Sucker Punch
The Sucker Punch is a classic soft swimbait, but good lures are often found in simplicity! It has an imposing paddle and a pastic body completely moulded over its structure, so no lead is visible.
The rubber used is rather soft, but nonetheless resistant, and doesn't tear easily. Even if there are cuts, they won't easily tear any further, leaving plenty of time for repairs with a suitable glue.
The Sucker Punch features two hooks. The first is a single hook on the back, used mainly to give structure to the lure. This hook can be cut without affecting the lure in any way, and in the process, remove any point that might snag without the landing net.
The second hook is a treble hook positioned on the belly. Its location places it directly on the pike's point of attack and it is this hook that will be used. It is mounted on a rolling swivel to allow the fish to turn on itself.
As far as colors are concerned, the main ones are there: firetiger, orange and white, for flashy colors, and perch and roach, for realistic patterns.
SR MR DR
Sucker Punch is available in three weights. The SR model, for shallow runner, swims between 40 and 80 centimetres deep. Suitable for shallow waters, its belly hook may tend to pick up grass or obstacles.
Then there's the MR model, which swims at around 2 meters, and the DR model, which swims at 3 meters and more. An inscription on the tail identifies the model in hand.
The big question, when deciding which model to choose, is whether the lightest model will accept lead weights, and thus kill three birds with one stone, by giving yourself the possibility of transforming an SR into an MR or DR.
The answer is yes, after several tests with different weights, the lure will indeed dive faster, without affecting the way it dives or swims. On the other hand, the weight tends to make the triple spin, which is not optimal, but not greatly disturbing.
Use
The Sucker Punch's design makes it an ideal lure for prospecting large, linear stretches. I specify linear, because apart from bringing back the cast, there's not much you can do with it.
The only way to vary its stroke is to lead it strongly at the head so that it can be used in a sawtooth pattern.
It casts very well and dives quickly in its DR version, which also makes it a good lure for live fishing or trolling in countries that allow this practice.
In short, this is a lure clearly designed for pike, and designed for pike!
My opinion
At ?17.95, the Sucker Punch is reasonably priced for a soft lure of this size. With a tube of glue to systematically repair it after each outing, it should still have a satisfactory lifespan.
I find it particularly interesting for fishing large areas and covering ground, when the depth lends itself to it and there are no well-defined structures or areas to prospect.
Sucker Punch
- Brand: Illex
- Type: Soft Swimbait
- Length: 19 centimetres
- Models: SR, MR and DR
- Weights: 88, 96.5 and 102.5 grams
- Price: ?17.95
- Distributor France: Sensas
