NetBait Kickin B Review

Kickin B Standard:      Colours:10   Size: 4"     Pack Count: 5
Kickin B Mini      :      Colours:10   Size: 3.5"     Pack Count: 5               

Leg Style: Buzz              Weight: N/A

Intro:

This is NetBaits first time in the frog pond, and so far its made a pretty decent splash. The Kickin B is the second frog this year that fits into both the soft plastic toad as well as the "cross over bait" categories, meaning its the perfect combination of flipping bait and toad. 

Overall Rating: 7.0/10

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 Kickin B has a rockin body, nice and thick with plenty of ribs to churn the hell out of the water. As the legs taper down they start to thin out in order to give the bait its presentation, unfortunately this is also the baits weakest link (see the last photo). It will hold up for a few fish, but tail grabbers and toothy critters will be the death of the Kickin B

Castability: 3.5/5

The Kickin B has a thin slender body that casts fairly well. It could use a bit more weight if you are looking for serious distance or of course you could also added a belly weighted hook (but that makes the retrieve that much harder). Flipping is what this cross over bait does best so keep this frog in your bag for shorter targeted casts to structure or around docks.

Presentation: 4.05

I'm a big fan of the way this frog swims. Its the perfect mix between a buzz frog and a swim frog. The legs are swim style legs giving a nice churn behind the bait, while the ribbed body offers extra bubbles around the bait as it moves through the water. I can hear Jaws music in my head on each and every retrieve. 

Hook-Up Ratio: 3.5/5

The frogs Slim body and tucked in legs make for an above average hook-up ratio. The only areas in need of improvement would be that there is no easy way to skin hook this bait, the bodies material is a bit tougher than most and doesn't easily hide a hook point. Its also too slender for a double hook, which when Im fishing open water is my preferred hook (at this moment in time)

Availability & Price:3.0/5

NetBait products are hit and miss in Ontario, I have no dealers close to me so refilling my arsenal will become a chore. On-line they are fairly common so add a pack to your next tackle warehouse order. The price is great at under $0.80 a piece.

Options: 3.5/5

Available in two sizes and 10 colours Netbait would seem to have your options covered. But because this is a crossover bait and not a standard frog I think they are missing some key colours when it comes to toad fishing.. white being one of them. 

Where to Find:

In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.

Tackle Warehouse ($3.79)

Net Baitt (direct) (N/A)

BassTackle Depot ($3.99)

.

Equipment:

I completed all my testing with a Dobyns 734c paired with a Daiwa Tatula HD.  This frog is needs a rod that will allow you to manoeuvre it around cover while still hauling big bass out of the grass..