the murky water, making it slightly harder to track the jig’s movement.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig on various lakes and rivers, I can confidently say that it holds up remarkably well. The paint finish has remained intact, showing minimal signs of chipping or wear, even after repeated use around heavy cover. The Gamakatsu hook has retained its sharpness and strength, ensuring solid hooksets even with larger bass.
Despite being dragged through weeds and bumped against docks, the jig shows little signs of wear and tear. The skirt remains full and vibrant, and the screw-lock bait keeper has held trailers securely in place. The only maintenance required is a quick rinse after each use to remove any debris or algae.
Compared to other jigs I’ve used, the Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig outperforms many in terms of skipping ability and durability. It’s now my go-to jig for targeting bass in hard-to-reach areas, exceeding my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig
Specifications
The Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig boasts several key specifications that contribute to its outstanding performance. Its 3/8 oz tackle weight provides the perfect balance for skipping and allows for accurate casts even in windy conditions. The jig is available in various colors, with the Green Pumpkin color being a popular choice for its versatility. It comes in a 1 Pack quantity, meaning you get one jig per package.
The Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig features a unique flat-sided head, which is critical for its skipping action. Its super strong Gamakatsu hook prevents bending against hard cover, and the line tie angle aids in hook sets. The 60-count silicone skirt offers a lifelike presentation, and the screw keeper ensures excellent trailer retention. These specs directly translate to improved performance, better hookups, and increased fishing success.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig excels at its primary function: skipping accurately and efficiently into tight spaces where bass often hide. It works perfectly for fishing under docks, around overhanging vegetation, and in other areas where traditional casting methods are ineffective. The jig’s design allows it to glide smoothly across the water’s surface, minimizing noise and disturbance.
While the jig performs exceptionally well, it might require a bit of practice for novice anglers to master the skipping technique. A slightly brighter color option could also improve visibility in certain water conditions. Overall, the Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig meets and even exceeds expectations for a specialized skipping jig.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig is exceptional. The materials used are durable and long-lasting, ensuring that the jig can withstand the rigors of heavy use. The jig feels comfortable in hand, and the hook is strategically placed to maximize hookup ratios.
The jig is incredibly user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive design that makes it easy to rig and cast. While some anglers may need to adjust their casting technique to fully utilize the jig’s skipping ability, the learning curve is relatively short.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig is built to last, with a robust construction that can withstand repeated use around heavy cover. The paint finish is chip-resistant, and the Gamakatsu hook is incredibly strong. With proper care, this jig should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick rinse after each use. Occasionally, you may need to replace the skirt or trailer, but these are easily replaceable components.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig is designed to be used with a variety of trailers, allowing anglers to customize their presentation to match the prevailing conditions. Popular trailer options include soft plastic craws, creature baits, and swimbaits. The jig is also compatible with various hook sizes, allowing anglers to adjust their hookset power based on the size of the fish they are targeting.
Strike King offers a wide range of skirts and replacement parts, ensuring that anglers can easily maintain and customize their Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jigs to suit their individual preferences. Anglers can also experiment with different colors and trailer combinations to create a truly unique and effective presentation.
Pros and Cons of Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig
Pros
- Exceptional skipping action: The flat-sided head design allows the jig to glide smoothly across the water’s surface, making it easy to skip into tight spots.
- Durable construction: High-quality materials and a robust build ensure that the jig can withstand the rigors of heavy use.
- Sharp Gamakatsu hook: The premium hook provides excellent penetration and holding power, resulting in solid hooksets.
- Excellent trailer retention: The screw-lock bait keeper keeps trailers securely in place, preventing them from sliding off during casts or retrieves.
- Versatile presentation: The jig can be used with a variety of trailers, allowing anglers to customize their presentation to match the prevailing conditions.
Cons
- Green Pumpkin color can be difficult to track in murky water.
- Skipping technique may require practice for novice anglers.
Who Should Buy Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig?
The Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig is perfect for anglers who frequently target bass in heavily structured environments, such as under docks, around fallen trees, and beneath overhanging vegetation. It is also a great choice for anglers who enjoy fishing tournaments, as it allows them to reach areas that other anglers cannot. This jig excels when targeting bass in shallow water with plenty of cover.
Anglers who primarily fish open water or prefer more traditional casting techniques might not find the Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig as useful. Beginners may want to practice their skipping technique before using this jig in a tournament setting.
A must-have accessory for the Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig is a selection of high-quality trailers, such as soft plastic craws, creature baits, and swimbaits. Anglers may also want to consider using a fluorocarbon line for added sensitivity and abrasion resistance.
Conclusion on Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig
The Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig is a specialized tool that delivers exceptional performance in the right conditions. Its unique design, durable construction, and sharp hook make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box. While the skipping technique may require some practice, the rewards are well worth the effort.
At a price of $7.99, the Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig offers excellent value for money. Its superior skipping action and durability justify the price, making it a worthwhile investment for anglers who are serious about targeting bass in hard-to-reach areas.
I would highly recommend the Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig to any angler who is looking to improve their skipping game and catch more fish. It is a well-designed, well-built, and effective lure that will undoubtedly help you put more bass in the boat. Don’t hesitate – grab a Strike King Tour Grade Skipping Jig and start skipping your way to fishing success!