Shad Walker : Colors: 6 Length: 4 inch Weight: 1/2oz Pack Count: 1
Intro:
The Picasso Shad walker is a bait I had been really looking forward to test driving. Anytime a company brings something new to the table .. even if we are only talking about shape.. I think it is worth bringing to your attention.. but unfortunately in the case of the Shad Walker, it is one step forward, two steps back
Overall Rating: 6.6/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Quality & Durability: 3.5/5
The Shad walker is made with a thick, durable material and will hold up well under abuse. I'm not a fan of the material as I do believe it may lower your overall hook-up ration and the tail in particular is very firm and wont easily get out of the way when fish strike
For the most part, the finished used are lifelike and look good, but they are no means on par with the finishes that other companies are knocking out.. let the bait begin.. does a better finish catch more fish or more anglers?
Castability: 3.5/5
The overall size and weight of this bait make it super easy to cast for distance.. the only area of confer is the baits shape.. the thin flat profile makes it hard to cast in windy or even breezy conditions. once the wind catches it the bait will fly off course.
The Shad Walker excels in short distance or skipping situations
The Shad Walker excels in short distance or skipping situations
Presentation: 3.5/5
I'm really up in the air on this baits presentation, it has some serious pro and cons.. including the fact that when fished in open water this bait moves almost like it is on ice, every pull of the line sees the Shad Walker sliding across the water uncontrollably. BUT.. if you are using this bait on pads, it drags across them with ease, as there is almost no drag or resistance.
The Shad Walker walks the dog like a champ, and if you give it short hops it skips off the water like a real shad busting on the surface.. the con to this is that the bait will at time loose contact with the surface of the water and this will effect your hook up ratio.
The big overall issue with presentation is that the wide open hooks get caught up so easily you often ending ruining a retrieve and having to burn it in, clean it off and start all over again.
Hook-up Ratio: 3.0/5
With widespread open hooks you would expect that this bait would have a very high hook-up ratio, but the thick almost hard plastic tail and odd (fish-shaped) body make this bait tuff to swallow. The only thing I regularly hook-up on on was the weed, mats and pads.I find the erratic movement is almost too-much for even the fish to follow and you will get missed blow-ups as the baits skates off to the side
Note: It is my understanding that Picasso has improved this bait by making a change to the hooks. Some retailers have old stock so be careful when purchasing. This review is based on the original frog with the old hooks (because I can only report on what I have used)
Availability: 3.5/5
No concerns here, although not available locally the big boys almost all carry this bait. As mentioned above watch for companies clearing out old stock, because if you are going to buy the shad walker believe me, you want the new and improved model
Options & Price: 3.0/5
I find that this bait is slightly overpriced for what it is. Coming in on average $8.99 per frog there are many other better quality baits available at this price point or cheaper
Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.
Field Test Report Card:
Open Water (Sparse Pads): B
Pads (Medium Cover): B+
Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): C-
Walk the Dog: A
Popping Action: N/A
Sit/Pause: B
Equipment:
This bait is heavier then it feels, so I prefer to fish it on the Dobyns 736c. This rod will allow you to walk, pop/bust, and drive the hooks home when fish strike. For reels I have been using the Daiwa Lexa 300 as it gives me more power and line capacity.. we all love to bomb frogs
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