Retrieving cont'd:  Speaking of retrieval, several different retrieves work since there are several ways to rig this bait.  If you are flipping and pitching, you can dead stick the bait in holes or shake it for several seconds, causing the claws to quiver and rise tantalizingly.  For Texas rigging, Carolina rigging, or any other bottom contact method, dragging or hopping the craw along the bottom is effective.  The one downside to the Diesel Craw I notice on retrieval is that whether rigged Texas style with a slip sinker or on a keel weighted hook, it has a tendency to roll onto it's side a bit when the retrieve stops. 

With a weight attached to the Diesel Craw, there is a fair amount of heft and resistance to the total package.  At the very minimum, a stout medium-heavy rod is preferable to me, since a bit more tip stiffness is needed to cast, pop, and crawl the bait effectively.

Durability:  I did not experience any major durability issues with the Diesel Craw.  The only area of the bait that could possibly be a weak point is the base of the claw arms.  Each arm has a thin spot where it comes off the body.  This improves action, but might do so at the expense of durability.  Again, I had no issues with this but if I had to pick out a weak point on the bait that would be it.

Price & Applications:  With a listed MSRP of $6.99 for just 6 baits, they are a bit pricey.  Thankfully, the durability seems up to snuff so you shouldn't be plowing through a pack a day unless the fishing is wide open.   Though a bit costly, they seem to be made very well and are not what I would call overpriced.

The Diesel Craw will cover a few different techniques.  Flipping ,pitching, punching, Carolina rigging, and dragging on a football head or keel weighted hook all immediately pop into mind.  I also like to fish this bait at times with the silicone skirt cut off.  I usually performed that modification if the water was clear and I desired less bulk, or if I wanted to slip it in and out of small holes in cover a bit easier.  Don't forget the Diesel also makes a nice trailer on a big jig!

Conclusion:  While the Power Team Diesel Craw certainly is not a “do all” bait, it is a strong performer in a few applications.  Just opening the package you know for a fact these baits will get bit.  The combination of features, lifelike design, and the liberal use of scent and added attractors gives them a certain appeal all their own, even before they hit the water.  Once wet, the natural action and well executed profile helps boost your confidence.

 I look forward to fishing these baits on my own in the future, and I have some ideas of new areas I'd like to try with them.  I have really become fond of plastic craws with pinchers that rise up off the bottom in a defensive manner, as opposed to the old school ones that simply lay there, lifeless.  Despite a few short comings, the Diesel Craw undoubtedly looks alive under water, and will appeal to the better quality fish in your body of water.  Judging by the looks of the rest of the Power Team product lineup, they have some solid bait designs easily on par with the Diesel Craw.  I look forward to seeing what they can dream up next!

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