This review dives into a recent haul of Berkley fishing lures, exploring a diverse range of offerings from established favorites to exciting new additions. We'll examine the features and potential applications of several lures, including the innovative Fritz Clicker 5, the intriguing SpyBait, and the reliable Slobber Knocker Chatterbait. Beyond these, we'll also explore the versatility of Berkley's Super Trooper plastics, Shape 108 craws, and Blown Motor swimbaits, highlighting their unique designs and color options.This comprehensive look covers a variety of lure types and sizes, catering to different fishing styles and techniques. We’ll assess each lure’s strengths, offering insights into their potential effectiveness in various fishing scenarios. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this review will provide valuable information to help you expand your fishing arsenal and improve your catch rate with Berkley's impressive lineup.
Pros And Cons
- Good head shape for flipping and pitching
- Line tie sits well on the bottom
- Less likely to get hung up compared to heavier jigs
- Blade doesn't get hung up on wood as much as ChatterBaits
- PowerBait infused skirts remain stretchy and scented
- Blade has less side-to-side movement than ChatterBaits
- Paint chipping on the blade
- Casts well despite being light
- Aggressive Balsa-like action
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
- Unique design with two propellers
- Sharp hooks
- Unfamiliarity with the product for the reviewer
Read more: 5 Killer Spinnerbait Fishing Lures You Need
New Fritz Clicker 5
I recently got my hands on the brand new Berkley Fritz Clicker 5 lures. I was only able to snag the Junior and Big sizes, but I'm excited to try them out. The Juniors range from 2 to 5 inches and are perfect for ponds and small lakes.
The clicking sound is a unique feature, unlike the silent versions of the Fritz Side 5. I have experience with the Big Fritz Side 5 and like its size, so I'm hopeful about these new additions.
The color selection is fantastic, with options like Red Spring Craw, Chartreuse Black Back, and Kentucky Blue. I'm particularly interested in seeing how the iridescent purple-blue of the Kentucky Blue performs.
SpyBait Adventure
This is my first time using SpyBaits; I'm eager to experiment and learn how to fish with them effectively. I picked up a few colors, including the Purple Bullet (a chrome-dark back with purple accents), Stealth Perch, and Stealth Minnow.
The Stealth Minnow's transparent design resembles some of my favorite Lucky Craft lures, which is appealing. The SpyBait has two propellers, one in front and one in back, and features sharp hooks.
These lures seem ideal for a finesse jerk bait approach, but I will need to do some research to master their use. The 2.75-inch, 1/3-ounce lures are silent.
Slobber Knocker Chatterbait Review
I had a great day fishing last year using the Berkley Slobber Knocker Chatterbait. I've caught many bass with the Black Blue Purple BL Special color.
While some hardcore ChatterBait fans may not see a reason to switch, I appreciate that the Slobber Knocker's blade has less side-to-side movement, making it less likely to get hung up on wood. The blade still clicks, and the power bait infused skirts remain stretchy and fragrant.
I've also got the Fire Craw (orange/red) and Golden Shiner (with tinsel). The Golden Shiner is a unique color that could mimic a bluegill.
Super Trooper & Finesse Jigs
I've stocked up on Berkley Super Trooper plastics in Black Powder, Green Pumpkin, and Rusty Craw colors. The Rusty Craw color, with its brownish-red and blue tones, should mimic local crawdads.
These plastics work well on Ned rigs and finesse jigs. I'm especially fond of Berkley's finesse jigs; their rounded head shape makes them ideal for flipping and pitching.
I'll likely trim the skirts of the finesse jigs slightly to create a more enticing presentation. The PowerBait Max scent adds an extra element of attraction.
Shape 108 Craws
The Berkley Shape 108 craws are available in 3.5 and 4-inch sizes. The two-tone colors, like the Goat color (black with greenish-blue top and green pumpkin bottom), are visually appealing.
These craws have aggressive claws and flanges, making them ideal for jigs, Texas rigs, and as jig trailers. The variety of colors, such as Labot Blue, Watermelon, and Bluegill Flash, provides options for various water conditions.
The 4-inch Bluegill Flash color, with its translucent claws and gold accents, could be a particularly effective bluegill imitation.
Blown Motor Swimbaits
I also added Berkley Blown Motor swimbaits to my collection. The motor oil color, a classic and nostalgic choice, has an iridescent brown and green appearance.
The swimbait's ribbed body and small paddle tail should provide a lot of kicking action and trap water effectively. The variety of colors, including Gold Cracker Chartreuse, Sunfish, and Electric Blue White, offer options for different fish species and light conditions.
These swimbaits have the potential to be versatile additions to my arsenal.
Power Stinger & Money Badger
The Berkley Power Stinger (3.5 inches) is designed as a trailer for chatterbaits and vibrating jigs. The honeycomb holes in the plastic create an appealing tail action.
The Electric Shad color is a striking choice. I'm excited to experiment with this on my bladed jigs. The Power Stinger's tail movement is unique compared to other paddle-tail options.
Finally, the Berkley Money Badger is a versatile lure with varying sizes and diving depths, each featuring a rattle. The special red craw, pink pearl, blaze, ghost morning dawn, gold, purple glimmer, and FX shad colors offer a wide range of options.
Overall Conclusion
This unboxing revealed a diverse range of Berkley lures, each with unique features and potential. The Fritz Clicker 5 offers an interesting sound, SpyBaits are a new and intriguing challenge, and the Slobber Knocker remains a reliable choice.
The Super Trooper and Shape 108 craws provide excellent options for finesse fishing and jig trailers. The Blown Motor swimbaits look promising, with their unique action and color selection. The Power Stinger looks like a solid trailer, and the Money Badger offers a versatile option for different depths.
Overall, Berkley's new offerings and established classics demonstrate a commitment to quality and innovation. Each lure showed unique designs and features, making this a very promising collection for the upcoming fishing season.