First Impressions of Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait
The Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait isn’t just another lure; it’s a legacy. Developed by Storm, this soft plastic has been a go-to for anglers seeking that perfect swimming action and enticing flash for over two decades. I’ve always been drawn to lures that mimic natural prey, and the WildEye’s holographic insert and realistic profile promised exactly that.
I needed a big bait to target trophy-sized predators lurking in deep water. I’d been struggling to find something that could consistently draw strikes from the larger fish in my local lake. The Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait seemed like the perfect solution with its impressive size and reputation for attracting big bites.
The initial feel of the lure was promising. The soft body had a nice, pliable texture, and the holographic insert flashed even in dim light. The I-bolt secured WildEye felt very secure and well-integrated into the lure.
Compared to other large swimbaits like the Castaic Swimbait or the Strike King Shadalicious, the Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait stood out due to its more subtle swimming action and realistic profile. I chose the Storm lure because I believed its more natural presentation would be more effective in pressured waters where fish are wary of aggressive, unrealistic lures. My initial excitement was high, fueled by the lure’s reputation and promising first impressions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait was on a deep, clear lake known for its trophy largemouth bass. I rigged the swimbait on a 1 oz jig head and targeted areas near submerged timber and deep drop-offs. The lure performed well, swimming with a subtle wobble that looked incredibly natural.
The conditions were challenging, with a slight chop and moderate wind. Even with the wind, casting distance was impressive due to the lure’s weight and streamlined shape. After a few hours of fishing without a strike, I started to question the lure’s effectiveness. Then, as I was reeling in near a submerged tree, a massive smallmouth exploded on the bait.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait has proven its worth. It has consistently produced bites from various species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and even the occasional pike. Despite numerous hooksets and battles with fish, the soft body has held up surprisingly well.
There are some signs of wear and tear, primarily around the hook slot and the tail section. However, considering the abuse it has endured, the durability is impressive. Cleaning is simple; just rinse it off with fresh water after each use.
The Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait outperforms most other soft swimbaits I’ve used in terms of realistic action and versatility. The only downside is that the soft body can be susceptible to damage from sharp teeth, but the improved catch rate more than makes up for it.
Breaking Down the Features of Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait
Specifications
The Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait features the following specifications:
- Lure Type: Soft Bait – This allows for a natural swimming action.
- Quantity: 1 – Each package contains a single lure.
- Length: 9 in – A larger profile targets bigger fish.
- Manufacturer: Storm – A well-known brand in fishing lures.
These specifications are crucial because they contribute to the lure’s overall effectiveness. The large size and soft body create a realistic presentation that mimics a variety of baitfish, while the Storm brand ensures quality and reliability.
Performance & Functionality
The Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait excels at attracting fish due to its lifelike swimming action and holographic flash. It performs best when retrieved at a moderate pace, allowing the tail to kick and the body to wobble enticingly. The lure’s primary strength lies in its ability to draw strikes from larger, more cautious fish.
However, the soft body can be easily damaged by aggressive fish, requiring occasional replacement. While the lure meets expectations in terms of attracting fish, its durability could be improved.
Design & Ergonomics
The Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait features a streamlined design that enhances its swimming action and casting distance. The soft body provides a realistic feel to fish, encouraging them to hold on longer.
The lure is easy to rig and use, with no significant learning curve. However, some anglers may find the 9-inch size to be a bit cumbersome, depending on their tackle and target species.
Durability & Maintenance
The Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait’s lifespan depends heavily on the types of fish targeted and the frequency of use. With proper care, it can last for several fishing trips.
Maintenance involves simply rinsing the lure with fresh water after each use and storing it in a cool, dry place. While repair isn’t typically feasible, replacing the lure is relatively inexpensive.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait doesn’t come with any additional accessories in the package. Customization primarily involves pairing the lure with different jig heads or weighted hooks to achieve the desired depth and presentation.
It’s compatible with most standard jig heads and weighted hooks available from various brands. You can also use stinger hooks to improve hookup ratios on short-striking fish.
Pros and Cons of Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait
Pros
- Realistic Swimming Action: The subtle wobble and lifelike movement closely mimic natural baitfish, enticing strikes from wary predators.
- Holographic Insert: The holographic insert provides an enticing flash, even in low-light conditions, attracting fish from a distance.
- Large Profile: The 9-inch size targets bigger fish, making it ideal for anglers seeking trophy-sized catches.
- Versatile: Can be rigged in various ways and fished at different depths, making it suitable for a wide range of fishing conditions.
- Proven Track Record: The Storm WildEye Swim Shad has been a popular and effective lure for over two decades, with a reputation for producing results.
Cons
- Durability: The soft body can be easily damaged by aggressive fish, requiring frequent replacement.
- Single Pack: Only one lure per pack.
Who Should Buy Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait?
The Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait is perfect for anglers targeting trophy-sized bass, pike, or other predatory fish. It’s also a great choice for anglers fishing in clear water or pressured environments where a realistic presentation is essential.
Beginner anglers who are still honing their fishing skills should avoid this lure, or those targeting smaller species or fishing in heavily weeded areas. Anglers should also consider purchasing jig heads and stinger hooks to optimize the lure’s performance.
Conclusion on Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait
The Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait is a time-tested and proven lure that delivers exceptional performance in attracting larger fish. While its durability could be improved, its realistic swimming action, holographic flash, and versatile rigging options make it a must-have in any serious angler’s tackle box.
At $15.99, the price is justified considering the lure’s effectiveness and the potential for landing trophy-sized catches. The lure is a solid addition to your arsenal for any angler.
I would highly recommend the Storm WildEye Swim Shad 09 Soft Bait to any angler looking to increase their chances of catching big fish. Head to your local tackle shop or online retailer and grab a few of these lures today – you won’t be disappointed!