What’s Special About the Strike King Sexy Shad Sexy Spoon 5.5?
For years, I’ve been looking for a lure that truly captures the erratic, disoriented action of a dying baitfish, something that bass simply can’t resist. Enter the Strike King Sexy Shad Sexy Spoon 5.5. This isn’t just another spoon; it’s designed to mimic that panicked flutter and fall that triggers aggressive strikes. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid craftsmanship. The weight felt substantial, and the finish was impressive, hinting at a lure built to withstand the rigors of serious fishing. I considered a few generic spoons and some soft plastic jerkbaits, but they lacked the specific profile and action I was after. This spoon, however, felt like it could be the answer to my search.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike King Sexy Shad Sexy Spoon 5.5 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first took this lure out on a fairly still lake with submerged brush piles and some deeper grass lines. The conditions were ideal for testing a spoon – calm water with plenty of cover. My initial casts were met with a satisfyingly long and stable flight, allowing me to accurately place it near the structure. The retrieve, a simple “rip and flutter” technique, produced an immediate, erratic wobble that was visually captivating even from the boat. I didn’t encounter any immediate issues; it felt balanced and performed as advertised right out of the package.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, spanning multiple fishing trips, the Strike King Sexy Shad Sexy Spoon 5.5 has proven its mettle. It has spent countless hours being worked through submerged brush, skittering over mussel beds, and fluttering down through deep grass. Despite the rough environments, the finish has held up remarkably well, with only minor scuffs that are to be expected with any hard-working lure. The hook, a stout treble, has maintained its sharpness and excellent holding power, resulting in a high hook-up ratio. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick rinse and wipe down is all that’s needed to keep it in prime condition. Compared to some flimsy spoons I’ve used in the past, this model is a clear step up in durability and consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike King Sexy Shad Sexy Spoon 5.5
Specifications
The Strike King Sexy Shad Sexy Spoon 5.5 measures a full 5.5 inches in length and tips the scales at a robust 1.25 oz. This substantial weight is crucial for achieving the desired casting distance and for getting the lure down to the strike zone quickly. Its construction is described as a high-carbon, one-piece design, which translates to immense durability and resilience against brute strikes. The “Sexy Shad” color pattern is a proven winner, mimicking a variety of baitfish with its intricate detailing and realistic profile. These specifications work in harmony to create a lure that is not only visually appealing but also functionally superior for targeting bass.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of this spoon is to entice bites by mimicking a wounded baitfish, and it excels at this. Its defining characteristic is an erratic wobble during the retrieve, coupled with a seductive flutter on the fall. This combination is incredibly effective, especially when targeting suspended bass or those holding tight to structure. It truly acts like a dying baitfish, making it irresistible. Strengths include its excellent flash and flutter, making it a premier spoon for fishing around submerged brush, deep grass, and mussel beds. A potential area for minor improvement could be the hook hanger; while durable, ensuring it remains perfectly aligned after numerous violent strikes is something to keep an eye on, though I haven’t had an issue myself yet.
Design & Ergonomics
Strike King has clearly put thought into the design of this spoon. The curvaceous body isn’t just for aesthetics; it contributes significantly to the lure’s unique action. The overall build quality feels premium for its price point, conveying a sense of ruggedness that instills confidence. While it’s a spoon, and thus doesn’t have complex ergonomics, its balance allows for easy casting and a controlled retrieve. The finish is also noteworthy; it’s applied evenly and seems tough enough to handle abuse from both fish and the environment.
Durability & Maintenance
As a high-carbon, one-piece design, this lure is built to last. I’ve worked it through gnarly cover that would have easily bent or damaged lesser lures. After extended use, there are no signs of cracks or material fatigue, which speaks volumes about its construction. Maintenance is refreshingly simple: a rinse with freshwater after each outing prevents corrosion and keeps the finish bright. No specialized tools or complex cleaning procedures are required, making it ideal for anglers who want reliable performance without fuss.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike King Sexy Shad Sexy Spoon 5.5 comes ready to fish right out of the package. It features a sharp treble hook with excellent hooking and holding power, which is a critical component for any fishing lure. While this spoon is designed to be used as is, its robust construction means it’s unlikely to require extensive customization. Anglers might choose to upgrade the treble hook to a different style or brand for personal preference, but the included hardware is already of high quality and performs admirably.
Pros and Cons of Strike King Sexy Shad Sexy Spoon 5.5
Pros
- Premier Spoon: Designed to emulate a dying baitfish with exceptional flash, flutter, and fall.
- Irresistible Action: The erratic wobble and seductive flutter are highly effective at triggering strikes.
- Durable Construction: A high-carbon, one-piece design ensures it can withstand rigorous use.
- Ready to Fish: Comes equipped with a sharp treble hook offering excellent hooking and holding power.
- Versatile Application: Excels around submerged brush, deep grass, and mussel beds.
Cons
- Weight Consideration: The 1.25 oz weight might be too heavy for very light line setups or specific shallow water presentations.
- Single Color Pattern: While Sexy Shad is effective, a wider range of color options could appeal to more anglers.
Who Should Buy Strike King Sexy Shad Sexy Spoon 5.5?
This lure is an absolute must-have for any bass angler who targets deeper water, submerged structure, or fish that respond well to a wounded baitfish presentation. If you frequently fish areas with submerged brush piles, weed beds, or rocky bottoms, this spoon will quickly become a staple in your tackle box. It’s particularly well-suited for anglers looking for a reliable lure that doesn’t require complex rigging or techniques, simply a good rip-and-fall retrieve.
Those who primarily fish very shallow, open water might find the weight a bit excessive, and anglers strictly adhering to ultra-light tackle might want to look at smaller spoon options. For everyone else, especially those targeting largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass in structure-heavy environments, this model is an excellent choice. A good quality spinning or baitcasting setup with adequate line strength is recommended to effectively handle its weight and power.
Conclusion on Strike King Sexy Shad Sexy Spoon 5.5
The Strike King Sexy Shad Sexy Spoon 5.5 is a triumph of lure design, blending authentic baitfish action with robust construction. Its ability to mimic a struggling baitfish with its unique flash, flutter, and fall is truly remarkable and has consistently produced results for me. For its modest price point, the durability and performance offered are exceptional, making it a fantastic value. I wholeheartedly recommend this spoon to any serious bass angler looking to add a potent tool to their arsenal for targeting fish holding tight to cover or suspended in the water column. It’s a reliable performer that has earned its place among my go-to lures.