Fish Razr Phat Squid Review

Here’s What You’ll Love (or Not) About the Fish Razr Phat Squid

As a gear specialist who’s spent over a decade wrestling with equipment in every imaginable environment – from sterile labs to dusty workshops and demanding field sites – I’ve developed a keen eye for what works and what doesn’t. My search for effective offshore lures recently led me to the Fish Razr Phat Squid, a product promising to add a lifelike allure to serious angling. I was particularly interested because my previous go-to options for targeting dolphin and tuna were starting to show their age, lacking the vibrant appeal needed to entice wary pelagics.

The initial impression upon unboxing these squids was one of practical design. They felt substantial, not flimsy, with a material that seemed robust enough to withstand repeated strikes and the harsh marine environment. I considered some generic silicone skirts or simpler PVC lures, but the specific design of these seemed to offer a distinct advantage. My immediate reaction was a cautious optimism; they looked promising, but only real-world fishing would tell the true story.

Real-World Testing: Putting Fish Razr Phat Squid to the Test

My testing grounds for the Fish Razr Phat Squid were the often-turbulent waters off the coast, specifically targeting dolphin (mahi-mahi) and tuna during a late summer run. I rigged them both individually behind planer boards and in daisy chains on spreader bars to simulate various offshore trolling scenarios. The conditions varied from glassy calm mornings perfect for observing lure action to choppy afternoons where visibility was reduced, testing how well the lures would stand out.

During the initial few trips, the flowing tentacles of the Phat Squid proved to be their standout feature. They created a consistent, lifelike dance in the water column, even at slower trolling speeds. I encountered one minor snag when rigging a daisy chain; the connection point on the leading squid felt a bit tight, requiring a bit of jiggling to secure properly. However, once rigged, they held their position admirably through several hours of trolling without drifting or bunching up.

Extended use over several months and numerous charters revealed a surprising resilience. The squids maintained their vibrant colors and the UV additives seemed to hold their glow under various light conditions, even after repeated exposure to saltwater and sunlight. There were no signs of cracking or significant degradation in the material, which speaks well to the durability of Fish Razr Phat Squid. Cleaning was straightforward – a simple rinse with freshwater and a shake-off were sufficient. Compared to some previous, less robust artificial baits that quickly lost their shape or color, these maintained their integrity remarkably well.

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Fish Razr Phat Squid took place on a bright, breezy day about 30 miles offshore, targeting the active schools of dolphin that frequent the temperature breaks. I rigged a couple of these squids on a planer setup, one in a vibrant pink and another in a classic chartreuse, hoping to attract attention from a distance. The lures were easy to attach to my leaders, with enough flexibility in the material to slide over crimps and knots without issue.

Their performance in the water was immediately impressive. The trailing tentacles provided a subtle yet consistent flutter, mimicking natural prey. This was a welcome change from some stiffer lures that can appear unnatural or robotic when trolled. I didn’t experience any immediate issues or surprises during this initial use; the lures simply performed as advertised, adding a dynamic element to my spread.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the subsequent weeks, the Fish Razr Phat Squid became a regular fixture on my offshore trips. I used them in everything from calm, clear water to rough seas with significant chop. They held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear even after being struck multiple times by hard-fighting fish like tuna. The material resisted nicks and tears that often plague cheaper alternatives, and the UV additives seemed to remain potent, providing that extra visual cue fish find irresistible.

Maintenance was a breeze; a quick rinse in saltwater after each trip, followed by a thorough freshwater wash at the dock, kept them looking new. Storing them in a tackle box required no special precautions; they didn’t stick together or degrade from contact with other lures. Compared to some of the silicone or softer plastic baits I’ve used in the past, these maintained their shape and flexibility significantly better over time.

Breaking Down the Features of Fish Razr Phat Squid

Specifications

The Fish Razr Phat Squid pack contains 10 per pack, providing a solid quantity for rigging multiple setups or replacing lures lost to strikes or snags. Each individual squid measures 5.25 inches in length, a versatile size that appeals to a broad range of offshore predators like dolphin, tuna, and even wahoo. The width of the lure is listed at 6 inches, though this likely refers to the spread of the tentacles when in water, giving it a substantial profile.

