Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait Review

Taking the Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait for a Spin

As a seasoned gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments – from the rugged outdoors to the precise confines of workshops, labs, and demanding field applications – I’ve encountered my fair share of lures. My search for a buzzbait that could deliver consistent performance, especially at slower retrieve speeds where many other baits falter, led me to the Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait. I was particularly interested in its promise of dual counter-rotating blades designed to offer extra lift and stability. My previous experience with other buzzbaits often involved them porpoising or losing their effectiveness when I wasn’t actively cranking at a high pace, a frustrating limitation when targeting bass that might be following a slower presentation.

Upon receiving the Premier Plus buzzbait, my initial impression was one of solid construction. The wire frame felt robust, and the components appeared well-assembled, giving me confidence that it could withstand the inevitable abuse of being tossed into cover and potentially dragged across submerged structures. I had been considering a few other brands, but the unique dual-blade design and the inclusion of what Strike King calls “Magic Tails” as a built-in trailer set this model apart. My first reaction was a hopeful curiosity, a feeling that this might just be the answer to my persistent search for a more versatile topwater lure.

Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial tests with the Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait took place on a familiar, relatively shallow lake known for its weed lines and submerged timber, prime territory for bass. I rigged it on my go-to baitcasting setup, featuring a medium-heavy rod and 15-pound fluorocarbon line, as recommended. The first cast was a revelation; the bait immediately settled correctly on the water’s surface, and the twin blades began to churn, creating a significant surface disturbance.

Crucially, I found I could retrieve this buzzbait at significantly slower speeds than I typically manage with single-bladed counterparts without it diving or faltering. This allowed me to work it deliberately along weed edges and over shallow structure, mimicking a struggling baitfish or an injured frog. The conditions were varied, with intermittent light rain and occasional gusts of wind, but the bait maintained its stability and action throughout.

One minor surprise was how readily the “Magic Tails” trailer responded to even slight twitches, adding an extra layer of subtle movement that seemed to attract strikes. There were no immediate issues or quirks; the bait performed as advertised right out of the package, which is always a welcome sign for a field-tested professional.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several weeks of consistent use across different bodies of water, the Premier Plus buzzbait has proven itself to be a workhorse. It has been my go-to for probing shallow areas and for triggering aggressive strikes when bass are looking for noisy, surface-dwelling prey. The durability has been impressive; despite countless encounters with submerged branches, lily pads, and even a few accidental impacts with dock pilings, the wire frame has held its shape, and the paint finish remains largely intact.

The twin blades continue to rotate smoothly, and I haven’t experienced any significant performance drop-off. Maintenance is refreshingly simple – a quick rinse with freshwater after each outing and a thorough drying before storage are all that’s needed. I’ve found that compared to simpler, single-bladed buzzbaits I’ve used extensively in the past, this Strike King model offers a more consistent and versatile performance envelope, particularly in its ability to be worked effectively at a wider range of speeds. The pre-rigged trailer hook has also been invaluable, saving me from missing strikes that might have otherwise slipped away.

Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait

Specifications

The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait is constructed with a sturdy wire frame, ensuring its durability and providing a solid foundation for its components. It features two counter-rotating blades, a key design element that contributes significantly to its lift and tracking stability. These blades are meticulously engineered to create a substantial amount of water disturbance, generating a commotion that anglers often refer to as “hawg-calling.”

The skirt system is a standout feature, incorporating the Z-Man Perfect Skirt which is designed to bloom widely and evenly, offering a natural, lifelike appearance in the water. This is further enhanced by the exclusive Magic Tails that serve as an integrated trailer, adding more dynamic action than conventional skirts alone. For immediate fishing readiness, the bait comes equipped with a pre-rigged Sabre Point trailer hook, a thoughtful addition that increases hook-up ratios and ready the lure right out of the package. The lure is typically offered in weights like 1/2-ounce, making it versatile for various casting techniques and targeting different depths of the water column.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait is to attract predatory fish with surface commotion and enticing action, and it excels in this regard. Its primary strength lies in the stability provided by its twin, counter-rotating blades. This design innovation allows the bait to track straight and true even at slower retrieve speeds, a crucial advantage for anglers who want to present a lure deliberately without sacrificing the topwater allure.

