Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler Review

Was the Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler the Right Choice?

The water was a bit murky, the walleye were being finicky, and my usual go-to drift rig just wasn’t cutting it. I needed something that could present a lively nightcrawler with more action, something that could really dig down and generate some vibration to call those fish in. That’s when I found myself looking at the Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler. Nichols Lures has a reputation for producing solid, no-nonsense fishing tackle, and this rig promised to be a workhorse for walleye anglers.

My previous setup, while effective in clearer water or with more active fish, was starting to feel a bit outdated for the conditions I was facing. It didn’t quite have the ability to impart that irresistible flutter and thump that a larger, more robust crawler harness could provide. I’d been considering some higher-end, custom-built harnesses, but the price point was often prohibitive for something I knew I’d be subjecting to a lot of abuse.

Upon receiving the Walleye Crawler Hauler, my initial impression was one of robust simplicity. The components felt sturdy, the wire leader looked stout, and the blade, a prominent Colorado in my case, seemed well-matched to the rig’s purpose. It didn’t scream “fancy,” but rather “ready for action.” I briefly considered a simpler bottom bouncer with just a single hook and worm, but I knew that for those tough days, a multi-hook crawler harness with an enticing blade would offer a significant advantage in presentation. A quick, almost subconscious nod of satisfaction came over me; this looked like it could get the job done.

Real-World Testing: Putting Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler to the Test

My testing ground for the Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler was primarily the glacial lakes of the Midwest, specifically targeting walleye. I ran these rigs in a variety of conditions: drifting slowly in calm, clear mornings on Lake Erie, trolling at slightly faster speeds in the wind-swept waters of Saginaw Bay, and even battling current on the Detroit River. I experimented with both live nightcrawlers and high-quality artificial baits like Impulse nightcrawlers, seeking to gauge its versatility.

The rig performed admirably across these scenarios. During slow drifts, the Colorado blade on my particular model created a significant thump and vibration that seemed to be a magnet for curious walleye, even when they were otherwise hesitant. When I picked up the pace for trolling behind a bottom bouncer, the Indiana blade version (which I also acquired) provided a good flash and vibration without creating excessive drag or line twist. Even after repeated casts and retrieves in gritty lake bottoms and occasional encounters with submerged structure, the components held up remarkably well.

Ease of use was a definite strong point. Rigging a nightcrawler onto the two hooks was straightforward, and attaching the harness to my leader and bottom bouncer was intuitive. There was no steep learning curve; if you’ve ever used a crawler harness before, this one feels familiar and dependable. The only slight quirk I noticed was that sometimes, especially with larger crawlers, positioning the second hook perfectly could take a moment to ensure maximum weedless presentation, but this is common to most multi-hook harnesses and not a fault of this particular model.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use throughout the walleye season, the Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler has proven itself to be a reliable piece of fishing gear. The stainless steel wire leader shows minimal signs of kinking or abrasion, even after being dragged across gravel and submerged rocks multiple times. The blades still spin freely and maintain their original finish, a testament to their quality.

Durability has been excellent; I haven’t experienced any snapped wires or broken hooks, which is a significant win considering the forces involved when a decent walleye strikes. There are a few minor scuffs on the blades, but this is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect their performance. Maintenance is as simple as rinsing the rig with fresh water after each outing and ensuring the hooks are dry before storage to prevent rust. Compared to some cheaper, less robust harnesses I’ve used in the past that tended to fray or have blades that seized up, this Nichols Lures offering stands out for its longevity. It has held up better than some of its more premium-priced competitors, especially considering its price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler

Specifications

The Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler is designed with serious walleye anglers in mind. The core of the rig features a sturdy, corrosion-resistant wire leader that extends to 9 inches, providing ample separation between the bait and the weight. This length is crucial for allowing a live nightcrawler to move naturally in the current or behind the boat.

Nichols Lures offers two primary blade options: the Colorado blade and the Indiana blade. The Colorado blade, which I tested extensively, is larger and designed to create maximum thump and vibration at slower speeds, making it ideal for drifting or slow trolling in stained water. The Indiana blade is a more streamlined option, designed for increased flash and vibration at slightly faster trolling speeds and in clearer conditions.

This rig comes equipped with two EWG short shank Trokar treble hooks in a size 4/0. Trokar hooks are renowned for their sharpness and strong holding power, and the short shank design helps keep the bait on securely while minimizing tangling. The package weighs in at approximately 0.33 oz for the harness itself, which is a standard weight for this type of rig, not including the bottom bouncer.

The main rig body, where the blade and hooks attach, is constructed from durable components designed to withstand the rigors of fishing. The specific dimensions of the main lure body itself (10 mm length, 3.8 inches width, 1.5 inches height) are not typically the primary focus for a crawler harness, as the bait and blade are the active elements. However, these dimensions contribute to the overall balance and presentation of the rig.

The 4 1/2 oz lure weight mentioned in the specifications is a bit misleading for the harness itself; this likely refers to a combined weight when used with a specific type of bottom bouncer or sinker commonly paired with the harness. The harness itself is lightweight, designed to impart action, not to be a heavy lure.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function – presenting a nightcrawler effectively to walleye – the Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler excels. The dual-hook design allows for secure rigging of even large nightcrawlers, ensuring they remain intact during the retrieve. The strategically placed hooks minimize the chances of fouling on weeds or debris, a common frustration with other harnesses.

