Tempt fish with a serving of Specialty Tackle's Big Bite

Date: |
11/18/04 |
Tackle type: |
Lures |
Manufacturer: |
Specialty
Tackle |
Reviewer: |
Cal |
Total Score: 8.75
Introduction:
SpecialtyTackle.com
was established in 1996 as an online retailer featuring Japanese market fishing
gear and other quality, hard to find products. Over the past few years, they’ve
been working directly with Japanese lure manufacturing company, Zenith Lures, to
bring to the US, import quality lures branded in their own Specialty Tackle
name. Finally, after several years of testing by their own Pro Staff, Specialty
Tackle released these lures to the market earlier this year. Among their
offerings is a large, shallow cranker known as the Z-Series Big Bite. We got
hold of some of the very first Big Bites released this year and put them through
the rigors of our TT test.
Specialty
Tackle Z-Series Big Bite Specifications |
Type |
Crankbait |
Depth |
3ft |
Class |
Floating, Shallow Crank |
Colors/Patterns |
9
available |
Size |
2
1/2" (3/4oz) |
Hook
sizes |
6 |
MSRP |
$15.99 |
Impressions:
The Specialty Tackle Big
Bite lives up to its namesake - this is a big crank and follows closely what
seems to be a trend these days of large bodied shallow crankers. The Big Bite,
in particular, is very wide and tall at the head and mid section of the bait,
but then tapers quickly and suddenly at the back providing a distinct contour at
the rear. There’s a small bump on the head across and between where the eyes are
placed almost like an eye socket. These irregularities in the body would appear
to serve the purpose of creating more disturbance in the water than a usual,
smooth contoured bait while at the same time, not affecting the action of the
lure overall.

The Big Bite is chock-full of tiny
details, including fine contours, an internal rattle chamber and a large lead
bearing that serves as both a counterweight during casts and a rattle during
retrieves
The paint schemes on the Big
Bite are fairly detailed with the patterns themselves reminiscent of Japanese
lure manufacturers like Megabass. Internal to the bait, there is a large chamber
from the bottom center to the rear encasing a large, single, lead bearing of
about one centimeter in diameter. This bearing serves as a rattle and counter
balance during casts. A second large bearing sits secured in the front of the
bait, down low, to balance the lure in the water helping to keep the nose down
as the bearing in back moves forward to the middle of the bait where it rattles
away during a retrieve.

The Big Bite comes in many colors,
making it possible to utilize in varying applications and conditions
Field Tests: In
our lab tests, the Big Bite weighed in at .8 ounces (23 grams), slightly over
its 3/4 oz (21 grams) rating. This weight test really has no other bearing than
to be certain the rod you choose to sling this bait can handle its significant
weight. For our tests, we matched up an Airrus CoMatrix 457 6’6” medium heavy
weight rod with a Daiwa Alphas spooled with 15 lb
Seaguar Carbon Pro and headed out to determine the appeal of this bait to
our local black bass population in Northern California.
Casting: The
weight of this lure makes casting a breeze. The only difficulty we found in our
field tests was the tendency to outcast our marks because the lure travels
through the air so efficiently. An interesting discovery we made while fishing
this lure though is the ease by which you can pitch this bait. Normally, the
arrival of a crankbait this size is announced by an unceremoniously loud and
large splash, but by pitching, one can minimize this clumsy delivery and perhaps
entice an otherwise spooky fish to strike instead of run. Even with a 6’6”
stick, the Big Bite can easily be made to glide inches above the water to a
target forty to fifty feet away. With this lower trajectory of travel, the bait
stays out of the wind, can be delivered underneath fish holding structure, and
can be placed much more precisely. This is an important advantage to those
fishing stickups and laydowns with this bait.

