First Impressions of Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig
The Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig promises to be a game-changer in the world of bladed jigs, offering the legendary vibration of the original in a more compact, tungsten-powered package. Strike King aims to deliver superior castability, action, and hooksets with this lure. It’s designed to be a versatile tool in any angler’s arsenal, particularly for those utilizing forward-facing sonar.
As an experienced angler always seeking an edge, the promise of extended casting distance and enhanced sensitivity immediately piqued my interest. The original Thunder Cricket had already earned a spot in my tackle box, but I was eager to see if the tungsten version lived up to the hype. The trend of utilizing forward-facing sonar in bass fishing has created a need for lures that provide better sonar returns and more realistic presentations.
Unboxing the Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig, I was immediately impressed by its compact profile and the quality of the components. The tungsten head felt surprisingly dense for its size, promising enhanced sensitivity and a distinct thump in the water. The Owner Jungle Hook looked incredibly strong, and the hand-tied skirt exuded quality.
Compared to other bladed jigs like the Z-Man ChatterBait or the JackHammer, the Strike King offering seemed more refined in its design. I opted for this over other similar lures because of the Tungsten head for added feel, and the reputation of Strike King quality at an affordable price. While the ChatterBait excels in open water and the JackHammer boasts premium components, the Tungsten Thunder Cricket appealed to me as a versatile option that could perform well in various conditions. My first impression was one of excited anticipation. I couldn’t wait to hit the water and see what this little powerhouse could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig was on a local lake known for its finicky bass population. The lake offered a mix of shallow weed beds, rocky points, and deeper drop-offs, perfect for testing the lure’s versatility. I primarily targeted areas identified using my forward-facing sonar, focusing on submerged weed lines and structure.
The lure performed admirably, casting significantly farther than my standard bladed jigs. The vibration was immediately noticeable, even in slightly murky water. I tested the Thunder Cricket in the morning while the water was cold, and then again in the afternoon once the water had warmed slightly from the sun.
I did experience one slight issue during the first outing; the trailer keeper needed adjustment after a few casts to prevent the soft plastic trailer from sliding down the hook shank. But after that minor adjustment, it was smooth sailing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig has proven to be a reliable and effective lure. It has quickly become a confidence bait in my arsenal. The paint finish on the tungsten head has held up surprisingly well, with only minor chipping after repeated contact with rocks and hard structure.
The skirt has remained intact and vibrant, exhibiting only minimal wear and tear. The Owner Jungle Hook remains razor-sharp and has provided excellent hooksets, even on sluggish strikes. I have fished the jig in a variety of conditions, from clear, open water to heavy cover and stained water.
Compared to other bladed jigs I’ve used, the Tungsten Thunder Cricket offers a unique combination of sensitivity, castability, and durability. It outperformed my expectations in terms of vibration and hook-up ratio.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig
Specifications
- The Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig features a super-dense and compact tungsten head. This allows for the same tight vibration as the original Thunder Cricket, but in a smaller, more sensitive package.
- It is available in three sizes (weight not specified except for Bruiser color at 3/8 oz). This allows anglers to match the size to the baitfish and water conditions.
- The lure features a super-strong, long-shank Owner Jungle Hook. This ensures solid hooksets, even with larger fish.
- It boasts a hand-tied skirt for superior swimming action. This creates a more natural and enticing presentation.
- An extra-durable trailer keeper keeps soft plastics firmly in place. This prevents slippage and ensures the trailer performs optimally.
- It is available in 14 colors. This offers a wide range of options to match local forage and water clarity.
- The eyelet is designed to pivot freely. This produces a superior action and allows for stronger hooksets.
- Tackle Weight of the Bruiser color tested is 3/8 oz. This weight is ideal for fishing in a variety of depths and conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig performs exceptionally well in a variety of situations. Its tight vibration and realistic swimming action consistently trigger strikes from both aggressive and finicky bass.
The lure excels when targeting submerged weed lines, rocky points, and other forms of structure. It also performs well in open water, especially when retrieved with a steady, medium-fast retrieve. The pivoting eyelet and sharp Owner hook result in solid hooksets, even when fish strike short or are only lightly hooked. The most noticeable strength is its castability.
One minor weakness is the potential for the trailer keeper to require occasional adjustment, depending on the type of soft plastic trailer used. Overall, the lure meets and exceeds expectations for a bladed jig in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig boasts a well-thought-out design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The compact tungsten head provides excellent sensitivity and a streamlined profile.
The hand-tied skirt is meticulously crafted and adds to the lure’s realistic appearance. The Owner Jungle Hook is perfectly sized and positioned for optimal hooksets. The lure is easy to use, even for anglers who are new to bladed jigs. There is no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig is constructed with high-quality components and built to withstand the rigors of fishing. The tungsten head is resistant to chipping and cracking. The skirt is durable and holds its shape well.
The Owner Jungle Hook is corrosion-resistant and maintains its sharpness even after repeated use. The lure is easy to clean and maintain. Simply rinsing it with fresh water after each use will prolong its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig is primarily designed to be used with a soft plastic trailer. A wide variety of trailers can be paired with the jig to create different profiles and actions.
Popular options include swimbaits, craw trailers, and creature baits. Anglers can also customize the skirt by trimming it or adding rattles for extra attraction. While there are no direct Strike King branded accessories, the jig is compatible with standard bladed jig accessories from other brands.
Pros and Cons of Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig
Pros
- Compact Tungsten Head: Provides excellent sensitivity and allows for longer casts.
- Super-Strong Owner Jungle Hook: Ensures solid hooksets, even on larger fish.
- Hand-Tied Skirt: Creates a realistic swimming action and adds to the lure’s visual appeal.
- Versatile Performance: Performs well in a variety of conditions and targeting different types of structure.
- Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for the money compared to other premium bladed jigs.
Cons
- Trailer Keeper: May require occasional adjustment, depending on the type of soft plastic trailer used.
- Paint Durability: While generally good, the paint on the tungsten head can chip after repeated contact with rocks.
Who Should Buy Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig?
The Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig is perfect for:
- Anglers looking for a versatile and effective bladed jig that can be used in a variety of conditions.
- Bass fishermen who want to improve their casting distance and sensitivity.
- Anglers who appreciate high-quality components and construction at an affordable price.
- Anglers using forward-facing sonar who need a lure that provides a strong sonar return.
Who should skip this product?
- Anglers who exclusively fish in heavy cover where a weedless jig is required.
- Anglers who are unwilling to occasionally adjust the trailer keeper.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A selection of high-quality soft plastic trailers in various sizes and colors.
- A rattle can be added to the jig for extra sound attraction.
Conclusion on Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig
The Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig is a standout performer in the world of bladed jigs. Its compact tungsten head, sharp Owner Jungle Hook, and hand-tied skirt combine to create a lure that is both effective and enjoyable to fish. The value proposition is excellent.
The Strike King Tungsten Thunder Cricket Vibrating Swim Jig’s lower price point is justified given its performance and features. I would personally recommend it to any angler looking to add a versatile and reliable bladed jig to their arsenal. Go ahead and give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!