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Lure Review


Increase your numbers with the diminutive Live-X Smolt from Megabass

 

Date: 4/02/06
Tackle type: Lures
Manufacturer: Megabass
Reviewer: Cal




 

 

Total Score: 7.75

Introduction: In December of 2005, we debuted our article on the Megabass Vision 110x, a shallow water jerkbait with an addicting, fish-catching action. A few months later, reports of this bait, in a few, exclusive, colors selling for over $60 on the net ran rampant. Apparently, we weren't the only ones who found this bait worthwhile. Today we bring you the results of our tests on yet another Megabass offering. A smaller cousin of the Vision 110x, the diminutive, suspending Megabass Live-X Smolt.

 

Megabass Live-X Smolt Specifications

Type Jerkbait
Depth 0-2 feet
Class Suspending
Size 2" w/o bill, 2 3/4" w/ bill (3.5 g or 1/8 oz)
Colors/Patterns Approximately 20 different colors
Hook Sizes #10 front & rear
MSRP $20.00


Impressions: Diminutive does not begin to describe the Megabass Live-X Smolt. Measuring a full two inches (not including the bill), and weighing in at a mere 3.5 grams (or roughly an eighth of an ounce), this bait has the potential be a finesse fisherman's dream-bait. The quality and finish of the lures we acquired for testing were respectable, though not quite as overwhelming as to which we've grown accustomed with Megabass. The question was, how did this little bait perform?


Presenting the tiny Megabass Live-X Smolt


Multiway Moving Balancer System: The Smolt is part of Megabass's Live-X Series of baits each of which feature their patented Multiway Moving Balancer System. What is this patented technology? It is seemingly, not much different than the system used by other lure companies who make use of an internal, weighted bearing that shifts to the rear of the bait as it is being cast and then, repositions to the front-center of the bait as it is being retrieved. Megabass's particular implementation of this system, however, features a bit more complex internal chamber configuration than others we've seen featuring a very subtle ridge to help ensure the bearing is correctly positioned during each part of the presentation. The chamber at the belly of the bait also has some side to side play allowing the bearing to move during retrieve and help enhance the side to side action of the lure.
 

The Live-X Smolt is part of Megabass's Live X line. Each bait in this lineup features Megabass's patented Multiway Moving Balancer System

 

Complete test rig for Megabass Live-X Smolt Field Tests

Rig One Rig Two
Rod St. Croix Legend Elite EC68MXF Megabass F3-610DGS
Reel Daiwa Pixy Daiwa Certate 2000
Line 14lb Berkley Fireline 6 lb Yozuri Hybrid

 

The Field Tests: We tied our Megabass Live-X Smolt baits on both a spinning and baitcasting rig during our 4 month field test. For our spinning setup, we made use of our Megabass F3-610DGS Aaron Martens Limited paired with our Daiwa Certate 2000. For our casting setup, we called our Daiwa Pixy and St. Croix Legend Elite EC68MXF into duty.

 

Even the diminutive Live-X Smolt features quality detailing
 

Another close-up of the detailing on the Live-X Smolt's head


Casting/Pitching: Thanks to its minuscule size and despite the moving balancer system, the Megabass Live-X Smolt can be a challenge to cast. However, tied to the end of some thin diameter line on a free-spinning reel mounted a rod possessing a light, fast tip this challenge is mitigated somewhat. We achieved good success with casting equipment employing our St. Croix Legend Elite and Daiwa Pixy combo. The tip of our EC68MXF and the supertuned nature of our Daiwa Pixy combined to best support the casting challenges of our Live-X Smolt. Of course, we experienced few challenges with our F3-610DGS and Daiwa Certate combination. One characteristic of note, casting, with accuracy, into any kind of headwind situation was difficult at best.

 

The Smolt features a scouped out bill for added water resistance and enticing fish-catching action
 

Another view of the Live-X Smolt's unusual bill

 

Next Section: Presentation, Applications, and Ratings

 

   

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