Field Mouse 60T: Colors: 4 Length: 3" (w/o Tail) Weight: 5/8oz Pack Count: 1
Field Mouse 70T: Colors: 4 Length: 3 1/2" (w/o Tail) Weight: 3/4oz Pack Count: 1
Intro:
If you have been following this blog for any period of time, then you will know that in the past I have shown some love to a few of the Live Target Frogs. The LT Field Mouse is not one of those products. Between some serious hook slippage and durability concerns I have my doubts about this product, but that being said it is a Live Target product, so Im not ready to write it off as of yet
Overall Rating: 7.5/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Quality: 3.5/5
This is the first live target product that I can honestly say I have encountered quality issue with. From the first time I watched a buddy fish with it, I watched as small 1lb fish destroyed one. I had already purchased my pair, or I would probably never would have.
When I got mine on the water, I experienced a couple issues that I can trace back to quality. The first issue I encountered was how easily the rubber tail can be ripped or torn. The below image was take after the second blown-up that bait encountered (not second fish.. second blow-up). The tail now dangles from a thread and I dont expect it to last much longer.
The second issue I had was in the durability of the body. The way the hook lay againt the body I often get the point pinned into the back of the mouse. This can effect your hook-up ratio and the more holes you add the more water the bait takes on.
On the Plus side, this is a Live Target bait, so it looks great
When I got mine on the water, I experienced a couple issues that I can trace back to quality. The first issue I encountered was how easily the rubber tail can be ripped or torn. The below image was take after the second blown-up that bait encountered (not second fish.. second blow-up). The tail now dangles from a thread and I dont expect it to last much longer.
The second issue I had was in the durability of the body. The way the hook lay againt the body I often get the point pinned into the back of the mouse. This can effect your hook-up ratio and the more holes you add the more water the bait takes on.
On the Plus side, this is a Live Target bait, so it looks great
Castability: 4.0/5
For a fairly light weight bait the Field mouse dies cast fairly well. It lands properly and covers good water. Im not sure there was need for the smaller size, as I find the larger mouse to be smaller then I would like.
Presentation: 3.5/5
There are some pro's and con's associated with the presentation of the LT Field Mouse. First off, this mouse moves very well in the water, it can be moved at fast, medium or slow retrieves and still get the job done. The issue I have is that my retrieve is often interrupted by a "blow-up" not a bad thing right? well it is if the fish misses but easily knocks the hooks out of position thus ruining the rest of your retrieve and chance to get a second blow-up from that fish. The below picture shows off the issue I have encountered over and over again with the Field Mouse. These hooks pop out easily when struck by fish or caught and pulled through pads.
Hook-Up Ratio: 3.5/5
The LT Field Mouse is a nice bite sized snack for most bass, which means getting it into their mouth is not an issue. But putting the hooks home can be. As mentioned above I find the hook points on this mouse often can and will bury themselves into the back of the mouse. If your points are not exposed you will have a hard time landing the fish. The tick rubber tail can also get in the way at times, although I did not find this was as big of an issue as the other concerns I have with the mouse
Availability: 4.5/5
There is not much to say here, this is a Live Target product and they are pretty much available anywhere. I think I can get them at my local gas station and coffee shop. So yes, getting your hands on these mice is easy. Same goes for on-line shoppers, google this mouse and you will be able to shop to your hearts content
Options & Price: 3.5/5
Unlike the other Live Target hollow body fogs on the market today, you have limited sizes and colours to choose from. The Field mouse is available in two sizes.. small and tiny. If you are going to give this guy a shot do yourself a favour and purchase the larger size. As for the price this product comes in at close to the 11$ mark, not outrageous, but higher then the RatN Rat previously reviewed
Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.
Tackle Warehouse ($10.99)
eTackle ($11.47) * Canadian
Bass Pro Shop ($10.49)
Land Big Fish ($10.99)
As usual Tackle Warehouse and Land Big Fish have the best prices and selection for this product. Both are competitive and should be able to get you what you need.
Equipment:
Unlike the first mouse/rat bait I reviewed (the RatN Rat) the Live Target field mouse is light weight more finesse style frog. I opted to use my Dobyns 735c rod as it has a bit softer of a tip and allows for greater accuracy when casting lighter baits.
I bought one a week ago. Tonight I caught a 10 lb. bass on it! I added to treble hooks to the existing hooks and fished it with two weights to get it to sink. I'm normally fishing a worm but have enjoyed fishing the live target mouse top water so much that I tried changing things up a little and caught a huge bass! Can you please make this exact same lure in a rat size maybe 7 1/2" bait please!!!!!!!!!
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