Zoom Grass Craw Review

First Impressions of Zoom Grass Craw

The Zoom Grass Craw is a soft plastic creature bait designed for punching through heavy vegetation, a technique often employed by bass anglers to target fish hiding in dense cover. Zoom is a well-known name in the fishing world, and I was eager to see how this bait lived up to their reputation. The compact profile and specific design intrigued me, promising a streamlined presentation that could trigger bites where other baits fail.

I’ve been fishing heavy cover for years and often struggled with bulky baits that snag easily. The promise of a more compact profile that punches through vegetation cleanly is what drew me to the Zoom Grass Craw.

Upon receiving the package, the first thing I noticed was the soft, pliable nature of the plastic. The bait felt durable and the color was vibrant. It was smaller than I expected, which reinforced the notion that it was truly designed for slipping through thick vegetation.

I’ve used similar creature baits like the Strike King Rodent and the Berkley Pit Boss. The Zoom Grass Craw is noticeably smaller and has a more streamlined profile than both. I chose the Zoom Grass Craw because I wanted a bait that would be less likely to snag in the thickest cover.

My initial impression was positive. I was excited to get it out on the water and see if it could live up to its claims.

Real-World Testing: Putting Zoom Grass Craw to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Zoom Grass Craw on a local lake known for its heavy hydrilla and lily pad growth. I rigged it on a 4/0 EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hook with a 1/2 oz tungsten weight, Texas-rigged, and flipped it into the thickest mats I could find. The weight of the tungsten helped the bait punch through the vegetation effectively.

The Grass Craw performed exceptionally well in these conditions. It slipped through the vegetation with ease, and I was able to get it down to where the fish were holding. I was fishing on a sunny afternoon, and the bass were very active, especially in the shade provided by the dense vegetation.

The bait was easy to use, and I quickly got the hang of presenting it effectively. There were no initial issues, and I immediately started getting bites. I lost one fish when it wrapped me around a stump, but that’s just part of fishing heavy cover.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Zoom Grass Craw, I can confidently say it holds up remarkably well. The plastic is durable and resists tearing, even after multiple fish catches and encounters with thick vegetation. The color hasn’t faded significantly, even after prolonged exposure to the sun.

I have noticed some minor wear and tear around the hook slot after repeated use. However, this is expected with soft plastic baits. I simply re-rig the bait slightly higher on the hook.

The Grass Craw is incredibly easy to maintain. I simply rinse it off after each use and store it in a plastic bag. Compared to some other soft plastic baits I’ve used, the Zoom Grass Craw definitely outperforms them in terms of durability and longevity.

Breaking Down the Features of Zoom Grass Craw

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Zoom. This is a well-known and trusted brand in the fishing industry.
• Lure Type: Creature. This type of bait is designed to imitate a variety of prey, such as crawfish, insects, and small amphibians.
• Quantity: 15. A pack of 15 baits offers good value for the price.
• Length: 3.125 inches. This compact size is ideal for punching through heavy vegetation.
• Water Type: Freshwater. Designed for freshwater fishing environments.
• Species: Bass. Specifically designed to target bass, a popular game fish.
• Hook Type: EWG Worm. An Extra Wide Gap worm hook is recommended for rigging the bait effectively.
• Fabric/Material: Soft Plastic Bait. This provides a lifelike feel and action in the water.
• Water Type: Freshwater. This is reiterated to confirm its suitability for freshwater fishing.
• Weight: 0.1 oz. A lightweight bait allows for a more natural presentation.
• Width: 6.7 in. Represents package width for retail purposes.
• Height: 5 in. Represents package height for retail purposes.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the Zoom Grass Craw’s performance. The compact size and soft plastic material make it ideal for punching through vegetation and attracting bass. The recommended EWG hook ensures solid hooksets.

Performance & Functionality

The Zoom Grass Craw performs exceptionally well at its intended purpose: punching through heavy vegetation and attracting bass. Its streamlined profile allows it to slip through thick cover with ease, while its soft plastic construction provides a lifelike feel that entices fish to bite and hold on. The bait is easy to rig and presents well in the water.

The bait’s strength is its ability to penetrate thick cover without snagging. A minor weakness might be its small size, which could be a disadvantage when targeting larger bass in open water.

The Zoom Grass Craw meets and often exceeds expectations. Its performance is reliable, and it consistently produces bites in heavy cover situations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Zoom Grass Craw is excellent. The plastic is soft yet durable, and the bait is well-constructed. Its light weight makes it easy to cast and present accurately, even with heavy weights.

The Grass Craw is very user-friendly, requiring minimal learning curve. The design facilitates easy rigging, and its action is natural and enticing to bass.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Zoom Grass Craw can last for multiple fishing trips. Its durability is impressive for a soft plastic bait.

Maintaining the bait is simple: rinse it off after each use and store it in a plastic bag. No special repair is necessary.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Zoom Grass Craw doesn’t come with any specific accessories, but it’s highly customizable. Anglers can experiment with different hook sizes, weights, and colors to tailor the bait to their specific fishing conditions.

The bait is compatible with a wide range of EWG hooks and weights from various brands. Anglers can also add rattles or scent attractants to further enhance its appeal.

Pros and Cons of Zoom Grass Craw

Who Should Buy Zoom Grass Craw?

The Zoom Grass Craw is perfect for anglers who frequently fish in heavy vegetation, such as lily pads, hydrilla, and milfoil. It is an excellent choice for bass anglers targeting fish that are holding tight to cover. It’s also great for those who want an affordable and reliable bait for punching through vegetation.

Anglers who primarily fish open water or clear water may want to consider other bait options. Those looking for a larger bait with a more aggressive action might also prefer other alternatives.

A must-have accessory is a selection of EWG hooks in various sizes to accommodate different fishing conditions. Tungsten weights are recommended for punching through thick vegetation.

Conclusion on Zoom Grass Craw

The Zoom Grass Craw is an exceptional soft plastic bait that excels at punching through heavy vegetation. Its compact profile, durable construction, and lifelike action make it a highly effective tool for catching bass in challenging fishing conditions. While its small size may not be ideal for all situations, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.

The price of $6.39 for a pack of 15 baits is more than justified, considering the bait’s performance and durability. It offers excellent value for the money and is a worthwhile investment for any angler who fishes in heavy cover.

I would highly recommend the Zoom Grass Craw to any angler looking for a reliable and effective bait for punching through vegetation and catching bass. It’s a proven fish-catcher that will undoubtedly become a staple in your tackle box. If you are serious about fishing heavy cover, the Zoom Grass Craw is a must-have.