Monday, October 5, 2015

Renosky Rockin' Rattlin' & Walkin' Shad Review

Walking Shad:    Colors: 6     Weight: N/A   Size: 2 or 3"   Pack Count: 1
      
Intro:

One of the first shad style hollow body baits to hit the market, the Renosky RRW Shad brings with it some interesting features.. including a vertical body profile, as well as each colour coming with its own specific tail design and replacement tail.


Overall Rating:  6.3/10
Each frog is rated on the following criteria: Quality, Castability, Presentation, Hook-up Ratio Available Options, Product Availability & Price


Quality & Durability: 2.5/5

Rensoky is really hit or miss when it comes to the quality of their baits. The Shad has a thick air tight body that keeps water out, but also takes a long time to get its shape back once a fish hits it, or you squeeze it too tight. (guilty)

The tail looks pretty budget and like the Rensoky frog it can be pulled off during battle,  but Ill be honest, it moves incredibly well in the water and really makes the shad come alive.

Castability: 3.0/5

This frog/Shad is properly weighted and the body shape allows for great casting distance. Its not a great bait for skipping, but if you want to cover water and need an agile bait, this frog may just be for you.

Presentation: 3.5/5

I was extremely happy with this baits on water performance, it fishes like a quality swimbait and can be walked across the top of the water at almost any speed. The tail on this bait really, really impressed me, it may look cheap but it has a purpose.

Unlike other shad style frog baits the Renosky RRWS sits vertical in the water instead of on its side , and acts more like a fleeing baitfish then a wounded one. 

Hook-Up Ratio: 3.0/5

I might be slightly generous here with a score of 3/5, as this frog does have some weaknesses, mainly the side profile and thicker back can make it awkward when it comes to hammering the hooks home.

The hooks also are not covered as well as they could be, and pick up some serious debris when fishing in medium to heavy cover.



Availability & Price: 3.0/5

Another "only at tackle warehouse" bait, this frog is not exactly easy to find but its low $5 price point saves the day here.

Options: 4.0/5

Renosky offers up a cool assortment of options on this bait including 6 colours that each have a unique matching tail. Some have a crawfish tail, others a standard shad tail or jig skirted  tail. I like this idea, as it is one step closer to matching the hatch.

Oh yeah, the RRW Shad is also available in 2 sizes.


Where to Find:
In case you are having a hard time finding these locally, here are some reliable options for you.

Tackle Warehouse ($4.99 - 5.99)



Equipment:

I ran this frog on a Dobyns 736c, paired up with a Daiwa Tatula HD reel on 40lb braid. It you are working sparser cover feel free to drop down to a 735c and use that extra tip to really make this bait dance. 




Field Test Report Card:

Open Water (Sparse Pads): B
Pads (Medium Cover): B-
Slop & Grass (Heavy Cover): D

Walk the Dog: B+
Popping Action: N/A

Sit/Pause: B







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