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Lure Review


Power Up With Gary Yamamoto Chikara Crankbaits

 

Date: 9/30/14
Tackle type: Lure
Manufacturer: Yamamoto
Reviewer: Wolbugger






Total Score: 8.12 - GREAT

Introduction:
There's a lot to consider when purchasing a new crankbait. Its size, coloration, wobble, and depth range are just a few aspects one must weigh. It can be challenging for a company to design baits that tick all the boxes, but the gang over at Gary Yamamoto baits believes they have done just that with their new Chikara line of crankbaits. Wildly popular for their Senkos and other soft baits, do these cranks measure up as well?

 

 Gary Yamamoto Chikara Crankbait Specifications

Type Crankbait
Diving Depth

100 ~ to 4 feet
200 ~ to 6 feet
300 ~ to 10 feet

Length 3 inches to 3 1/2 inches
Weight 1/2 ounce
Material Plastic
Hooks Mustad Triple Grip
Colors 16
Original Made in China
MSRP $7.99

Quality/Construction: The size 100 and 200 Chikara crankbaits I received for testing didn't disappoint in the looks and quality department. Like all Yamamoto products I've experienced thus far, they feature neat, tidy appearances with good detailing. The bodies and bills are all molded cleanly, and the internal rattles give off a pleasing tone without being obtrusively loud.

 
Chikara means “power” in Japanese. Each bait comes with a pair of nicely-sized Mustad Triple Grip trebles
.

There are 16 colors available, each one featuring a holographic type of finish. The hues are indeed vibrant, attractive, and cover a wide forage base. With that said, it would be nice to see some solid non-holographic colors to round out the lineup a bit better.

Quality Ratings for Gary Yamamoto Chikara Crankbait

Finish (1-5)
Detailing (1-5)
Hardware (1-5)
Craftsmanship (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
5
4
4
5
19
20
9.5

Performance: The performance of the Chikara crankbaits was tested on small Florida ponds and while visiting Lake Chickamauga in Tennessee during late winter. I fished them on several types of line including 20-pound braid as well as 10 and 12-pound monofilament while using a G. Loomis CBR845 crankbait rod and 13 Fishing Concept-A reels.

 
It won't help you catch fish, but check out that cool eye detailing of the Gary Yamamoto baits logo.

All Chikaras weigh in at about a half ounce and are easy to cast—even into the wind. Once they splash down you'll find they float instantly, and it takes very little speed to kick-start their action. Both bait sizes came over and through obstructions cleanly and obviously received their fair share of dings and scratches, but nothing I would deem as out of the ordinary. These are floating baits so don't expect them to suspend when stopped on the retrieve.

 
The craw color pops nicely in the sunlight.

Next Section: Crank up that performance!

 

   

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