The outward spray generated by these blades creates a significant visual and auditory signature that effectively calls out to bass, especially in stained or murky water. The combination of the blooming Perfect Skirt and the Magic Tails trailer creates a highly attractive profile that mimics baitfish or other prey with remarkable realism. While it performs exceptionally well at slower speeds, it also holds its own when retrieved at a moderate clip, offering a good range of usable speeds for different fishing conditions and bass behaviors.

Design & Ergonomics

From a design perspective, the Premier Plus buzzbait showcases Strike King’s commitment to producing high-quality fishing tackle. The wire frame is robust, with a clean bend that ensures the bait lands and begins working correctly every time. The head of the lure is sculpted to aid in its buoyancy and the efficient rotation of the blades, minimizing air resistance and maximizing water displacement.

The integration of the Perfect Skirt and Magic Tails is ergonomically sound, offering a full, flowing profile that doesn’t become tangled easily. The inclusion of the pre-rigged Sabre Point trailer hook is a practical ergonomic consideration, eliminating the need for anglers to tie on a hook separately and ensuring optimal spacing for hook-ups. The overall finish and component quality suggest a lure built not just for performance but also for longevity.

Durability & Maintenance

The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait is built to endure the rigors of serious fishing. The wire arm, a critical component for any topwater lure, feels substantial and has shown no signs of bending or weakening after repeated casts and encounters with cover. The blades are securely attached and continue to spin freely without wobble, even after being banged against rocks or submerged logs.

Maintenance is straightforward: a quick rinse in freshwater after use prevents corrosion and keeps the skirt material in good condition. Storing it where the skirt can maintain its shape, perhaps in a lure box with ample space or hung to dry, will further extend its lifespan. I’ve noticed no particular weak points, which is a testament to its solid construction.

Accessories and Customization Options

While the Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait is designed to be effective right out of the package, its design also allows for a degree of customization. The primary accessory is the pre-rigged Sabre Point trailer hook, which is a critical component for maximizing hook-ups. Many anglers might choose to swap this hook for a different size or style, depending on the forage they are trying to imitate or the size of the bass they are targeting.

The Perfect Skirt and Magic Tails combination offers a vibrant and dynamic appearance, but some anglers might prefer to experiment with different skirt colors or even add a different trailer. However, the integrated nature of the Magic Tails means that any modification would likely involve removing them entirely, which might alter the bait’s intended action. The Strike King brand is known for offering a wide array of skirt colors for their lures, so anglers can often find a variation of this buzzbait to match specific water conditions or bass preferences.

Pros and Cons of Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait

Who Should Buy Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait?

This buzzbait is an excellent choice for anglers who frequently target bass and other predatory fish in shallow to medium-depth waters where topwater presentations are effective. It’s particularly suited for those who struggle with other buzzbaits porpoising or losing stability at slower speeds, such as when working along weed lines, over submerged grass, or around docks. Anglers who appreciate the convenience of a lure that’s ready to fish right out of the box, complete with a quality trailer hook, will find this model highly beneficial.

However, anglers primarily interested in ultra-compact, minimalist lures for highly specific techniques, or those on a very tight budget, might find less value. Those who enjoy extensively customizing their trailers with a wide variety of soft plastics might find the integrated Magic Tails slightly restrictive, although the bait’s performance as-is is very strong. A baitcasting setup with at least 15-pound fluorocarbon or monofilament line is highly recommended for optimal control and presentation.

Conclusion on Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait

The Strike King Premier Plus The Double Take Buzzbait delivers on its promises, offering a superior topwater experience thanks to its innovative dual-blade design and premium skirt system. Its ability to maintain stable, effective action at slower speeds is a significant advantage, making it more versatile than many standard buzzbaits. The thoughtful inclusion of the pre-rigged Sabre Point trailer hook further enhances its value, ensuring anglers can hit the water with confidence.

Considering its performance, durability, and the enhanced action it provides, the slightly higher price point is justified by its quality and effectiveness. I would wholeheartedly recommend this buzzbait to any angler looking to elevate their topwater game, especially those who need a lure that can perform reliably even when the bite is slow. It’s a top-tier option that has earned a permanent place in my tackle box for its ability to consistently produce results.