Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait Review

The Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait: Review from Real Use

For years, my tackle box has been a testament to trial and error, a vibrant, slightly chaotic collection of lures that have seen more water than I have in some seasons. Among the countless jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics, spinnerbaits hold a special, almost talismanic place. They’re the workhorses, the search baits, the lures that can often save a tough day on the water. When I first saw the Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait, I was intrigued. It promised a refined take on a classic, with features designed to enhance its effectiveness.

My quest for this particular spinnerbait was born from a frustrating tournament last spring. The bass were finicky, suspended, and just not committing to my usual offerings. I needed something with more flash, more vibration, and a skirt that moved with subtlety, not just a frantic, unnatural dance. I’d tried a few budget spinnerbaits that day with little success; their skirts often bunched up, and the blades seemed to spin erratically, if at all. I was looking for a more consistent, reliable performer that could cut through the noise and get down to business.

Upon arrival, the Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait presented itself with a certain understated quality. The painted head was smooth and vibrant, featuring what Strike King calls holographic 3D eyes that truly seemed to catch the light. The wire arm felt robust, not flimsy, suggesting it could handle the abuse of aggressive strikes. It felt balanced in the hand, a crucial trait for any lure that’s going to spend hours being cast and retrieved. I’d briefly considered a couple of other high-end spinnerbaits, but the inclusion of the pre-rigged trailer hook and the unique skirt system on this model caught my attention. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism – it looked good, felt solid, and had some interesting design elements.

Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait to the Test

My initial testing ground for the Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait was a familiar, moderately stained lake known for its healthy population of largemouth bass. I was targeting areas with submerged wood, points dropping into deeper water, and weed lines – classic spinnerbait territory. I chose the Chartreuse White color option, a go-to for many conditions, especially when there’s a bit of cloud cover or the water is less than crystal clear.

First Use Experience

The first few casts with the Premier Plus were revelatory. The combination of the Colorado blade on one side and the Willowleaf blade on the other created a perfect symphony of thump and flash. The Colorado blade provided a consistent, low-frequency vibration that I could feel all the way up the line, while the Willowleaf blade added a faster, more enticing flash. This dual-blade setup proved incredibly effective at drawing strikes from hesitant fish, even when I was simply performing a steady retrieve through open water.

The lure’s action was consistent across a range of retrieve speeds. I experimented with slow, steady rolls just above the bottom, moderate retrieves that kept the bait in the mid-water column, and even a few faster burns to simulate fleeing baitfish. At no point did the spinnerbait become unbalanced or fail to maintain its intended action. The Spin Eze ball bearing swivels certainly lived up to their name, allowing the blades to spin freely and responsively, contributing to the lure’s overall stability and appeal. Even when accidentally bumping against submerged logs, the lure often swam itself free without getting hung up, a testament to its design.

Extended Use & Reliability

After weeks of consistent use, spanning multiple fishing trips in varied conditions from bright sun to overcast skies, the Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait has proven to be a remarkably reliable performer. The paint on the head has held up exceptionally well, showing only minor scuffs from unavoidable contact with rocks and wood, which is frankly impressive for any painted lure. The silicone skirt, with its integrated Magic Tail, remains vibrant and full, showing no signs of premature fraying or degradation.

Durability has been a standout trait. The tempered stainless steel wire arm has maintained its integrity, showing no signs of bending or weakening, even after several solid hooksets and the occasional minor collision with structure. The blades, both the gold and nickel plated ones, have retained their flash and are free from significant corrosion or damage. The Sabre Point trailer hook has been a game-changer, significantly increasing my hook-up ratio on those short-striking bass that used to escape. It’s held up well, remaining sharp and securely attached throughout my fishing sessions. The ease of maintenance is also a big plus; a quick rinse under tap water after a day of fishing and a proper air dry are all that’s needed to keep this spinnerbait in top condition, ready for the next outing.

Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait

The Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait isn’t just a pretty face; it’s packed with thoughtful features designed for serious anglers. It’s clear that Strike King has put considerable effort into refining the spinnerbait formula with this model.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Strike King
• Color: Chartreuse White
• Fabric/Material: Wire, Silicone
• Quantity: 1

These specifications tell a story of durability and visual appeal. The wire construction for the frame provides the backbone of the lure, ensuring it maintains its shape and the crucial blade-to-skirt relationship. The silicone used for the skirt, particularly the Z-Man perfect skirt with its integrated Magic Tail, is key to its lifelike appearance and action. Having a single spinnerbait per package allows for more focused, quality control on each individual unit, ensuring it meets performance standards right out of the box.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of a spinnerbait is to elicit strikes through vibration and flash, and the Premier Plus excels at this. The dynamic spinnerbait design, featuring one Colorado and one Willowleaf blade, is a masterclass in achieving balanced vibration and flash. The Colorado blade delivers a powerful thump that can be felt by fish from a distance, while the Willowleaf blade provides a more subtle, erratic flash that can trigger hesitant bites. This combination is highly effective for searching large areas of water and identifying active bass.

