Bomber Long 15AP Suspending Pro Review

What Happened When I Tried the Bomber Long 15AP Suspending Pro

The Bomber Long 15AP Suspending Pro is a legendary lure in the fishing world, a slender minnow jerkbait designed for versatility. It promises lifelike action whether you’re twitching for bass or trolling for larger gamefish like walleye and salmon. My journey to this specific lure began with a frustrating day on the water. I was missing strikes I felt should have been solid hooksets, and I suspected my current lures weren’t suspending correctly in the pause. Considering alternatives, I looked at other suspending jerkbaits, but the Bomber Long A’s reputation for erratic action in a pause intrigued me.

Upon receiving the lure, my first impression was positive. The Silver Prism/Blue Back color pattern was vibrant, and the overall build quality felt robust for its price point. It felt ready for immediate use, unlike some other lures that require immediate hook upgrades or tuning. My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism, hoping this legendary lure would finally solve my presentation woes.

Real-World Testing: Putting Bomber Long 15AP Suspending Pro to the Test

I took the Bomber Long 15AP Suspending Pro out for a series of tests across different freshwater environments. My primary testing grounds were a medium-sized lake known for its bass population and a local river where I often target walleye and the occasional salmon run. I focused on replicating a variety of retrieve styles, from steady trolling speeds to aggressive twitch-twitch-pause sequences, to truly gauge its performance.

During the initial outings, the suspending action was immediately apparent. When paused, the lure held its position horizontally in the water column, mimicking a wounded baitfish perfectly. This characteristic proved invaluable, as I observed several aggressive strikes occurring right as the lure stopped moving. The lure also exhibited a subtle, lifelike wobble even on a slow, steady retrieve, which was effective for covering water during trolling runs.

Over several weeks of consistent use, the Bomber Long 15AP Suspending Pro demonstrated impressive durability and reliability. The #4 Gamakatsu treble hooks remained sharp and true, consistently securing hooksets. Despite being bumped against rocks and submerged structure a few times, the lure’s finish held up remarkably well, with only minor scuffs. Maintenance was straightforward; a quick rinse with freshwater after each use and proper storage in a lure box kept it in prime condition. Compared to some cheaper lures that quickly lose their paint or develop stiffness in the lip, this Bomber model felt built to last.

First Use Experience

My first actual fishing trip with the lure was on a calm morning at a local lake. I rigged it with my go-to baitcasting setup, a medium-heavy rod and 12-pound fluorocarbon line. The 4 5/8 inch length and 9/16 oz tackle weight balanced perfectly on my rod, offering excellent casting distance and accuracy. I started with a classic twitch-twitch-pause retrieve, and the lure responded beautifully, darting erratically with each rod tip snap.

The lure’s suspending ability was a game-changer that first outing. I noticed fish were following the lure and waiting for it to stop moving before striking. This allowed me to present the bait in a way that often drew hesitant biters out of hiding. I experienced no immediate issues; the lure felt balanced and tracked true from the very first cast. It was intuitive, requiring no special adjustments to perform as advertised.

Extended Use & Reliability

Weeks turned into a couple of months, and this Bomber lure became a staple in my tackle box. It consistently performed across various conditions, from sunny afternoons to overcast, choppy days. The suspend buoyancy proved effective in both still and moderate current environments, holding its depth without sinking too rapidly or floating too high. I even managed to land a respectable salmon on it during a river trip, which was a testament to its versatility beyond just bass fishing.

Durability remained a strong point. The lure’s internal components, including the weight transfer system, continued to function flawlessly. There were no signs of the lip becoming loose or the hooks dulling significantly. Its ability to withstand repeated impacts with submerged objects and the stresses of fighting fish without deforming or losing integrity spoke volumes about its robust construction. It easily outperformed many of the budget-friendly jerkbaits I’ve used in the past, which often show signs of significant wear after just a few trips.

Breaking Down the Features of Bomber Long 15AP Suspending Pro

Specifications

The Bomber Long 15AP Suspending Pro comes with a clear set of specifications that dictate its performance. Its length of 4 5/8 inches and tackle weight of 9/16 oz place it firmly in the mid-sized jerkbait category. This size is ideal for mimicking a wide range of baitfish, making it attractive to various predator species.

The suspend buoyancy is arguably its most critical feature. This means the lure will hover horizontally in the water when you stop retrieving, a crucial element for triggering strikes from pressured or finicky fish. This characteristic avoids the common problem of lures sinking too fast and becoming snagged, or floating up out of the strike zone.

It is equipped with #4 Gamakatsu treble hooks, renowned for their sharpness and strength. These hooks are essential for ensuring solid hooksets when a fish strikes. The Excalibur Tear Drop Split ring also contributes to increased performance by providing a stronger connection point for the hooks, reducing the chance of a fish shaking free.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of a jerkbait is to imitate a fleeing or wounded baitfish, and this Bomber lure excels at that. Its defining feature, the suspend buoyancy, allows for a natural presentation during pauses. This is where many strikes occur, as predators often attack injured or struggling prey.

