Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas Review

How the Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas Surprised Me

As someone who spends an inordinate amount of time on the water, whether it’s chasing stripers along the coast or trolling for blues offshore, I’m always on the lookout for gear that can elevate my fishing game. The Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas, from Blue Water Candy, caught my eye for a few reasons. Their promise of a simplified yet effective trolling setup, complete with skirts and tandem shad, seemed like a good way to cut through the clutter of assembling a spread of lures. I was initially drawn to the idea of a ready-to-go umbrella rig, as building these can be time-consuming and fiddly.

My previous experience with umbrella rigs often involved piecing together components, trying to balance flash, action, and attractors. This often meant a lot of trial and error, and sometimes, not the results I was hoping for. The prospect of a pre-rigged, weighted umbrella with a substantial lure package offered a compelling shortcut to productive trolling. I’d looked at a few other brands, but the specific configuration of the Striperbrellas, with its combination of weighted umbrella and tandem shad, stood out. My immediate impression upon unboxing was one of solid, no-nonsense construction; it felt ready to hit the water without fuss.

Real-World Testing: Putting Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas to the Test

First Use Experience

I first deployed the Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas on a blustery morning off the coast, targeting striped bass in water that was around 30 feet deep. The conditions were moderately choppy, with a steady breeze that made boat handling a bit of a challenge. Rigging this umbrella was refreshingly straightforward. I simply attached my main line, let out some slack, and deployed it behind the boat at a moderate trolling speed, around 3.5 knots.

The umbrella rig maintained its position well in the water column, even with the boat’s movement and the prevailing swell. I didn’t experience any significant tangling with the skirts or the shad trailers, which was a pleasant surprise given the number of components. Within about twenty minutes, we had our first taker – a feisty 28-inch striper that hammered the rig hard. The subsequent hours yielded several more keepers and a few shorts, primarily hitting the trailing shad.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the following weeks, I used the Striperbrellas on several more outings. It became my go-to for trolling in areas known to hold larger predatory fish. The rig consistently attracted strikes, and the Blue Water Candy shad trailers proved to be quite durable, holding up to multiple fish without needing replacement. Even after repeated submersion and exposure to saltwater and UV rays, the skirts remained supple, and the tandem shad maintained their enticing wobble.

Cleaning was a simple affair: a quick rinse with freshwater after each use was sufficient to keep corrosion at bay and prevent any build-up on the components. Compared to some other umbrella rigs I’ve used, which can become tangled messes or have components that degrade quickly, this unit held up remarkably well. I experienced no noticeable decrease in performance or visual appeal, which speaks to the quality of materials used.

Breaking Down the Features of Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas

Specifications

The Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas are designed as a 15-inch, 4-arm weighted umbrella rig. This size offers a substantial profile in the water, crucial for attracting larger game fish. The rig comes with four feather weight skirted 6-inch shad and a weighted skirt or parachute on 100 lb test line, featuring 9-inch tandem hooked shad. The use of 100 lb test for the main trailer line indicates a focus on durability and the ability to handle strong, aggressive fish.

The 15-inch umbrella provides a wide spread, creating a baitfish school effect that is highly attractive to predatory species like striped bass and bluefish. The feather weight skirts on the 6-inch shad add an extra layer of visual appeal and subtle movement, even at slower trolling speeds. The heavier 9-inch tandem hooked shad on the stout 100 lb test leader are designed to be the primary attractors and withstand the abuse of multiple hookups. This setup is clearly engineered for brute strength and visual appeal in open-water trolling scenarios.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function – attracting fish – the Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas performed exceptionally well. The rig consistently produced strikes, acting as a formidable draw in both clear and slightly stained water. The combined action of the umbrella, the skirted shad, and the larger tandem shad created a highly realistic baitfish presentation. The rig effectively mimics a fleeing school of bait, a highly effective tactic for triggering aggressive strikes from hungry predators.

A significant strength is its simplicity; it’s a ready-to-fish package that requires minimal angler input beyond choosing trolling speed and depth. The weighted parachute on the trailer ensures the rig stays at the desired depth without excessive weight added to the main line. While it excels at its intended purpose, one minor area for consideration might be its maneuverability in extremely tight spaces, given its substantial spread. However, for open-water trolling, its performance is undeniable.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas is focused on function over form, with robust construction evident throughout. The 4-arm umbrella is made from a material that appears durable and resistant to bending or breaking under stress. The connections between the arms and the central hub seem secure, crucial for preventing failure when a large fish strikes.

The skirts on the 6-inch shad are made of a pliable material that exhibits excellent movement in the water, adding a dynamic visual element. The 9-inch tandem hooked shad are substantial and rigged with sturdy hooks, ready for aggressive bites. While not overtly ergonomic in the way a handheld tool might be, its design translates to ease of use on the water. There’s no complex assembly or adjustment needed; it’s a grab-and-go solution.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas is a notable strong point. After numerous outings in saltwater environments, the rig showed minimal signs of wear. The paint or finish on the shad trailers remained intact, and the skirt material did not fray or degrade. The 100 lb test leader is a clear indicator that this rig is built for longevity and capable of handling the strain of large game fish.

Maintenance is minimal, which is a significant advantage for busy anglers. A simple rinse with freshwater after each use is all that’s required to keep it in optimal condition. The components are corrosion-resistant, and the overall build quality suggests it will last for many seasons. I haven’t encountered any failure points, such as bent arms or frayed lines, which is a testament to the robust design and material selection.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas comes as a complete package, with the rig itself being the primary component. The 4 feather weight skirted 6-inch shad and the 9-inch tandem hooked shad are integral parts of the design, serving as both attractors and trailers. While the rig is designed to be used as-is, there’s always room for anglers to tweak.

Some anglers might choose to replace the trailing shad with their preferred lure style or color if they have a specific local forage they want to imitate. However, the provided shad are effective, and their tandem hook setup increases the probability of a solid hookset. For most users, this unit is ready for deployment straight out of the package, eliminating the need for immediate accessory purchases to make it functional.

Pros and Cons of Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas

Who Should Buy Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas?

The Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas are an excellent choice for recreational anglers who enjoy trolling for species like striped bass, bluefish, and other pelagic predators. If you value convenience and want a proven fish-catching setup without the hassle of building your own umbrella rig, this product is ideal. It’s particularly well-suited for those who frequently fish from boats and want a reliable lure that can be deployed quickly to cover water effectively.

Anglers who primarily cast lures or fish in shallow, snag-prone areas might find this rig less practical. Those seeking a highly specialized or ultra-compact trolling setup may also want to look elsewhere. However, for the vast majority of trolling applications targeting larger game fish, this rig is a fantastic addition to the tackle box.

Conclusion on Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas

The Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas deliver on their promise of a high-quality, effective, and convenient trolling rig. Its robust construction, combined with a design that expertly mimics a school of baitfish, makes it a potent weapon for saltwater anglers. The $48.89 price point represents solid value for a complete, ready-to-go umbrella rig that has proven its mettle in real-world fishing scenarios.

I would absolutely recommend the Blue Water Candy Striperbrellas to any angler looking to simplify their trolling spread without sacrificing effectiveness. It’s a well-built piece of gear that performs exceptionally well and minimizes the setup time, allowing more time for actual fishing. If you’re targeting aggressive, open-water predators, this rig is a strong contender that’s worth the investment.