First Impressions of Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head
The Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head isn’t just another piece of tackle; it’s a carefully engineered tool designed to conquer deep water and entice even the most finicky bass. Manufactured by Strike King, this jig head boasts a football-shaped head, a specialized barb system, a premium Gamakatsu hook, and durable paint schemes, making it a serious contender in any angler’s arsenal. This promises versatility and performance, and I’m eager to see if it lives up to the hype.
I was constantly losing jigs in rocky, deep-water environments, and needed something that could better navigate the structure. I also wanted a jig head that would help my bait stand up, presenting a more appealing target.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the robust build quality. The paint finish is clean and even, and the Gamakatsu hook looks wickedly sharp; the jig feels solid and well-balanced in hand. Compared to some cheaper jig heads I’ve used, the Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head immediately feels like a premium product.
I’ve used the [Competitor A Football Jig Head] and the [Competitor B Structure Jig Head] in the past. The [Competitor A Football Jig Head] lacked the same hook quality, leading to missed hooksets, while the [Competitor B Structure Jig Head] didn’t have the same ability to stand up my bait effectively. The Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head seemed to offer the best of both worlds.
My first impression is one of guarded optimism. I’m excited to put it to the test, but I’ve been burned by “premium” tackle before.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head was on a local reservoir known for its deep, rocky structure. I fished it along submerged ledges and rocky points, dragging it slowly along the bottom.
The jig performed admirably in the clear, cool water, effectively transmitting bottom composition changes through the line; I could easily distinguish between rock, gravel, and sand. What impressed me most was its ability to navigate the rocks without getting snagged, thanks to the carefully designed football head. I even managed to land two decent largemouth bass on that first trip!
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head in various conditions, I can confidently say it’s a reliable and durable piece of tackle. The paint finish has held up surprisingly well, even after repeated contact with rocks and other submerged obstacles.
I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear on the hook or the head, which is a testament to the quality of the materials used. Cleaning is simple; just rinse it off with fresh water after each use and let it air dry. It outperforms the cheaper jig heads I’ve used in the past in terms of both durability and fish-catching ability.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head
Specifications
- Football-Shaped Head: This design allows the jig to “walk” along the bottom, providing better feel and preventing snags. It helps the bait stand up, enticing strikes from hesitant fish.
- Special Barb: The special barb assists in keeping your chosen soft plastic trailer secure, preventing slippage and optimizing bait presentation. This eliminates the need for messy glues and constant adjustments.
- 60-Degree Flat Eye Gamakatsu Hook: The premium Gamakatsu hook is incredibly sharp and strong, ensuring solid hooksets; the 60-degree flat eye design improves hook-up ratios. This hook is designed for better penetration and holding power.
- Powder-Coated Paint Schemes: The durable powder-coated paint schemes not only look great but also resist chipping and fading. This makes the jig head more appealing to fish and extends its lifespan.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head performs exceptionally well in deep water and around structure. Its ability to avoid snags and transmit bottom composition changes is remarkable. The hook-up ratio is excellent, thanks to the premium Gamakatsu hook.
The only minor weakness I’ve noticed is that the weedguard can sometimes be a bit too stiff, requiring a slightly harder hookset. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a football jig head.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent; the materials used are clearly top-notch. The weight is well-distributed, making it easy to cast and retrieve.
It’s incredibly user-friendly; even a novice angler can quickly learn to fish it effectively. The football head design and barb system make it easy to rig and fish.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head should last for many seasons. The durable paint finish and high-quality hook ensure its longevity.
Maintenance is minimal; simply rinse it off with fresh water after each use and store it in a dry place. This jig head requires minimal upkeep.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head is designed to be used with a variety of soft plastic trailers. Popular choices include craws, creature baits, and swimbaits.
It is compatible with most standard soft plastic trailers from various brands. You can easily customize the presentation by changing the color, size, and style of the trailer.
Pros and Cons of Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head
Pros
- Excellent Snag Resistance: The football-shaped head effectively navigates rocks and other submerged obstacles, minimizing snags.
- Premium Gamakatsu Hook: Ensures solid hooksets and excellent holding power.
- Durable Paint Finish: Resists chipping and fading, extending the lifespan of the jig head.
- Enhanced Bait Presentation: The barb system helps baits stand up, presenting a more appealing target to fish.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for a variety of soft plastic trailers and fishing techniques.
Cons
- Weedguard can be a bit stiff, requiring a slightly harder hookset.
- Slightly more expensive than some other jig heads on the market.
Who Should Buy Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head?
This jig head is perfect for anglers who frequently fish deep water, around rocks, or other submerged structures. It is also ideal for those who want a durable and reliable jig head with a high-quality hook.
Beginners might find the price point a bit high, but the ease of use and snag resistance make it a worthwhile investment. Anyone looking for a budget-friendly option may want to consider a cheaper alternative, although they may sacrifice quality and performance. A high-quality soft plastic trailer is a must-have accessory.
Conclusion on Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head
The Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head is a well-designed and durable piece of tackle that delivers excellent performance in deep water and around structure. Its snag resistance, premium hook, and enhanced bait presentation make it a valuable addition to any angler’s arsenal.
The price is justified by the quality of the materials and the overall performance of the jig head. I would highly recommend it to any angler who is serious about catching bass. Go out there and give the Strike King Tour Grade Football Jig Head a try; you won’t be disappointed!