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Lure Review


 

Small but Mighty, the Deadly Megabass Dark Sleeper

 

Date: 2/28/19
Tackle type: Lure
Manufacturer: Megabass
Reviewer: Zander






Total Score: 8.75 - EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD

Introduction: Few brands within the fishing industry enjoy a cult following quite like Megabass. Just having the Megabass name on a product is enough to drive some anglers to procure each and every new bait the company introduces for their collection. With lures like the Vision 110 leading charge there are plenty of reasons to take a serious look at any bait that the company introduces. The Dark Sleeper was launched two seasons ago, and is designed to arm anglers with a hybrid swimbait option for targeting deeper holding fish.

 

Megabass Dark Sleeper Specifications

Type Swimbait (hybrid swimbait/jig)
Length 2.4, 3, 3.8 inches
Weight 1/4-1 ounce
Material Plastic
Patterns 10+
MSRP $5.99-$6.99 depending on size

 


The Megabass Dark Sleeper took the market by storm with a uniquely styled new profile and hidden hook design

 

Impressions: The Dark Sleeper is a cool looking bait, the kind of lure that you do a double take at when you first see it. Like most Megabass lures the Dark Sleeper exhibits some superb details in design, including a hook that is hidden within the high split dorsal fin, and some of the best finishes available on a swimbait of this size. Megabass describes the patterns on these baits as “airbrushed paintjobs,” and patterns like the Haze, Dark Shad, and Mutsugorou are surprisingly detailed for a mass produced bait series.

 


The Dark Sleeper has the profile of a Sculpin or Goby, not the usual shad and bluegill profiles found on most swimbaits


Though compact in size these lures are fitted with a large weight in the head of the bait, so that they get down quickly and can be fished with a bottom bouncing action. The Dark Sleeper is also designed to be able to be retrieved like a more traditional swimbait, with a kicking paddle tail action.

 


The bait is available in a wide range of patterns including Clear Pink


Real World Tests: I’ve been fish the Megabass Dark Sleeper swimbaits for over a year now, and wanted to experience them through each season to see how fish would respond to them in varying temperatures, and as they transition from different depths. I started with three primary patterns, Dark Shad, Haze, and Hanahaze, but have since tried almost every pattern in the Megabass lineup. Most of my tests focused on the 1/4 to 3/4 ounce baits, as the heavier 1 ounce version was introduced more recently.

 


Embedded within the head is a large embedded jighead that helps the bait swim naturally when retrieved


Operation: The Dark Sleeper was originally designed for targeting fish that are holding tight to structure, and while it is absolutely deadly in this application it would be a shame to just use this lure only for contact fishing. What I quickly discovered is that this bait is among the easiest swimbaits to enjoy success with, because it is so effective throughout the water column.

 


When fished slowly the Dark Sleeper can be hopped like a jig and does not hang up easily


During testing I caught more than two thirds of my fish on the Dark Sleeper fishing it like a jig, but there were situations where a straight retrieve was enough to entice bass chase and commit.

Next Section: Don't be afraid to mix it up!

 

   

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