Thanks for the heads up on the lunker punker deal,would have never known about the sale without your post. Got a question for you, i just got mine and after reading the reviews on the bait i was wounering if i should put a clear coat on them or just fish them as is. Thanks
Good to hear from you. I didn't post the Lunker Punker deal myself, but was glad to see it on here. That's what this particular page is all about - deals!
I have heard varying reports on Lunker Punker clear coats. They look pretty good to me, but some people were complaining about paint wear. My biggest problem is that I am the worlds worst topwater fisherman, so - despite fishing the punker quite a bit, I have never been bit on it. Other people are wearing out baits catching fish. So, I can't offer a real good report on the durability of the finish.
It doesn't seem like a lure that would be affected too much by clear coat, so if you had trouble, adding some doesn't seem like a bad idea.
Jeremy has been painting up some custom colors for shows and other special events. These have a more durable finish than the factory runs. I didn't see the sale post yet, but I'm assuming this is from Black Dog's site where they're selling the blemished baits?
The blemished baits are from the factory run so will not have as durable finish as the ones that Jeremy paints himself.
Having said all that, i fish mine straight out of the package and haven't had a problem yet, but I've heard from others who have had a different experience than myself.
The newer punkers havent had any issues at this point. Another coat of clear wont hurt the action just dont put a gallon of it on there.Im sorry yours didnt hold up forever Eric. Way to throw a friend under the bus.Thanks!:( As always a wooden bait needs some level of care to prolong the life of it especially when you are striper fishing. Hook scars will always occur on any bait. When you have sharp metal against paint,plastic or wood Who do you think will win that battle? Any customer who has an issue will be taken care of. Its as simple as a phone call or email. I wish all a good topwater season!
That's a knarly treble hook as well. Something that heavy will rip up just about any hardbait. I haven't had any issues with mine (though I haven't managed to catch anything yet either).
My intention wasn't to throw you under the bus Jeremy. I love this bait. Grant on more than one occasion said to hit you up and you would fix it. Problem was I was to busy fishing it and didn't want to part with it for any amount of time as it was my only one. When it got bad enough all I did was cake some epoxy in the holes and it didn't mess up the action as far as I can tell.
Yeah I know hook scars are inevitable especially when you add on the Owner 2/0 stinger hooks. I plan on doing that to my dad's 2 punkers and any new ones I get (as soon as I have some spare money).
Ok. Well this thread got off topic... Punkers are for sale from their website www.blackdogbaits.com
Below is the smaller of my two Lunker Punker fish caught a few weeks ago the larger one was weighed at 14.1 lbs but didn't take a picture. I also dumped a 5+ LB Largemouth at the boat the day before... }(
#2493, "RE: Thanks Rob" In response to Reply # 8 Wed Jun-11-08 08:07 PM by CA Swimb8er
I have four of the Punkers; two standard and two Jrs. Two are custom painted and the other two are stock. Like others have said; all hardbaits get beat up by the hooks. I fish my baits hard, almost every trip; and have caught some fish over 8 on them. All I do when I see the hooks are starting to mark up the bait; is cover the area with clear fingernail polish. This only takes a few minutes and I can do it after I'm done fishing when I get home. Not a big deal. All of my Punkers have hook marks and teeth marks; but they are still in very good shape. But I have used the nail polish on all of them MORE than a few times. It does help though and makes the baits a lot more durable; even the custom colored ones. These are some of my favorite topwater baits; if not my favorite.
After reading a few of the responses concerning hooks tearing up baits I was just wondering if any of you guys "T" your hooks (especially belly hooks) Its a very common practice out here in the midwest for musky baits, especially wtd top waters and gliders. It will have no effect on action and really helps cut down on hook rash (it also prevents the hook points from lying flush alongside the body of a bait which has definitely increased my hook up percentage.)