TACKLE REVIEW. BASS HARASSER LURES & TITANIUM LEADERS
In this Month’s tackle review we feature some top of the range Reaction Strike lures on offer in Anglers World in Navan. In recent weeks these lures have produced the goods both on the competition scene and pleasure fishing. The 8 inch Bass Harraser caught my eye up in Anglers World last week, and we decided to put it to the test on our hard fighting Irish Pike. We connected the Bass Harasser to one of the best leaders that I have used in some time, and they proved that they are a match for any fish we have in our freshwaters here in Ireland. The leader was a Finn Tastic Handmade Titanium with ball-bearing swivels and super-bonded sleeves tucked in nicely to the solid metal rings. Paul O’Callaghan of Anglers World, our Fish Of the Month sponsor has agreed to give us the technical run down on both the Reaction Strike Bass Harasser and Titanium Leaders. I will fill you in on our net bursting action as we lashed out lures for big Irish pike.
THE TEST DAY. I had planned a few days pike fishing last week, but the weather Gods really put a dampener on Lake fishing, as it was blowing a Gale. On Thursday I ventured to a Small lake but as the water was quite low the weeds had really taken a grip on the lake surface and we were limited to where we could fish. On Friday the wind had dropped just enough and I had planned a trip to one of my favourite Lakes here in the Midlands. I was teaming up with another fanatic lure angler Tommy Buggy and the stage was set for an almighty battle between angler and predator. Also my Guiding reputation was at stake, and I could not let the Bug beat me on my home waters. It was Lures only, Jerk bait fishing, no trolling, Angler verses Pike. Yep both Tommy and I were really wound up for this day, and could not wait to toss a Lure into terrific pike waters.
EARLY HIT. I belted the Honda out across the lake and in no time at all was over our first reed bed. I had my homework done and knew the pike were settled into reeds beds in 15to 20ft of water, just waiting for small shoal fish to venture in for food and protection. Big mistake, and the pike were lying in wait. Within 10 minutes of fishing I was into a good double, and the pike hit hard as I twitched and jerked the Bass Harasser just over the high weeds, which were reaching up from the bottom. It was an almighty hit, and a sure sign the pike were looking up as it attacked the under belly of my Harasser. The fish was lightly hooked on the outside of the mouth. It gave a great account of itself and at one stage burst back down into heavy weeds but I had no problem working her out, and the Lure and leader really held onto my prize catch.
Soon after Tommy was in action and he was also into a nice double. As he played the fish I managed a few great action photos as the pike tried its best to shake the Bass Harrasser from her mouth, but the double Frog Hooks were not letting go. At first I was not a fan of these hooks, but after our days fishing I am planning to use them a lot more. They had no problem holding onto our fish, and it was as simple as pie to change hooks. The day was going like a dream, good double figure pike and the weather was holding out. Mind you I could see a lot of cloud cover in the distance, and rain was not to far off. On one drift I decided to anchor up over a huge weed bed in 20ft of water, and we were lashing out lures left, right and centre. I had just got a knock, and told Tommy to try where I got the hit. What a mistake it turned out to be as his rod was almost wrenched from his hands. It was an almighty hit, and really took Tommy by surprise with its first run. It took us a while to get the fish under control and I also had to deal with taking up the anchor. Talk about all hands on Deck, and at this stage I could have done with some Spinach. Sure enough we boated the Monster and it was a personal best for Tommy weighing all of 25lbs.
HERE COMES THE RAIN. Now the rain clouds were over our heads and I had to put the Nikon gear away. As we started to drift in the rain, I got a slight knock and reacted by working the lure a bit faster. No sooner had I twitched the lure it was hit with incredible force, and the rod was bent into a loop. I had a great bit of fun with this pike, which once again broke the magical 20lbs mark. The rain now was getting heavier, and it had turned cold so we decided to call it a day.
REACTION STRIKE – BASS HARASSER.
“You are looking at the next Big Lure in trophy predator fishing!” The Bass Harasser does everything your favorite swim bait does, PLUS much, much more. With stunning paintjobs plus scale and fin detail that look as good as the real thing, it will feel like fishing with a live trout. The lures advanced hook harness allows for different hook set-ups – each bait has a double frog hook wired into the bait which can be removed to allow bottom tripping and a stinger hook attachment at the dorsal fin……. its no wonder the Bass Harasser is taking Big Fish angling to the next level !
The 8″ Bass Harasser Medium Fall is available in 5 stunning life like colours.
The 10″ Bass Harasser Slow Fall is available in 2 stunning life like colors.
The 4″ Bass Harasser Medium Fall 3 lure pack is available in 2 stunning lifelike colour and an assorted pack of 3 colours.
4″ 3 pack – €9.99 – Colours available: Rainbow Trout, California Trout, Assortment 3 colours.
8″ – €9.99 – Colours available: Brown Trout, Brook Trout, California Trout, Planter Silver Trout, Gold Sides PP Trout.
10″ – €13.99 – Colours available: California Trout, Rainbow Trout
FINN TASTIC HANDMADE TITANIUM LEADERS
A range of high quality, hand made titanium wire leaders, using the best grade Titanium materials, ball-bearing swivels, Super-Bonded sleeves and solid metal rings. Simply put, these are the best leaders in the business. We now give you the confidence to cast expensive lures into snaggy, weedy swims without the worry of losing your favourite, expensive lure. SUPER-BONDED – means that the Titanium wire is bonded at each end, the sleeves are then crimped so the wire will not slide or pull out of the sleeve. The leaders are then BONDED a SECOND TIME over the sleeve ensuring the best possible bond and giving each leader a smooth finish that will not snag on your line or weeds, or most important they will not cut through flesh when handling fish. Also available – 49 Strand Kink Resistant Stainless wire for leader, trace and pike fly leaders.
CONTACTS. Both the Reaction Strike range of lures and Titanium leaders are avaible at Anglers World in Navan and can be checked on their web site. www.anglersworld.ie I will be doing more Tackle and Gear reviews in the coming weeks so keep an eye on www.midlandangling.com. Also we organize guided angling trips on all of the Midland top pike and trout waters, and have special deals with local Hotels and B&B. I can be contacted on 087-2797270 or mick@midlandangling.com
