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" |