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Berkley Powerbait Manic Shad |
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| Product Type | Swimbait |
| Tested Size(s) | 3”, 4”, 5” |
| Tested Colors/Patterns | Fathead, Firetiger, Smelt, |
| MSRP | $5.99 |
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FishPittsburgh.com Score (1- Poor to 10 – Fantastic) |
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Category |
Score |
Notes |
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Durability |
9 |
Manic Shad is very durable because the soft plastic body is medium density. It is not easily torn and there are extra body in each pack. |
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“Fish Appeal” |
7 |
I have experienced a lot of fish (Bass mostly) following the bait to the boat and then striking because of the action. |
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Special Traits |
7 |
The rubber blade in the front of the lure gives it an unique action. This blade allows it to be easily adjusted. |
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Price |
5 |
Because the lure is very durable and has a great action I believe that the price is very fair. |
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Diversity |
5 |
Fish in the local rivers, ponds, and lakes have shown interest, but wind or current will mess with the lures action. |
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Total |
33/50 |
See Comments Below. |
RECOMMENDATIONS: First, if you purchase the manic shad, rig the lure with a barrel swivel about 8 inches up the line. This will help eliminate line twisting. Another thought is to use lighter line with the 3” versus a little heavier line for the 5” size. I like 8lb test for the 3” and I used 15lb test for the 5” size. Check your hooks before you start fishing because most of them are sharp but I found a couple that were slightly sharper than I like. Take a file and sharpen the hook and you will be ready to catch some fish.
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Berkley Powerbait Manic Shad |
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Pros |
Cons |
| Action is Unique | Line Twist |
| Durable | Lack of hook-ups |
| Color Selection | Inconsistent Hook Sharpness |
| Ability to be tuned | |
| Size Availability | |
ABOUT THE CRITIC: You must know that I am very critical of my lures. I only have about 3 lures that I use that would receive a perfect 50 and I personally modify those lures once I have them. I consider any lure over 40 great and any lure over 30 good. Anything less than 30 and you probably won’t see it in my tackle box.
First of many Smallies on 4” firetiger at Chautauqua.
