When bass desire a big meal, look to the Strike Pro DD72

Date: |
10/21/04 |
Tackle type: |
Lures |
Manufacturer: |
Strike Pro |
Reviewer: |
JIP |
Total Score: 8.25
Introduction:
Large crankbaits can be extremely effective especially when bass are after
larger baitfish. The Strike Pro DD72 is a excellent lure choice when the bass are
aggressive. We take a look at what this enormous lipped crankbait can do in the water.
Strike Pro
DD72 Specifications |
Type |
Crankbait |
Depth |
10ft |
Class |
Floating |
Colors/Patterns |
17
available |
Size |
2
3/4" (13/16oz) |
Hook
sizes |
#4 |
Price |
$9.29 |

The Strike Pro DD72 has a nice
finish and sports sharp VMC trebles
Impressions: Crankbaits can be a great search
tool and using the right size can mean getting a couple strikes or none at all. Today these lures come in all sizes and variations that allow us to pick the
proper crankbait per situation. We
take a look at the DD72 by Strike Pro. First impressions were that this crankbait is huge. The body is hefty and the lip is large and long. The finish on the DD72 is nice and neatly crafted with consistent and attractive
patterns. To top it off the Strike Pro lure uses realistic eyes and
razor-sharp VMC hooks that catch when you run them over your thumbnail.
Complete Rig
for DD72 |
Rod |
AiRRUS Spectra (SPC701M-AFT) |
Reel |
Quantum Energy PT (E640PT) |
Line |
12
lb. Sufix ProMix |
Real World Tests: Rigged on an AiRRUS Spectra crankbait rod paired with a
low 4.4:1 ratio Quantum PT baitcaster, we set out to test the DD72 Fire Tiger
pattern on local lakes in search of bass. With a lure this size, it's best
to use it when the fish want to strike at larger baitfish, so remember to "match
the hatch."

Realistic eyes make the lure more
attractive to aggressive predators
Casting: The DD72 is no small crankbait and
must be paired with a matching rod to make accurate and comfortable casts. The Spectra AFT
rod in medium is great for casting this big guy with a double handed grip. If you try to cast this 13/16 lures all day single handed, it will easily wear
your wrist down. Using a rod with a long handle will allow you to whip the crankbait
faraway or toss it gently to target adjacent spots.
Retrieving: Most people use a slow retrieve ratio reel when employing
crankbaits. We found that using a slow speed baitcaster such as
the Quantum Energy PT in 4.4:1 ratio was much more comforting when retrieving
the Strike Pro DD72. The lip on the DD72 is substantial, measuring 1 and 3/4
inches in length. When cranked it does generate plenty of resistance in the water,
but the right rod and a slow powerful low ratio baitcast reel makes working the DD72
unproblematic.

A large bill and uniform profile
ensures good action while having a diving depth of 10ft using 12lb test fishing
line
When retrieved, the lure produces an active motion
even at slower speeds. The rattle system is loud and is a nice
addition to entice strikes. The body of the lure is manufactured uniform
and runs straight each time it hits the water. Using 12 pound test Sufix
ProMix line, the DD72 dives quickly and can achieve a maximum depth of about 9
to 10 feet. This lure is most effective fishing at these depths and when
digging at the bottom or bouncing directly off structure.

Use the DD72 effective when bass
are chasing bigger baitfish
Durability: The finish on the Strike Pro DD72 crankbait is well coated and can
take on plenty of punishment without ensuing damage. The crankbait didn't show any signs
of cracking nor did the paint chip off when we deliberately cast the lure into
rocky edges. The hooks are extremely sharp and will last fish after fish,
but will scratch the paint on the belly and side of the lure after prolonged use.
Ratings:
Strike Pro
DD72 Ratings
(?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
Manufactured very well with quality components and sports a quality finish |
9 |
Performance |
The
DD72 runs true, dives to 10ft with 12lb test line, and gives off good action
when retrieved slowly |
8 |
Price |
Strike Pro lures are consider premium lures and sports a better finish and
components. Compared to competitors the price is good but hard for
people to swallow that much money especially when the 3-5 dollar lures are
very similar |
8 |
Features |
Just like other crankbaits, this lure features a rattle system, realistic
eyes, good hooks, and 8 coats of paint |
8.5 |
Design
(Ergonomics) |
Designed very similar to other well performing crankbaits, but this one has
a large bill to get it down quick |
8 |
Application |
Not
a crankbait I would toss off the bat unless I knew the bass were after
larger baitfish, but when the fish are aggressive and are chasing good sized
baitfish, this is the go-to lure for both big and small bass |
8 |
Total Score |
8.25 |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus
Minus |
J
Casts easy and far |
L
Not applicable at all times |
J
Great for bass that wants a big meal |
L
Big bill can cause much stress on your
wrists if you don't have the right rod and reel setup |
J
Nice finish |
|
J
Quality hooks |
|
Conclusion: Crankbaits are a good search tool and having one
size just simply isn't enough. It's beneficial to have many different sizes and designs, ones
to target different depths and so forth. But at times it is important to
toss a lure that matches the size of the baitfish the bass are really after. When
fish want a big offering, take a look at the Strike Pro DD72 which feature a large
profile with a huge bill to really get it moving. This crankbait has a nice
finish and uses quality components. The action when retrieved with a low
ratio baitcast reel is good and features additional enticing audible rattles.
Though not applicable at all times, the DD72 is a worthy crankbait to have in your tackle box when the fish demand a bigger meal.

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