Strike King KVD Wake Bait Review
- By: Matthew Lanier
- on
The Strike King Wake Bait has become one of my favorite lures for inshore saltwater fishing!
Traditionally, this lure has been mostly used for freshwater bass.
But lately, it has proved to be a secret weapon for me in saltwater.
Take a look!
Strike King Wake Bait [VIDEO]
Check out Replacement Single Inline Hooks
As I mentioned above, the Strike King KVD Wake Bait is most commonly used in freshwater for bass fishing applications.
The lure itself is a shallow-running crankbait style lure with a vertical bill in front.
The vertical bill or lip of the lure allows it to sit right beneath the surface.
Some other types of wake baits will either swim too close to the surface or too low in the water column.
You could reel it in slightly faster to make it dive deeper but that is not the intention of this lure and could create an unnatural presentation that can turn fish away.
I have found Strike King to be the best option out there because other lures don’t have the same action, the same rattle, or even quite the same hook-up ratio.
In my opinion, Strike King KVD Wake Baits perform the best for inshore saltwater fishing.
I personally have fished with just about every other type of wake bait out there and nothing has come close to the consistency of this wake bait from Strike King.
Pros
Strike King’s Wake Bait runs no more than a foot or less beneath the surface.
Which makes it more of a TRUE wake bait.
This lure leaves a clear wake on top of the water’s surface as it glides in the water.
Moreover, compared to other types of wake baits, Strike King’s is ideal for inshore fishing.
The variety of lure profiles goes on and on but the Strike King KVD Wake Bait resembles inshore saltwater baitfish and appears natural in saltwater.
There are a plethora of ways to retrieve this lure.
From a straight slow crank to a topwater style retrieve, or as intended, this lure is versatile.
Also, these lures have the perfect rattles in them.
As the lure swims just below the surface and wiggles, it creates that rattling noise to attract predatory fish over to investigate.
As a result, these lures are super productive on windy days when you need to call fish in with some added noise.
Cons
While I am a huge fan of the lure itself and the advantages it has over other lures of its kind, the treble hooks that come on the lure in the packaging are not very good.
These hooks are the right size for inshore treble hooks but they are not built to last.
On more than one occasion, fish straightened out the treble hooks on these lures out of the package.
I recommend changing out both the split rings and the treble hooks for single inline hooks.
The split rings that come equipped on this lure are not a saltwater grade.
Personally, I prefer to use Owner split rings and single inline hooks as replacements on the Wake Bait.
Single inline hooks also do not pick up as much floating grass and debris as treble hooks do.
Check out Replacement Single Inline Hooks
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Conclusion
Strike King Wake Baits have helped me land tournament-winning fish and are a great addition to your tackle box during the warmer months.
I recommend adding this lure to your tackle arsenal to beef up your approach this summer and dial in on those larger fish lurking in the shallows.
Be sure to head over to our shop and grab Wake Bait lures today!
Check out Replacement Single Inline Hooks
Do you have any questions about the Strike King Wake Bait?
Let me know what you think of this lure review!
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What size single hook do you use to replace the treble hooks on the KVD 2.5 Wake Bait? Thanks
2/0
Great article!
What are rod and reel specs you prefer for these wake baits?
TFO Pro 7’6” Med because the rods run stiffer.
I’ve had good luck catching trout at dawn or dusk with these. And anytime I can avoid treble hooks in a kayak is a good thing. Based on this excellent report, I’m going to keep a rod rigged with one and try it during daylight. Thanks!
I have solid success during all times of day with these baits! I’m sure you will continue having success even in the day!!
Thanks for watching!
Do you change out the nose split ring too
Good question! It is okay to do either as I feel it is all about personal preference, but you will typically get a better action from the bait without it.
Thanks for watching Ron!
Hey Matt what color do you recommend for clear water conditions
I often use the Natural Shad during clear water conditions, but the shizzle has worked in clear water as well! Try both and see what they like!
Thanks for watching Rob!
Great info on the Strike King! I noticed in the photo, the lure was silvery. I assume that is the “Shizzle” I also saw a “natural Shad”. Which color do you recommend????
Chuck
I use them both! I like to use Natural shad on an incoming tide and the Shizzle on an outgoing as the water is typically a bit dirtier on an outgoing.
Give them a try and see what the fish want! Thanks for watching!
Great video. I will have to try it out.
Glad it was helpful, John!
Enjoyed both videos (review & replacing hooks) Thank you for sharing your success and tips. For inland fresh water (bass or other) is it better to stay with the OE treble hooks?
Thanks for watching Heath! The trebles are okay for freshwater fish, but still pose a risk in many of the ways that they would in saltwater. Good question!
Killer review, my dude!
Thanks brotha! Much appreciated! 💪