Swimbait Tip is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

Related Posts

• March 22, 2011 -- Topwater Tip
• August 11, 2010 -- Drop Shot for Bass
• December 17, 2009 -- Berkley Chigger Craw Product Review
• July 21, 2009 -- Berkley Powerbait Manic Shad Review

.

Drop Shot for Bass is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

Related Posts

• December 17, 2009 -- Berkley Chigger Craw Product Review
• August 17, 2011 -- VMC Spin Shot Drop
• May 4, 2011 -- Night Trip
• March 23, 2011 -- Washington County Bassmasters Cabin Fever Tournament
• March 15, 2011 -- Swimbait Tip

Product Type:

Tested Size(s): 3” and 4”

Tested Colors/Patterns: Black/Blue, Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Party

MSRP: $3.49

First Impression: This craw has good profile with large claws.  The Chigger Craw has the scent Berkley is known for.

FishPittsburgh Scorecard – Berkley Chigger Craw
Durability
Multiple fish can be caught on the same chigger craw, but watch those warm summer days because the claws seem to tear easier then.
Fish Appeal
The advantage to this craw bait is that it can be used on multiple methods: jig trailer, texas rig, Carolina rig, shaky head, and drop shot. The fish love this lure.
Special Traits
Unlike some craws the Berkley Chigger Craw has a ton of scent. Not just any scent, it is the Berkley Powerbait Scent that seems to drive fish crazy.
Price
The count size to the price is very reasonable. Add in the fact that you will more than likely catch multiple fish on each lure and it is a definite buy.
Diversity
I have caught fish on these lures on just about every body of water, every structure type, and every technique that I have tried with them. This lure is a winner.

Overall
Great overall Bait. See My Recommendations below

Mike Iaconelli shows you how he uses the Berkley Chigger Craw as jig trailer…Watch

RECOMMENDATIONS: The first this I recommend is buying some of these great lures.  Go with the colors that you are most confident in.  You will find that these lures really work well in multiple situations.  Personally, I have two methods that I really like.  First, I love texas rigging these lures and flipping them into tight cover.  No matter what stage of the spawn the bass are in and the time of year, I always managed to catch a couple pegging a ¼oz. bullet weight with a 3/0 hook and a size 4 chigger craw.  I will recommend varying the size of your hook for different cover.  My other favorite technique to use with the chigger craw is using it as a jig trailer.  I have caught more bass on bass jigs with chigger craws as trailers that I have with regular jig trailers.  They add bulk to the jig and don’t forget about the powerbait scent that is in them.  Other techniques to try with the chigger craws include:  using them on a shaky head jig, drop shot, and Carolina rig.  The 3” version is especially good for the shaky head jig and drop shot method.  Although the 4” bait is a little small and sinks it can still be effective on a Carolina rig.  Don’t be afraid to try some of the different colors that Berkley makes.  Go to www.berkley-fishing.com to find more tips and see which professional fishermen endorse this product.

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.

.

.

Berkley Chigger Craw Product Review is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

Related Posts

• February 8, 2011 -- Finesse Carolina Rig
• August 11, 2010 -- Drop Shot for Bass
• August 17, 2011 -- VMC Spin Shot Drop
• March 15, 2011 -- Swimbait Tip
• October 18, 2010 -- Oil City Open Tournament

Berkley Powerbait Manic Shad

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.

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.

Berkley Powerbait Manic Shad Review is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

Related Posts

• April 10, 2011 -- Presque Isle Bay – Lake Erie
• July 24, 2009 -- Pymatuning Lake
• June 8, 2010 -- Stormy Shenago Lake
• March 23, 2010 -- Afternoon at Lake Arthur
• March 4, 2010 -- Crooked Creek Lake