Leg Style: Mixed Weight: N/A
Intro:
The D&M Super Newt is a reader recommend review.
This bait fell off my radar a bit as it is not a traditional frog bait and would be considered more of a crossover. It does contain many of the traits you look for in a soft plastic toad but its overall size and weigh make it a tough sell to anglers not fishing California waters.
This bait fell off my radar a bit as it is not a traditional frog bait and would be considered more of a crossover. It does contain many of the traits you look for in a soft plastic toad but its overall size and weigh make it a tough sell to anglers not fishing California waters.
Overall Rating: 6.1/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price
Quality & Durability: 4.0/5
The Super Newt does seem to be constructed of "super human" materials, its body is thick and durably ensuring it wouldn't easily loose an appendage. The nose of this bait is perfect for the use of screw in hooks, it leaves plenty of room around the screw ensuring it wont pop out easily or tear up the head of the bait.
Castability: 3.0/5
This is a big heavy bait and needs some serious gear in order to launch and retrieve it. Most soft body toads take advantage of a rod with a bit more tip play but in this situation I recommended a stouter rod. The weight of the Super Newt also makes it come down a bit hard, so watch your height as this things often clears the shallow end of the pool with its canon ball like landing. Stealth is not the Newts strong suit.
Presentation: 3.5/5
Once you nail the retrieve the Super Newt offers up super sized commotion, though it will take a few retrieves and maybe an equipment change to get the desired action. I found my traditional toad rod felt a bit lite for the Super Newt and I ended up jumping up to the 736 series which I usually fish exclusively with hollow body frogs. Once I nailed things down and and found the right retrieve (medium/fast) the bait sat up well and the legs and tail combined to really stir up the water.
I also found it awkward to get proper hook size and placement in order to run this bait straight. The beefy nose is perfect for screw in hooks but the tail has a fin that gets in the way of the hook placement when using single hooks. On the reverse end none of the double frog hooks I own will fit the bait? Help!
I ended up pairing the Super Newt with a 7/0 Trokar Magnum swim bait hook (still not really happy with it)
I also found it awkward to get proper hook size and placement in order to run this bait straight. The beefy nose is perfect for screw in hooks but the tail has a fin that gets in the way of the hook placement when using single hooks. On the reverse end none of the double frog hooks I own will fit the bait? Help!
I ended up pairing the Super Newt with a 7/0 Trokar Magnum swim bait hook (still not really happy with it)
I went with a solid 3/0 when it comes to hook-up ratio but that really is dependant on finding the appropriate hook style and size. There is also an awful lot of plastic on the ass end of the Super Next and more then once i had a leg to the tail pinned after a hook set. Once I'm able to find a double toad hook that fits this bait I believe the success ratio will increase
Innovation and Design : 3.0/5
D&M tried something different and you have to give them props for that. The Super Newt was built to be a dinner bell and in that its a success, but some of its strengths are also its downfall. The super thick kicker legs feel like they were built more for durability then presentation. Actually most features on the Super Newt feel geared this way. I think D&M would have produced a better bait by cutting back on some of the excess plastic and letting the design do its thing. The legs and tail need to see Jenny Craig before I tie one back on.
Availability, Options & Price: 2.0/5
The Super Newt is not easy to find on-line with only two suppliers carrying the line. One of which is Tackle Warehouse, which is tD&M's saving grace here. As for options you can find the super Newt in 8 Colors and two sizes, though for the life of me I can only find the one size.
With all that in mind the largest issue here is the price.. wait for it, wait for it.. $7.49 for a 2-pack, yes a 2-pack. This soft plastic toad will cost you $3.75 each, while most other soft plastic toad run from about $.80 to $1.20 each. I get it D&M has "custom baits" in their name, but come on, that price is over the top.
With all that in mind the largest issue here is the price.. wait for it, wait for it.. $7.49 for a 2-pack, yes a 2-pack. This soft plastic toad will cost you $3.75 each, while most other soft plastic toad run from about $.80 to $1.20 each. I get it D&M has "custom baits" in their name, but come on, that price is over the top.
Situations for Success:
First and foremost the Super Newt requires a gear check, make sure your toad rod has the backbone to cast and retrieve this bait without putting additional stress on the rod or your back. Once you have that down dig out your hook box and find the right size and or style of hook (don't go smaller then 6/0 and probably start with a 7/0). The Super Newt is a search bait and should be fished medium to medium/fast over weed beds and edges. Sparse cover is key, you will get tired quick lugging this frog over pads all day long.
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.
I completed all my testing with a Dobyns 735c... then an 736c paired with a Daiwa Tatula HD reel. This frog is fairly beefy so check your gear and find the perfect fit.
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