We tested the Big Bite in a number
of different bodies of water, including the
California Delta
Retrieving: The
Big Bite is large on versatility as well. Many shallow crankbaits will either
foul if retrieved too quickly or not offer enough vibration if retrieved too
slowly. This bait accommodates both presentations surprisingly well. Due to its
size, our inclination with this lure was to slow our retrieve and let the slow,
wide wobble of the bait work its magic. Through experimentation, we were pleased
to discover that, not only can this bait be retrieved quickly, it can be ripped
beneath the surface to trigger some amazing strikes! As if that weren’t enough,
the Big Bite’s angle of retrieve lends itself well to placement and retrieval in
the midst of some pretty extreme structure. The head of this lure points down
the moment you begin your retrieve and serves as a nice buffer between the
number 6 hooks and any branches or other items that might serve as a potential
snag. We were able to work this lure through many laydowns and submerged
structure with minimal hang-ups, but as an added measure of security, we
complimented our stock #6 hooks with LureSaver split rings, just in case! Note
that the #6 hooks are smaller than the typical size you might find on a lure of
this stature, but the intent here is to provide a measure of weedlessness that
an otherwise larger hook might not allow.

A surprising number of bass
quickly committed to the Big Bite
Durability: During
our casts, we reluctantly, but intentionally served up these lures to various
rip rap and other visible structure to test the baits longevity. The finish of
these lures held up surprisingly well and not one of our lures showed any signs
of cracking or breaking during these tests. The bills of these baits do
eventually show signs of wear when retrieved over rocky surfaces, but that’s to
be expected. The hooks provided with the bait are not of any known, name brand
manufacturer, but the tips are very sharp and durable after several months of
continued use.

Structure and fish didn't do any
damage to these high quality lures
Applications:
Shallow crankers should find solace in this bait. As described above, it can be
retrieved at a variety of speeds and lends itself well to otherwise unfishable
structure. Of particular importance is this lure’s applicability to shore
anglers. Because of its castability and shallow nature, this lure is amazingly
effective when fished from shore and because of its weedless nature, it avoids
many of the obstacles presented to fisherman when retrieving the lure close to
shore. A dedicated shore fisherman can cover a lot of ground using this lure as
a search mechanism.
Ratings:
Specialty
Tackle Z-Series Big Bite Ratings (?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
Specialty Tackle searched
long and hard for a product worthy of their name and we think they did a
good job. |
9 |
Performance |
Surprisingly effective, this bait shines in shallow water applications |
9.5 |
Price |
As
with most import tackle, this lure carries with it, an impressive price tag |
7.5 |
Features |
Feature laden with a
moving counterweight for added casting distance, ultra sharp hooks, uncommon
contours in the body for added water displacement, quality paint
applications and lifelike 3D eyes – stock lure saver split rings at the
hooks and an oval split ring to connect the lure to your line would be nice
refinements. |
9 |
Design
(Ergonomics) |
Very good attention to
detail and 9 (soon to be 11) color choices offer a nice selection to the
finicky angler. |
9 |
Application |
As versatile as a shallow
crank can be and effective from both boat and shore make this lure a very
intriguing acquisition. |
8.5 |
Total Score |
8.75 |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus
Minus |
J
Solidly
crafted, large body crankbait |
L
A little
pricey |
J
Quality,
smaller than normal stock hooks aid in weedless presentations |
L
Smaller than
normal stock hooks can affect hookups |
J
Quality
finishes hold up well to abuse |
|
J
Versatility
in rate of retrieval |
|
J
Ability to
cast and retrieve this lure into thick structure |
|
Conclusion:
With the success of
Takahiro Omori at the 2004 Bassmaster Classic, the crankbait is going through a
revival of sorts. From custom, hand carved manufacturers to exotic, foreign
market imports, each company has their self proclaimed, unique value-ad feature
to this tried and true bass lure. Specialty Tackle is no stranger to any of
this. Having featured and continuing to market many of the same lures they now
compete against, they know, first hand not only what the professional bass
fisherman seeks, but also how the recreational bass fisherman can benefit from a
high quality, versatile, feature laden fishing lure. The Z-Series Big Bite is
one such offering. Whether retrieved at a slow crawl or ripped just beneath the
surface, the strikes this lure elicits are unmistakable. It is effective as both
a search tool and a finesse bait and can be fished in both open water or in
amongst the branches and limbs of a submerged tree. If your search is for a bait
to help revive a little of your fishing confidence, you might do well to sample
a taste of the Big Bite.

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