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Lure Review


Bring Up the Lunkers With Gan Craft's S-Caper Topwater

 

Date: 10/15/15
Tackle type: Lure
Manufacturer: Gan Craft
Reviewer: Wolbugger






Total Score: 8.12 - GREAT

Introduction:
You can't ignore the prevalence of big baits in bass fishing. With the explosion of swimbait fishing in the last 10 years or so, many baits—not just swimbaits—have grown to much larger sizes. Topwaters are no exception, as a large number of them are now available on store shelves in super-sized varieties. While fishing a surface lure of any size is truly an exciting experience, getting an explosive strike on a big offering makes it an even more unique occurrence.

 

Gan Craft S-Caper Specifications

Type Topwater walking bait
Length 5- 1/2 inches
Weight 1-1/16 ounces
Material Plastic
Hooks #2 Owner trebles
Colors 12
Origin Japan
MSRP $36.99


The Gan Craft S-Caper is a real looker!

Quality/Construction: The quality and finish of the S-Caper is simply top notch. From the eyes, to the finely-sculpted head and scale pattern, to the excellent hardware and coloration, this topwater will not disappoint. Out of the box this lure looks ready for battle and with the stock #2 Owner treble hooks, it IS ready for battle, too!

Quality Ratings for Gan Craft S-Caper

Finish (1-5)
Detailing (1-5)
Hardware (1-5)
Craftsmanship (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
5
5
5
5
20
20
10


The S-Caper sits in a distinct tail-down position.

Performance: The S-Caper weighs in at a stout 1-1/16 ounce. Far heavier than most standard topwaters, it takes a relatively stout rod to comfortably heave this thing into the strike zone. I used a Powell Max 3D 734CF with a 13 Fishing Concept C reel spooled with 40-pound braid (along with a 17-pound mono leader) and found it to be a pretty good combo for fishing this bait in the open, clear waters of local lakes. It's not difficult to launch the Gan Craft long distances thanks to its precise and robust weight.


The walking action leaves an attractive wake that fish can find easily.
 

At rest, the S-Caper sits with its tail down about 2-inches under the surface. This is a very enticing position as it looks more natural than simply floating flat on top. I found walking the bait to take a little more concentration than with smaller topwaters I'm used to throwing, but with a couple minutes of practice I dialed in the retrieve pretty well. Depending on how you move the rod tip, the S-Caper can dart back and forth quickly or make wide, smooth sweeps from side to side. Overall I am happy with the action it provides and even happier about the strikes it draws!


The bait is beautiful from all sides, but take note of the battle scars left behind by angry bass.

Durability on my test bait is about average or slightly above. After catching a number of 2–5 pound bass and accidentally smacking it against a few hard objects, the S-Caper showed some marks but nothing really serious.

Performance Ratings for Gan Craft S-Caper

Castability (1-5)
Ease of Actuation(1-5)
Quality of Movement (1-5)
Position at Rest (1-5)
Durability (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
5
3
4
5
4
21
25
8.4


A recent foggy morning produced a ton of action that started with this fish.
 

Next Section: Silent or Noisy?

 

   

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