The parade of Basstrix clones continues, and this time we've reached a new level.

Because this is calfishing.com, the site where you get straight opinions on swimbaits, I am here to tell you that this lure simply is a Basstrix. The bait is identical in every possible way to a 5" Basstrix.

I hate to say it, but the molds appear to be a little cleaner than the Basstrix molds, and on top of that you get the powerbait scent in the lure. Toss in a weighed hook, $3 per lure average price, and the rigging accessories, and the reasons for buying the original become less and less compelling.

I feel bad for Bruce Porter on this one. The other Basstrix copies I've seen to this point have ranged from crummy to decent - but none of them were Basstrix equivalents. This lure (let me say it again) simply is a Basstrix. There is no difference in the water or out.

One group I don't feel too bad for is the guys scoring big markups on Basstrix via eBay. That market for 5" baits is going to take a hit as a result of this lure. Berkley has the manufacturing capability to dump thousands of these things on the market. Considering the first shipment sold out at TW in less than a week I am sure they are scaling things up as we speak.

So love it or hate it, that's the deal. At least Jay Yelas won't have to say he caught them on an "un-named swimbait" any more.


http://www.calfishing.com/files/Images/lures/small_swimbaits/berkley_powerbait_hollow_belly/berkley_powerbait_hollow_belly_terminal.jpg