26/01/2024
*Nomad Squidtrex*
I wanted to share my review of the most talked-about lure I have ever used, the Nomad Squidtrex.
Fisherman are usually full of s**t, especially sponsored ones, so sit back, relax, and take in a truly unfiltered review of the most overhyped lure on the market.
Due to the price of $23.99 and the usual limitations of land-based anglers,I have stuck to the 75-mm Ayu specle; it weighs 14 grams and imitates a Sydney arrow squid.
The 75mm can potentially catch large and small fish, so it seems like the most versatile option for a fair review in Sydney Harbour.
I worked this lure on three different days in deep and shallow water on the edges of w**d beds, had it bounce along the bottom of clean white sand, and flung it into choppy, dirty water early on a Saturday morning. I paired the lure with a 2500-size reel, 3-6kg rod, 10lb braid, and 12lb leader.
On the positive side, it looks amazing in the water, never twisted or got tangled around my line, and it casts a mile.
It feels great as you move it through the water, unlike any vibe I have ever fished. It comes out of the pack squid-scented, so there is no need to put any Squidgy S-factor on it.
As I watched it shimmy through the water on the first couple of retrieves, I nearly started fanboying like the rest of Australia's fishermen. It truly does look incredible in the water; the UV stands out, and it seems to be the real deal at first glance.
However, it took me 100+ casts and multiple locations over 3 days to land a single 40-cm flathead, and when I did, the line attached to the assist hooks became frayed after one fish!
For the price of $23.99, the additional eyelet seems like a punch in the face. Why could a small single inline hook not be added to this lure upon purchase?
I know some of you will say just to add one myself, but why should I? The price of this lure could surely have had this added in.
At least expensive hardbodies are made with plastic or metal; TPE bodies are just glorified rubber! a fancy word to make us feel like we should pay the price!
I kept the lure in its box and cleaned it with fresh water after every use; nothing rusted, but the tentacles seemed to start clumping together and had all the trade marks of a lure that nearly melted!
I certainly did not buy this lure to catch a 40-cm flathead, something I could have done more consistently with a piece of pilchard or a Zman grub.
I will give it another chance tomorrow morning and may be back to give it some more praise, but for a price of $23.99, I am leading more to the fact that this has had some excellent marketing, and was flogged by a few “influencers”.
Score
Casting 10/10
Feel 10/10
Durability 5/10
Pice 2/10
Catches fish 2/10