The lure’s action is excellent, producing an erratic darting movement with sharp twitches, mimicking a fleeing minnow. This action is perfectly complemented by its ability to hold position when paused. For trolling, a steady retrieve generates a lifelike swimming action, making it effective for covering large areas of water.

Its main strength lies in its versatility and reliable suspending capability. I found it particularly effective in situations where fish were reluctant to chase faster presentations. The only real limitation I encountered was that its optimal depth range is somewhat shallow, making it less suitable for targeting fish holding very deep.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Bomber Long 15AP Suspending Pro is classic and functional. The slender minnow profile is inherently realistic, and the Silver Prism/Blue Back color pattern offers excellent visibility in a variety of water conditions. The finish is durable, resisting chipping and fading even after repeated contact with hard surfaces.

Ergonomically, it’s a dream for anglers. Its weight and size make it comfortable to cast and retrieve for extended periods without causing fatigue. The lure tracks straight and true, meaning there’s no fighting with a lure that wants to roll or dive erratically on its own.

The #4 Gamakatsu treble hooks are strategically placed, contributing to its balanced presentation. The split rings also feel robust, and the overall construction inspires confidence that it can handle the fight from larger gamefish. There’s a simplicity to its design that often translates to superior functionality in the field.

Durability & Maintenance

This lure is built to endure. Its plastic body is resilient, and the lip is firmly attached, resisting cracks or breaks from impacts. The suspend buoyancy is achieved through internal weighting that remains stable over time; I haven’t experienced any issues with it losing its suspending properties.

Maintenance is as simple as it gets. A quick rinse in freshwater after each outing removes any slime or debris, and letting it air dry before storing it prevents mold or hook rust. The #4 Gamakatsu treble hooks are high quality and resist corrosion reasonably well, but occasional cleaning and drying will extend their sharpness.

Even after repeated use, the lure continues to perform at a high level. It doesn’t show the premature wear and tear that often plagues less expensive jerkbaits. Its ability to maintain its action and buoyancy over time makes it a reliable long-term investment for any angler.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bomber Long 15AP Suspending Pro comes ready to fish right out of the package. It’s equipped with #4 Gamakatsu treble hooks and Excalibur Tear Drop Split rings, which are considered premium components in the fishing tackle industry. These are excellent choices that eliminate the immediate need for aftermarket upgrades.

While this specific model is designed for immediate use, the lure’s design allows for some customization. Anglers can, if they choose, swap the treble hooks for different sizes or types, such as single hooks, depending on specific regulations or personal preference. The split rings can also be replaced, though the included ones are very robust.

There are no other specific accessories that come with the lure itself, as it’s a singular fishing item. However, its performance is enhanced by pairing it with appropriate fishing gear like quality fishing line and a responsive rod. The focus here is on the lure’s inherent functionality rather than a suite of add-ons.

Pros and Cons of Bomber Long 15AP Suspending Pro

Who Should Buy Bomber Long 15AP Suspending Pro?

This lure is an exceptional choice for anglers targeting freshwater gamefish like bass, walleye, and salmon. It is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a lure that offers a realistic, pause-and-attack presentation. If you’ve experienced frustration with lures sinking too quickly or fish being hesitant to commit, the suspend buoyancy will be a significant advantage.

Anglers who enjoy a variety of fishing techniques, from aggressive twitching to subtle trolling, will find this lure highly effective. It’s a great option for both intermediate and experienced fishermen looking for a reliable, high-performing jerkbait. Those seeking a lure that requires minimal immediate modification and is ready to fish straight out of the package will also appreciate it.

Anyone who fishes in shallower to mid-depth waters and wants a lure that mimics baitfish with uncanny realism should consider adding this to their arsenal. However, anglers primarily targeting extremely deep water might need to supplement their tackle with deeper-diving options. I’d also suggest having a selection of colors available, as different water conditions and fish moods can favor specific patterns.

Conclusion on Bomber Long 15AP Suspending Pro

The Bomber Long 15AP Suspending Pro lives up to its legendary reputation. Its ability to suspend perfectly horizontally and its lifelike action make it an incredibly effective tool for triggering strikes from even the most reluctant predators. The thoughtful inclusion of #4 Gamakatsu treble hooks and quality split rings means it’s ready to perform right out of the box, offering significant value for its modest price.

While it might be a bit shallow-running for some ultra-deep applications, its versatility across various other scenarios is undeniable. For anyone looking to enhance their jerkbait fishing, especially for bass and walleye, this lure is a highly recommended addition. It’s a durable, reliable, and exceptionally well-performing piece of tackle that consistently delivers results on the water.