Product Review - Slayer Lures

Continuing a breakdown of my preferred equipment lands me at the Slayer, Inc. product line. A buddy of mine Chris Cenci started the company a couple of years ago and has developed a great variety of products I use sometime or another during every tournament I compete in. There are lots of similar products on the market, but Slayer lures have a few tweaks that lead me to believe in them more than other brands.

Predator Jig Heads

The first stop is the Predator jig head. I used to think a jig head was pretty much a jig head and for some applications that is a true statement. But, when you start talking about lure fishing in tournaments there are certain things that become important and Slayer has addressed them starting with a high quality hook that won't straighten out when you put the heat on a fish trying to get it off structure. The second advantage is the keeper on top and bottom of the hook shaft that will secure a soft plastic better than other brands. I also like the recessed eyes that don't scrape off when they brush against an oyster or rock. The color pallet is good and the finish is better than other brands which means the paint doesn't chip off as easily from heavy usage.

More importantly, they come in several different weights AND different hook sizes. If you are using a small bait, the 3/0 size hook that most brands offer is just fine but if you throw a larger plastic such as a jerkbait then the 4/0 hook that Slayer offers will provide a much better chance for the fish to get impaled. I also like the streamlined shape which offers better action and doesn't catch grass when used with a spinnerbait.

Punisher In-line Spinnerbait

The Punisher model inline spinnerbait is another example of Slayer getting it right. I actually offered some insight into the design of this bait and am very happy with the outcome. I had been a big fan of the Terminator inline but it had a couple of problems - it spun when retrieved which could cause line twist issues and as of late the quality had diminished causing several baits I purchased to literally come apart in my hands. I couldn't risk that happening in a tournament! I liked the small size of the Terminator and the olympic blade shape but didn't find any other brands offering the same setup.

Chris took my feedback into account and made the Punisher available with both colorado and olympic blade setups. A keel weighted hook prevents the lure from spinning on retrieve and also provides the weight necessary to get the lure down into the grass. I also suggested the red bead he made available - to me it looks like the flash of a baitfish gill when the blade is spinning. Finally, the size is just right and it is built with heavy duty hardware. Bayou Bucks and Capt. Mike's had decent inlines but they were a bit too large in my opinion so the Slayer fits the bill for me.

Punisher R-Bend Spinnerbait

Variety is the key for the Punisher r-bend spinnerbait as well. Different blade shapes paired with different size and color Predator jig heads make this setup very versatile. Like everything else Slayer makes, the hardware is more than adequate for pulling an upper slot redfish out of heavy cover and into the net using a locked down drag. Chris also made me a special setup with the junior size which I personally like because of its smaller profile. Pair it with a 3/8oz Predator and the willow leaf blade and you can really get it down for deeper water applications (ie. flounder fishing).

Penetrator Hooks

The Penetrator hook series is another tool that I use in almost every tournament - especially when a soft presentation is necessary for spooky fish. To say it again, the key is variety - with several different size hooks and weights you can properly combine the Penetrator with lots of different soft plastic baits. They come in red or black nickle and also feature a screw in baitkeeper which will hold the bait on better than plunger style models available from other manufacturers. Heavy duty hooks are ready for heavy duty situations.

Predator Weedless Jig Head

The newest addition to the family is a weedless version of the Predator jig head. This is going to be deadly for fishing the flood tide spartina grass here in Jacksonville and will also be a great tool for the grass covered flats of the Mosquito Lagoon and southwest Florida.

To check out all of the styles, colors, and sizes visit http://www.slayerinc.com/