This detailed review dives into the Savage Gear 3D Line Thru Trout Swimbait, an 8-inch lure meticulously crafted from a 3D scan of a real trout. We'll explore its remarkable lifelike detail, examining its effectiveness in various fishing scenarios, from clear waters to environments where largemouth bass might strike. Beyond its appearance, we'll dissect the innovative three-segment design and its impact on hookup rates, analyzing the unique line-through system and its benefits. The durability, tested to withstand significant pressure, and ease of re-rigging will also be covered.This in-depth analysis will cover the swimbait's impressive action, achieved through a tapered tail designed for subtle movements. We'll examine the construction, highlighting the robust nylon mesh core that enhances longevity without compromising the bait's soft, realistic feel. Finally, we'll weigh the pros and cons, including the price point, to determine if this premium swimbait justifies its cost for serious anglers. Prepare to discover why this lure is a strong contender in the world of high-quality swimbaits.
Pros And Cons
- Based on a 3D scan of a real trout with detailed fin and facial details.
- Line-through design for higher hookup ratio.
- Top hook design allows fishing in and around cover.
- Available in three sink rates (floating, slow sink, fast sink).
- Tapered tail for micro-movement.
- Durable nylon mesh construction (tested to over 20 lbs).
- Soft, pliable bait feel.
- Realistic look.
- Hook slides into a dedicated chamber for easy re-rigging.
Read more: 5 Killer Spinnerbait Fishing Lures You Need
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Savage Gear 3D Line Thru Trout Swimbait arrived, and the first thing I noticed was its impressive lifelike detail. The 8-inch swimbait is based on a 3D scan of a real trout, boasting incredibly detailed fins and facial features.
This level of realism is especially crucial for clear water fishing applications, where a natural appearance can mean the difference between a strike and a pass.
However, don't limit yourself to just clear waters. This versatile bait is effective in various fishing situations, and could even attract largemouth bass.
Line Thru Design and Hookup Ratio
The innovative three-segment design, with its two joints, allows the bait to slide up the line when a fish strikes. This unique feature dramatically improves hookup and landing ratios.
The fish is unable to use the bait's body for leverage, resulting in a significantly higher success rate. The top hook design allows for confident fishing around cover and structure without snags.
This 2014 release is available in three sink rates: floating, slow sink (approximately 3.2 ounces), and fast sink (approximately 3.5 ounces), catering to different fishing conditions and techniques.
Action and Retrieve
The tapered tail of the Savage Gear 3D Line Thru Trout Swimbait is designed for micro-movements, whether drifting or using a slow retrieve. This is key for big swimbait fishing, where a slow, steady retrieve is essential.
The fluid motion of the bait and the subtle tail action is incredibly enticing to fish. Tackle Warehouse’s YouTube video demonstrates this movement beautifully.
It's this lifelike action that makes this swimbait so effective, mimicking the natural movements of a trout.
Durability and Construction
A major concern with soft-bodied swimbaits is durability. Savage Gear addresses this with a clever design. The entire bait is molded around a nylon mesh that runs from head to tail.
This construction prevents tearing and ensures longevity. Tackle Warehouse's stress tests showed this bait exceeding 20 pounds in several instances. This exceeds expectations for real-world fishing conditions and makes it a solid choice for anglers.
Despite its durability, the bait retains a soft, pliable feel, enhancing its realism and action.
Hook Design and Line Routing
The Savage Gear 3D Line Thru Trout Swimbait features a stout, sharp one-out hook that slides into a dedicated chamber. This is a significant improvement over traditional methods, providing secure placement without puncturing the body.
This design also makes it easy to re-rig the bait after a fish is caught or if there's a need to change hooks. Everything slides together nicely to restore the bait to its original compact look.
The line runs through the mouth, up a PVC tube, and emerges at the perfect spot for tying on your hook.
Conclusion
The Savage Gear 3D Line Thru Trout Swimbait is a high-quality, durable swimbait with realistic features, a unique line-through design, and impressive action. Its performance in the stress tests and the ease of re-rigging makes it a strong contender.
While the price point is a bit higher, the enhanced hookup rate, durability, and overall performance justify the cost for serious anglers seeking high-quality swimbaits.
This swimbait's lifelike appearance, coupled with its innovative design and proven durability, makes it a truly valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box.