I go back and forth sometimes debating whether the Storm stuff is cheap junk or innovative and affordable. My natural tendency is to avoid anything on a Wal-Mart shelf, but then again - the suspending wild eye swimbaits aren't bad, and some of the new styles are pretty cutting edge in terms of shape and forage imitation.

The Wildeye Live Goby is a small lure. At 1/4oz, it sinks at a good clip with 10-14lb test, which is what feels right with this lure. I tested three baits, as they come three to pack. I can't say that any of them swam "money" but they all swam decent.

Storm could have improved this bait by making the plastic softer to get more kick at slow speed. As a mass-market type lure, I suspect that they err toward tougher plastic to avoid complaints that the lures fall apart. With a lure like this though, that is so small - you need soft plastic.

The color selection is also hard to understand, unless you're having some kind of 60's flashbacks. Storm's soft plastic coloring technology is such that they could put out super-realistic baits. But in the interest of catching fishermen they seem to prefer psychedelic greens and pearlescent interiors. The bait pictured below isn't terrible, but it's weird. Sculpin and gobys try to hide, not stand out.

I'd consider the Wildeye Live Goby as a bedfishing lure, particularly for smallmouth. I might also give it a try around shallow, rocky flats areas on spotted bass or smallies. The lures cost about $1.30 each so... if you bought 3 or 4 packs, you might find some that swam just right. Then if you could find a bottle of brown dippin dye... I think you might have something useful.


http://www.calfishing.com/files/Images/lures/small_swimbaits/storm_wildeye_live_goby/storm_wildeye_live_goby_side.jpg

Out of all the soft swimbaits that Storm puts out, this is the only one I would want to try. Next time I'm at Walmart, I'll have to browse the fishing aisles.

When I was alot younger I'd catch some for Striper bait, and occasionally hook a nice sized Largemouth in the process. I've always wanted to use a Mudsucker immitation for Bass-especially on the Delta. Until a better bait company kicks one out, I'll give the Storm Goby a go.

For a 1/4 oz lure, the wire gauge on the hook looks a little thick.
I will probably cut it off, like I do with the other storm baits I use, and attach a double hook on the back (attach via 100 lb. spectra to the cut jig hook shank. I then stick a toothpic in the back, and spread the double hook apart, and close on the toothpick to hold in postion.
Thanx for the report, I think I will try some on the Japanese smallmouth.:P

"Known as the person who introduced swimbait fishing to Japan"