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Lure Review


Creature Fever: The Death Spiral of the Power Tackle Lateral Perch

 

Date: 1/3/12
Tackle type: Lure
Manufacturer: Power Tackle
Reviewer: Zander






Total Score: 8.17 - GREAT

Introduction: We kick off our “Creature Feature” coverage with the intriguing Lateral Perch from Power Tackle and while this bait may look like a swimbait it is actually a “jig,” that blurs the lines in between bait classes and is designed to be deliver a unique “death spiral” action that is quite unlike the traditional action imparted by skirted jigs.

 

Power Tackle Lateral Perch Specifications

Type Modified jig
Material Lead, molded plastic
Depth 1-30ft.
Size 3-3/4" long and 1-3/4" high
Weight 1/4 - 1-3/4ooz. (6-3/4" model)
Hooks Owner (5/0 on casting model 6/0 on flipping model)
Colors/Patterns 10+
MSRP $12.99 for standard $13.99+ for "naturals"

Impressions: Power Tackle is probably best known for their lineup of custom rods but this Texas based company has been rapidly making a name for itself in the lure market with the introduction of the Lateral Perch baits a season ago, and more recently their own take on the Alabama Rig called the “Get 'Em Going Rig.”

 

 


The Lateral Perch is a new creation from Power Tackle, a company known for their custom rods

So what exactly is the Lateral Perch? Visually this bait looks like a bluegill swimbait but the hook protruding through the side of the bait immediately signals that this is no ordinary bait. The PTLP (power Tackle Lateral Perch) makes use of a coated lead head that reminds us of heads used in saltwater swimbaits only the hook has been rotated 180 degrees. This head is painted with great detail and matched up with a soft body trailer instead of rubber skirting. This “trailer” is like the soft section of a swimbait and comes complete with molded fins and one main soft joint mid way through the body to allow for greater vibration in the tail section.

There are various versions and the "Natural" Series ups the ante with hand painted designs

The trailer on these baits is replaceable and an extra tail comes with each lure but they can also be purchased separately in packs of two for $4.99. The trailers look good on the standard versions and match up seamlessly to the painted head for a even more genuine looking profile on the hand painted “naturals” versions. Both the casting and flipping versions bear the same dimensions of 3 ¾” long and 1 ¾” high and come in a 1/4oz. to 1 3/4oz. weights, the major difference being a smaller hook (5/0 versus 6/0) as well as a slightly thinner weedguard.

While one side looks like a swimbait the weedguard and the hook on the other side reveal this is no ordinary "swimbait"

Real World Tests: To test the Power Tackle Lateral Perch we headed to local reservoirs in the Bay Area as well as our favorite pitching and flipping location, the endless structure that lines the waterways of the California Delta. We fished both the flipping and casting versions throughout the tests using both mono and braided lines.

In fact this "creature" is a ultra-realistic jig

Casting: While the PTLP can be fished with mono lines I found that when fishing the flipping model this lure was best paired with braided lines as it not only gave me better casting control but a more instant response, the line also took a lot less damage when casting in and around abrasive structure. Casting the PTLP is a no-brainer and all of the versions are easy to cast conventionally or pitched. A standard flipping rod with plenty of backbone or even a light swimbait rod is ideal for pitching this bait, the backbone helps make pinpoint casts or pitches and allows for instant control of fish the second they strike.

The Lateral Perch can be fished with stout rods or ever lights swimbait sticks

The 3/4oz. and up weighted lures are great for flipping and it is easy to push the lure through light vegetation or control the lure perfectly over targeted fish. This bait is so easy to pinpoint pitch that it makes for a great shallow water lure for sight fishing. It is also possible to skip this lure due to it’s flat profile, but it does take a little practice to effectively skip the bait under structure. If the bait hits the water the wrong direction it will instantly die and start sinking, unlike a hollow bodied frog where skipping is made easier simply due to buoyancy.  

The lead head is coated and painted for a more realistic transition

Next Section: It is all about the "Death Spiral"

 

   

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