Dexter Shad
The Dexter Shad from Illex is a soft swimbait available in 5 different sizes: 105, 135, 155, 175 and 220 millimetres.
You have to be careful, because the consistency between name and size is not exact. For example, the 250 model (Dexter Shad 250) is not 25 centimetres, but 22 centimetres. So is the 200, which is actually 17.5 centimetres, not 20, as its name might suggest, especially as there's a 175 model, which is 15 centimetres. It's not a big deal, but you just have to be aware of it, as it can easily lead to confusion.
One of this lure's strengths is its rubber coating, which is relatively resistant to pike teeth. Its design is solid and there are no parts too thin to be cut at the slightest attack. If necessary, it can be easily repaired, and is capable of withstanding the attacks of a good number of pikes before becoming unusable.
Another feature, which in my opinion makes it attractive to pike, is its domed tail, reminiscent of the Shaker and Swim Fish from Lunker City.
This particular shape creates vibrations to which pikes seem to be very sensitive. The extra material on the paddle adds to its durability against pike teeth.
Its color is not obtained by tinting the plastic, but by printing on its surface. This technology makes it possible to print precise patterns and details, giving the lure greater realism and multiple possibilities.
This print is very solid and outlasts the life of the lure, so there's nothing to worry about.
Each year, the color chart is reviewed. There are about fifteen colors, with some new ones appearing and others no longer available. Here again, the Dexter Shad's primary target is pike, with colors often incorporating green, white and orange - everything you need to go after pike!
Finally, it accepts being mounted on a lead head, but what suits it best is the shallow mount. Texan mounting is not impossible, but not optimal.
Dexter Eel
The Dexter Shad is also available with an eel-type tail, and is called Dexter Eel. This other version allows you to create different vibrations and offer something different on those days when the traditional shad tail just won't do.
My opinion
The Dexter Shad seems to have been designed for pike fishing, in any case, it has all the right points for this use, and it would be a shame to go without this lure, especially for shallow mounts .
For pike fishing, if I had to select just one size, it would be the 17.5 centimeters, as it represents good prey, balances easily and doesn't require too powerful a rod - any XH will do.