These squids are manufactured by Fish Razr, a company focused on specialized fishing tackle. A key feature is the inclusion of U.V. additives, which are designed to make the lure glow under different light conditions, enhancing its visibility and attractiveness to fish, especially in deeper or murkier waters. The flowing tentacles are another crucial design element, providing a lifelike appearance and movement that predatory fish find irresistible.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Fish Razr Phat Squid is to act as a lifelike baitfish or squid imitation to attract and trigger strikes from offshore gamefish. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The design of the tentacles creates a realistic trailing action that looks remarkably like a fleeing or injured squid, which is a high-value target for many pelagic species. The U.V. additives significantly boost its effectiveness, especially in the low-light conditions often found at trolling depths or during dawn and dusk fishing periods.

A major strength is the consistent action these lures provide across various trolling speeds, from slower retrieves to faster offshore speeds. They don’t require special tuning or advanced rigging techniques to perform. The main functional drawback, if one were to nitpick, is that their softness, while contributing to lifelike action, could potentially make them slightly more susceptible to damage from aggressive toothy predators like wahoo compared to a solid hard-body lure. However, for their intended targets like dolphin and tuna, they are highly effective.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Fish Razr Phat Squid is focused on visual appeal and lifelike action. The material is a soft, pliable plastic that allows the tentacles to move freely with the water’s current. This material feels durable enough to withstand strikes without tearing immediately, though it’s not indestructible. The finish on the squids is generally good, with vibrant colors that hold up well to UV exposure.

While “ergonomics” isn’t typically applied to fishing lures in the same way as tools, the ease of rigging and handling is paramount. These squids are straightforward to rig; their flexible material allows for easy sliding onto leader lines and connection to hooks or other lure components. There’s no complex setup required, making them accessible even for anglers less experienced with artificial lures. The UV additive is seamlessly integrated, not appearing as a separate coating that could peel off.

Durability & Maintenance

The Fish Razr Phat Squid are designed for the rigors of offshore fishing, and their durability is quite commendable for a soft-plastic lure. After extensive use, they held their shape and structural integrity well, with no signs of the material becoming brittle or cracking. The UV additives seem to be permanently integrated into the plastic, retaining their effectiveness over time.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick rinse in freshwater after use is generally all that’s needed to remove salt and any potential fish slime. They can be stored alongside other lures without issue, as they don’t react negatively with different materials. A potential point of concern, common to all soft-plastic baits, is their susceptibility to toothy fish; a direct, sustained attack from a wahoo might render one unusable. However, for their primary targets like dolphin and tuna, they offer good longevity.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Fish Razr Phat Squid are sold as a standalone lure in packs of 10 per pack, and they don’t come with any additional accessories. However, their design lends itself well to various rigging configurations, offering a degree of customization for the angler. They can be rigged as a single lure on a leader, or chained together to form part of a daisy chain or dredge.

Anglers often rig these squids with specific hook sets, such as treble hooks or circle hooks, depending on their preferred fishing method and target species. They are also frequently used as attractor lures in front of or behind other baits and lures. Their 5.25-inch size makes them compatible with many standard offshore trolling setups and leader materials.

Pros and Cons of Fish Razr Phat Squid

Who Should Buy Fish Razr Phat Squid?

The Fish Razr Phat Squid is an excellent choice for serious offshore anglers targeting pelagic species like dolphin (mahi-mahi), tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and marlin. If you frequently troll for these types of fish and are looking to enhance your spread with lures that offer a realistic presentation and added visual appeal, these squids are a fantastic addition. They are particularly beneficial for anglers who understand the value of UV-enhanced lures for attracting fish in varying water clarity and light conditions.

Conversely, if you primarily fish in freshwater environments or target species that aren’t typically attracted to squid imitations, this particular lure might not be the best fit for your needs. Anglers seeking extremely robust, indestructible lures for toothy predators might also want to supplement these with hard baits, although these soft squids are still quite resilient for their category. For maximizing their effectiveness, I’d recommend pairing them with high-quality leaders and sharp, well-matched hooks to ensure successful hookups.

Conclusion on Fish Razr Phat Squid

The Fish Razr Phat Squid delivers on its promise of lifelike action and enhanced attraction for offshore gamefish. The combination of realistic tentacle movement and effective U.V. additives makes them a valuable tool for any serious angler looking to improve their catch rates. While they might not withstand the persistent attacks of the sharpest-toothed predators indefinitely, their durability for their intended targets is impressive, especially considering the 10 per pack price point offers exceptional value.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Fish Razr Phat Squid to any angler who spends time trolling for dolphin, tuna, and similar species. They are an effective, reliable, and economical addition to any offshore tackle box, offering a tangible boost in lure presentation. If you’re looking to add a proven, visually enticing element to your trolling spread, these squids are an investment that will likely pay dividends on your next outing.