Its performance in various water clarities has been impressive. In stained water, the Chartreuse White color, combined with the pulsating blades, provided a clear silhouette for bass to track. In clearer conditions, the flash from the 24k gold and nickel plated blades was still subtle enough not to spook fish, especially when retrieved at a moderate pace. The lure’s tendency to maintain its action even when encountering minor debris is a testament to its balanced design and the quality of its components. It truly lives up to its promise as a ready to fish lure, requiring minimal adjustments before hitting the water.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait is both practical and visually appealing. The hand-sculpted baitfish-style head is beautifully painted and features those striking holographic 3D eyes that add a level of realism not often found on spinnerbaits in this price range. The skirt, matched perfectly to the head color, provides a natural, full profile that imitates baitfish without appearing overly bulky.

Ergonomically, the lure is designed for easy casting and retrieval. Its balanced weight distribution means it flies true through the air, and the Spin Eze ball bearing swivels ensure smooth rotation of the blades without torque transfer to the line. The wire arm is positioned at an optimal angle to keep the bait running true and prevent it from rolling over, a common annoyance with lesser spinnerbaits. This thoughtful design makes it a pleasure to fish with for extended periods.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is clearly a priority for Strike King with this model. The tempered stainless steel wire arm is robust and resistant to bending, a critical factor for a lure that often encounters snags and powerful strikes. The 24k gold and nickel plated blades are not just for show; they are resilient and maintain their finish well, resisting corrosion even after repeated exposure to fresh and saltwater environments. The skirt material is tough and flexible, designed to withstand repeated strikes without tearing or losing its shape.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick rinse in fresh water after each use is sufficient to remove any slime or debris. Allowing the lure to air dry completely before storing it in a tackle box or lure wrap will further extend its lifespan. There are no complex parts to disassemble or maintain, making it an ideal choice for anglers who want a lure that’s ready to go with minimal fuss.

Accessories and Customization Options

The most notable included accessory is the pre-rigged Sabre Point trailer hook. This is a fantastic value-add, as trailer hooks are essential for maximizing hook-ups, especially on aggressive strikes. Having it professionally rigged right out of the package saves anglers the hassle of doing it themselves. The Z-Man perfect skirt with its integrated Magic Tail effectively acts as a built-in trailer, providing extra bulk and enticing movement to the skirt without the need for a separate plastic trailer.

While this spinnerbait is designed to be highly effective right out of the package, experienced anglers might consider minor customizations. The Sabre Point trailer hook can be swapped for a different size or brand if personal preference dictates. However, the core design of the lure, particularly the skirt and blade combination, is so well-executed that extensive customization is often unnecessary. It’s a testament to the product’s completeness that it requires so little modification to perform optimally.

Pros and Cons of Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait

Who Should Buy Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait?

The Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait is an excellent choice for any angler looking to upgrade their search bait arsenal. It is particularly well-suited for bass anglers, from intermediate to advanced levels, who understand the value of a high-quality spinnerbait for covering water and triggering bites. If you’re tired of spinnerbaits that twist line, have dull blades, or sport skirts that fall apart after a few fish, this model is a significant step up.

Anglers who fish in stained or moderately clear water will find the Chartreuse White model particularly effective, as it offers a great balance of visibility and subtlety. This spinnerbait is ideal for anglers targeting largemouth, spotted, and even smallmouth bass in a variety of environments, including lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Those who appreciate the convenience of a ready to fish lure, complete with a quality trailer hook, will also find immense value here.

Anyone looking for an ultra-compact, lightweight spinnerbait might consider other options, as this model is built for robust performance. However, for general-purpose bass fishing where versatility and reliability are key, this lure is hard to beat. As for essential accessories, ensuring you have a reliable line, reel, and rod capable of handling moderate cover are the primary considerations.

Conclusion on Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait

The Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait genuinely impressed me with its thoughtful design and consistent performance. It takes a proven lure category and refines it with premium components and features that make a tangible difference on the water. The combination of the dual blades, the lifelike skirt, the smooth swivels, and the essential pre-rigged trailer hook creates a lure that is both effective and incredibly user-friendly.

Considering its performance, durability, and the inclusion of high-quality features like the Sabre Point trailer hook and the Z-Man perfect skirt, the $5.40 price tag represents excellent value for money. It’s a lure that performs well beyond its cost, offering a level of sophistication and reliability often found in much pricier options.

I would absolutely recommend the Strike King Premier Plus Spinnerbait to any angler looking to enhance their spinnerbait fishing. It’s a reliable workhorse that consistently delivers, making it an indispensable addition to any serious bass angler’s tackle box. If you’re seeking a spinnerbait that cuts through the clutter and consistently puts fish in the boat, this model is a clear winner.