Simple and Effective Trailer – Berkley PowerBait Shape 108 craw (continued)

Does PowerBait make a difference? For me, absolutely. I wouldn’t call myself a hardcore scent guy, but I’ve had too many moments where switching to a PowerBait or MaxScent bait led to more bites within minutes. If the fish are totally shut down, scent probably won’t save the day, but when they’re picky or tentative, I do believe PowerBait gives you an edge. I also think baits that mask human or unnatural scents increase your odds, even if it’s just by getting the fish to hold on a second longer.

Looking for a larger profile or a more flipping style presentation? Berkley has other craw options

Both PowerBait and MaxScent are solid performers in Berkley’s lineup, but they’re very different. The Shape 108 is made from traditional PVC-based PowerBait plastic. Freshwater anglers might remember Gulp, those baits were extremely effective but dried out easily due to their water-based makeup. MaxScent is more of a hybrid: it’s PVC-based like PowerBait, but designed to hold liquid scent better, without drying out like Gulp.
The construction and feel of the baits are noticeably different. PowerBait plastics look and feel more like traditional soft plastics - slick, shiny, translucent, and durable. MaxScent baits have a more textured, natural appearance, and their material allows the scent to disperse more rapidly into the water.

The Berkley PowerBait packaging is excellent and keeps every bait in perfect condition

In my opinion, MaxScent plastics do a better job mimicking natural forage and shine in finesse situations where scent is more critical. But for jig fishing, whether it’s a traditional bottom-contact jig or a swim jig—the range of motion and visual appeal of PowerBait plastics gives them the edge. That’s why I have so much confidence in the Shape 108 as a trailer, and why I lean on MaxScent Flat Worms when I need to go finesse.

The Shape 108 is also a solid pairing with bladed jigs when trying to mimic fleeing crawfish

Price and Applications: When fished as a standalone bait, the Shape 108 can absolutely get bit, whether it’s rigged weedless Texas-style with a weight or used for punching. That said, it’s not my go-to for punching - I usually prefer something with more bulk and larger appendages that stay pinned to the hook more securely. Baits like the Chigger Craw or the newer Crud Craw are better suited for that role, with flailing appendages that create more commotion on the fall. The Shape 108 shines is as a trailer for bladed or swim jigs. It adds to the overall profile and displaces water well without creating excessive drag, which helps keep your bait tracking true. Durability is solid too - it holds up well to repeated strikes whether you’re fishing contact or moving baits.

There are a lot of great color options in the Shape 108 lineup. I really like PB&J, Green Pumpkin, Hot Craw, and Pearl White

Where I think the Shape 108 really dominates is on smaller jigs that are bounced or dragged along the bottom. It almost feels like it was purpose-built for those subtle, bottom-contact presentations. The body has a worm-like shape, and the appendages give it a natural, unthreatening profile that just looks right underwater.

Like most Berkley PowerBait lures, the Shape 108 is priced a bit higher than some alternatives, but that’s where the PowerBait formula comes into play. The 3” version comes in packs of 10 for $7.99, the 3.5” in packs of 8 for the same price, and the 4” in packs of 6, also for $7.99. While not the cheapest option out there, I do appreciate the blister pack packaging, which keeps the baits in perfect form and makes rigging quick and hassle-free.
 

Ratings:

Pluses and Minuses:

Conclusion: I was already a fan of PowerBait and MaxScent plastics, but the first time I fished this particular craw, I had so much success that I had to do a double take when I checked the name. Shape 108? That’s it? Sounds pretty generic. But this simple, unassuming bait just flat-out works. Sometimes the most effective baits aren’t the flashiest or most realistic, and the Shape 108 is a perfect example of that. It’s one of those sleeper baits that pairs incredibly well with small or micro-sized jigs.

The Berkley PowerBait Shape 108 Craw is simple and yet quite refined, and while the profile and action may seem subtle fish definitely take notice

The wing-style pincers flap with each movement, but not in an over-the-top way. It’s a subtle, refined action that adds just enough life to get bit. Between the profile, motion, and scent, the Shape 108 consistently produces. I now have so much confidence in it that it’s one of the first trailers I tie on when the bite gets tough, especially in cooler water or anytime a more subtle presentation is key to triggering strikes from picky fish. Sometimes, simple and clean is the effective design, and the Shape 108 nails it.