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 The
Daiwa TD Mouthwasher: A popper and a crankbait in one?
(continued)
 Retrieving
cont'd: Pop pop
stop… pop pop stop, but wait, the fun doesn’t end there with this lure.
Take in the slack line and with the tip pointed towards the horizon or down,
make a nice long sweeping tug and watch the lure dive about three inches down
and smoothly arc to the surface as you slow the pull. Allow the lure to sit
still for a moment with its head high and tail down before your next retrieve.
Vary the frequency and work the TDM all the way back to the boat for explosive
action.
The head of the lure just peaks out of the
water
Yet another method with
the Daiwa TD Mouthwasher and one that requires a quick retrieve (like to a
“burner” style baitcast reel: e.g. the Tour Edition PT Burner or Revo STX in the
7.1:1 gear ratio) is to employ a constant, fast retrieve back to the boat.
Because the TDM has a larger lower jaw that sticks out at an angle, if you
retrieve fast enough the TDM will dive below the surface. And while it’s running
through the water like a crankbait it creates a lot of bubbles and noise that
creates a signal to the bass below of fleeing baitfish at the surface. Out on
the water, this was great on active Fall bass but it also proved to be a killer
lure on feeding stripers.
Small BBs are used near the head
section while large BBs are used near the tail end
Durability: Like
other TD lures that we’ve tested, durability is respectable with the TD Mouthwasher. The finish is outstanding and the TDM can take a
serious beating from
aggressive bass. The feathers on the rear dressed treble stay on nicely thanks to the well threaded wrap that goes further down the
shank than some other lures, yet it still has the proper action to draw strikes
when the lure sits at the surface.
Water-thru
gills produce a load of bubbles when retrieved
Price & Availability:
The Daiwa TDM popper is a premium bait and is designed to compete with the best
on the market such as Lucky Craft, Megabass, and various high end Japanese
lures. Though the $16.95 price tag might appear steep for some, this
product is priced to compete. The price per unit is slightly more than Lucky Craft lures but the
construction, finish, and design is better, and through it costs less than Megabass lures the TDM
is of the same class in all categories. This is a new lure and it might be hard
to find on store shelves but, if you use the appropriate search engines, there
are a couple of online retailers that carry this popper right now.
Notice the larger lower jaw. It
almost acts like a lip on a crankbait, so the TDM can be retrieved and it'll
crank near the surface
Ratings:
|
Daiwa TD
Mouthwasher Ratings
(?/10) |
| Construction/Quality |
The TDM is a premium lure
and it shows. Built with high quality components and an absolutely beautiful
and durable finish, the lure is top notch |
9 |
| Performance |
Pops and retrieves unlike
traditional poppers, this multi-action lure stirs up the water to entices
strikes from aggressive fish lurking beneath |
9 |
| Price |
A premium bait with a
price tag that might not be for everyone. But if you’re buying Lucky Craft
and other high end lures, the performance and quality of this lure is a
winner and well worth the price |
8 |
| Features |
Extremely sharp hooks
including a rear feathered hook, rattling system with two types of bearings,
an outstanding finish with fine details on the lure’s body, prop, and
water-thru gills are just some of the features that makes up this effective
lure |
9.5 |
| Design
(Ergonomics) |
Designed unlike any other,
this lure is shaped and fitted with the necessities to draw strikes, calling
fish from far down |
9.5 |
| Application |
A great topwater popper
that’s very effective for bass and any other species that’ll hit a topwater
lure |
9.5 |
|
Total Score |
9.08 |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus
Minus |
| J
Multi-action |
L
A premium
bait with a premium price |
| J
Creates a lot
of commotion |
L
Not widely
available |
| J
High-quality
finish |
|
| J
Detailed
design |
|
| J
Durable |
|
The Daiwa TD Mouthwasher is made
of premium components is quite durable
Conclusion:
Topwater fishing in the
Fall is a must especially for those who have yet to experience the thrill of
a splash strike. Though it might seem to be a slower fishing style, the reward from an
explosive hit is something you will always remember, but the added benefit in
the Fall is the bass are active and you can fish a popper faster. Daiwa has
brought us a new, fun lure to use in enticing those aggressive fish to strike.
The TD Mouthwasher is a topwater popper that’s loaded with fine detailing, an
extremely high-quality finish, and a design quite unlike any other. Its unique shape and
design give the TDM a signature action when retrieved fast or slow, and at the
same time creates a lot of commotion at the surface of the water by way of its
water-thru gills, rattling system, large mouth, and prop designed in the mouth.
The versatility of the TDM is something definitely worth mentioning again: use
it like a popper, sweep it like a rip bait, or quickly crank it through the
water. The versatility of this lure is the foremost reason why the TD
Mouthwasher definitely makes it on my short list of go-to surface baits.
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