The main strength of this rig lies in the action it imparts. The Colorado blade, in particular, creates a pronounced wobbling action and a vibration that travels through the water column, effectively calling in walleye from a distance. This is especially noticeable during slower presentations where a less active blade might go unnoticed. The rig is also very reliable in its function; it consistently spins the blade without creating excessive line twist when paired with a good swivel.

However, there are minor areas for improvement. While the Trokar hooks are exceptionally sharp, their short shank design, while good for bait retention, can sometimes make them a bit more susceptible to getting snagged in a walleye’s jaw compared to a longer shank hook, especially if the fish comes in at an odd angle. This is a trade-off for better bait security and rig compactness. Additionally, while the rig is designed to be used with various trolling weights, it’s important to note that it’s not intended to be a standalone heavy lure; its effectiveness relies on being paired with appropriate bottom bouncers or inline weights.

Design & Ergonomics

The design philosophy of the Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler leans towards rugged functionality over intricate aesthetics. The wire leader, approximately 9 inches in length, is robust and shows excellent resistance to kinking, even after repeated aggressive casts and retrieves. The use of quality crimps or swivels where the leader attaches to the main rig and the hooks are securely fastened, giving confidence in its construction.

Ergonomically, it’s designed for ease of use in the field. Rigging a nightcrawler takes mere seconds, and the two hooks ensure that even if one fails to find purchase, the other is likely to hook the fish. The bright silver chrome finish of the blade offers excellent flash, which is particularly effective in both clear and moderately stained water. The overall feel is one of a dependable tool, not a delicate instrument.

While the rig’s primary components are functional, there isn’t much in the way of complex ergonomic features. It’s a simple harness designed to hold bait and spin a blade. However, the clarity of the blade’s finish and the obvious quality of the hooks contribute to a positive user experience by simply “working” as intended without fuss.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler is a significant selling point for any angler who plans on putting their gear through the wringer. Nichols Lures has clearly opted for materials that can withstand harsh fishing conditions. The stainless steel wire leader is exceptionally resistant to corrosion and abrasion, a critical factor when dragging rigs along the lakebed.

I have yet to see any significant wear or tear after numerous outings. The crimps holding the hooks and the main swivel are solid, and the wire itself shows no signs of fraying or weakness. The blades, made from what appears to be durable plated brass or similar metal, retain their finish and shape remarkably well, resisting scratches and dents even after bumping against rocks and submerged wood.

Maintenance is blessedly simple. A quick rinse with fresh water after use, especially after fishing in saltwater or brackish conditions, is all that’s required. Ensuring the Trokar treble hooks are dry before long-term storage will prevent any potential surface rust, though their quality construction makes this less of a concern. This rig is built to last, making it an excellent investment for the serious walleye angler.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler comes as a complete rig, ready to be fished right out of the package with the addition of a nightcrawler and a bottom bouncer. The core components are the well-balanced blade (available in Colorado or Indiana), the 9-inch wire leader, and the two 4/0 EWG short shank Trokar treble hooks.

While the rig itself isn’t highly customizable in the sense of swapping out major components like the leader length or hook type without some minor modification, Nichols Lures does offer it in different blade styles and likely a range of colors, though the Silver Chrome is a classic and highly effective choice. The real “customization” comes from the bait you attach and the weight you pair with it. It’s designed to be highly compatible with standard bottom bouncers, inline weights, and of course, a lively nightcrawler. For those who prefer artificial baits, it also works very well with soft plastic crawlers and grub bodies.

Pros and Cons of Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler

Who Should Buy Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler?

The Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler is an outstanding choice for any angler specifically targeting walleye, especially those who utilize bottom-bouncing and slow-trolling techniques. It’s perfect for anglers who appreciate high-quality, durable gear that performs consistently on the water. This rig is ideal for those who fish in conditions where a bit more vibration and flash are needed to draw fish in, such as stained water, windy days, or when walleye are being finicky.

Anglers who are looking for a dependable, no-nonsense crawler harness that will withstand repeated use and harsh environments will find this to be an excellent addition to their tackle box. It’s particularly suited for those who fish larger bodies of water like the Great Lakes or rivers where a more aggressive presentation is often required.

Those who are on a very strict budget and only fish occasionally might find less expensive options sufficient. Also, anglers primarily targeting panfish or smaller game fish may not need the robust nature or hook size of this particular rig. For those using this rig, I highly recommend pairing it with a quality swivel and a well-chosen bottom bouncer weight appropriate for your fishing depth and conditions. Having a selection of both live and artificial nightcrawlers is also a wise move to adapt to any situation.

Conclusion on Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler

The Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler is a testament to Nichols Lures’ commitment to producing high-performance fishing tackle. It strikes an excellent balance between rugged durability and enticing action, making it a go-to choice for serious walleye anglers. The quality of the materials, particularly the sharp Trokar hooks and robust wire leader, ensures reliability and effectiveness on the water.

While it sits at a slightly higher price point than basic harnesses, the performance and longevity it offers justify the investment. The vibration generated by its blade options, especially the Colorado, is exceptional for calling in hesitant walleye. This rig doesn’t just hold bait; it makes it dance.

I can confidently recommend the Nichols Lures Walleye Crawler Hauler to any walleye angler looking to enhance their drift or trolling presentations. It’s a piece of gear that performs when it counts, and its build quality suggests it will be a staple in my tackle box for seasons to come. If you’re serious about catching more walleye, this crawler harness is certainly worth considering.