Serious anglers anxiously await the month of July, when tackle manufacturers traditionally debut new products for the coming year at the ICAST trade show. This year it’s in mid-July, and Berkley is rolling out a slew of new tackle, all of it unique to their categories.
I got my hands on a new bladed jig that is by no means a knockoff to others, created by the scientists at Berkley whose reputation stands alone in the industry. Called the Berkley Slobberknocker, the bait indeed has special features for a bladed jig.
The first standout feature is the hook, and Berkley didn’t cut any corners, fitting the 3/8-ounce jig I reviewed with a 4/0 Berkley Fusion19 with SlickSet Coating for easier penetration. Up the hook shaft is a Talon-style keeper for keeping soft plastic trailers in place, especially useful when working the bait through hard cover.
What else stands out is the hand-tied, PowerBait infused skirt that leaves a scent trail as the bait goes through the water column. Add a PowerBait trailer, like the new PowerStinger, and you get that proven benefit of fish holding on longer to the bait, ensuring solid hook-ups. The takeaway is you can now fish with a scent-infused bladed jig, skirt, trailer and all.
Another obvious difference with the Slobberknocker is the blade design. Instead of rigging the blade through the line-tie of the jig, the Slobberknocker has a through-head blade design, practically integrating it within the body. I easily noticed that benefit in the more pronounced thumping action of the bait. Adding to that is the blade, larger for more water displacement, also has more angle at the front. Add it all up, and you get a harder knocking sound and amplified rolling action with consistent vibrations. Now that, to me, makes this bladed jig stand out when pressured bass have become wary of the standard designs of other like baits.
I put the Slobberknocker to the test in cover, comparing it side by side to other bladed jigs. The Slobberknocker excelled much better through rock and wood. That’s a huge plus, again, when a changeup bait is needed to trigger strikes from pressured, spooky fish in wood and rock.
Separately, I also reviewed the new PowerBait PowerStinger, recommended as a bladed jig trailer. The PowerStinger adds just enough bulk for additional weight for getting into deeper strike zones, while the slender profile and swimming tail action add realistic baitfish movement.
All the above features combined to favor a bladed jig on steroids. That will make the Slobberknocker my go-to for pressured bass, when those wary fish need more action to trigger them to bite.
The Slobberknocker will be available in 12 forage-matching colors. It will retail for $13.99.
