Is the Bull Shad really worth it? 2024
Luke Barnes reply :
This year I want to get a few hard jointed swim baits. I see the Mike Bucca bull shad and baby bull shad are popular, but at $14 for one I'm out. Plus I dont think they look that good. Big space betweens segments and colors are meh. The H2O Express ones at Academy, to me, look better. Less gap between segments and good colors and patterns. I want a bluegill and a shad patterned one. I have ZERO experience with them, so any advice would be appreciated.
Also I have no interest in glide bait style swimbaits.
Choporoz reply :
On 2/12/2020 at 11:44 PM, Luke Barnes said:Is the Bull Shad really worth it?
On 2/12/2020 at 11:44 PM, Luke Barnes said:but at $14 for one I'm out.
Looks like you answered your question already.
I have a jointed H2O swimbait from Academy. Never had a bite on it.
J Francho reply :
On 2/12/2020 at 11:44 PM, Luke Barnes said:but at $14 for one I'm out
On 2/12/2020 at 11:44 PM, Luke Barnes said:The H2O Express ones at Academy, to me, look better.
On 2/12/2020 at 11:44 PM, Luke Barnes said:I have ZERO experience with them
On 2/12/2020 at 11:44 PM, Luke Barnes said:I have no interest in glide bait style swimbaits
What's the question? I got my money's worth (and still planning on getting more) with an OG HPH that is similar to the Bull Shad, but cost me $75. I have a few Baby Bull Shads I'm looking forward to trying out this year.
Jrob78 reply :
Bull Shad are $50-$90 depending on size. If $14 is too much for you then it doesn't really matter how great the Bull Shad is. I've had really good success with them and do think they are worth the price.
The H20 baits have good movement and I've caught fish on them, that is a good place to start.
You aren't going to find much in the sub $15 hard swimbait world that is going to be worth spending your money on. There is a reason those baits cost what they do.
dgkasper58 reply :
I asked Mike Bucca what the difference between the two (plastic (baby) and resin(original)) and he did not want to answer other than size, as he would have to put 1 product over the other and he did not want to. Many others chimed in and said that resin (original) is well worth it in terms of durability and options. Many prefer beat up pain but others are paying BIG bucks for the CHROME/flash on some of his baits where he partnered with a painter who is doing some really nice work.
fishwizzard reply :
On 2/12/2020 at 11:44 PM, Luke Barnes said:Plus I dont think they look that good. Big space betweens segments and colors are meh. The H2O Express ones at Academy, to me, look better.
You are looking at it sitting in the package, that stuff stops mattering when you fish it as they want a quick retrieve where action matters more. The OG Bull Shads look like something that a kid would make in summer camp but they are unquestionable very effective lures.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I have a Baby Bull Shad and have had the H2O baits, along with having a few of the resin Bull Shads. The BBS beats the pants off the H20 baits. It's a much more fluid swim, a much more level and controlled sink, and the hook hanger placement is much better. I like most H2O baits, but the swimbaits were not great.
suzuki2903 reply :
i use the baby bull shad and the h20 xpress one as well, both work fine and both catch fish. the bull shad is bigger in size and worth the price! they can also be had on sale through dicks often or use coupon codes on them.
looking45 reply :
On 2/12/2020 at 11:44 PM, Luke Barnes said:This year I want to get a few hard jointed swim baits. I see the Mike Bucca bull shad and baby bull shad are popular, but at $14 for one I'm out. Plus I dont think they look that good. Big space betweens segments and colors are meh. The H2O Express ones at Academy, to me, look better. Less gap between segments and good colors and patterns. I want a bluegill and a shad patterned one. I have ZERO experience with them, so any advice would be appreciated.
Also I have no interest in glide bait style swimbaits.
As mentioned, $14 is not expensive for a swim bait, especially one that catches fish. Here on the west coast, almost every bass shop has swim baits that cost $40-$90 and my local shop can't keep them in stock. Here's an expensive bait
https://www.ebay.com/itm/HINKLE-TROUT-SHAD-LURES-FISHING/312884013937?hash=item48d9572b71:g:q4EAAOSwU4hd8Feu
J Francho reply :
No one pays that much for a Hinkle. 1/3 that is high.
Columbia Craw reply :
I'll find out this spring.
Harold Scoggins reply :
Glide baits...so looking forward to throwing this one this year.
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Smalls reply :
On 2/13/2020 at 1:16 AM, dgkasper58 said:Many prefer beat up pain but others are paying BIG bucks for the CHROME/flash on some of his baits where he partnered with a painter who is doing some really nice work.
Those chrome baits are siiiiiiiiick. I don't like to spend much on swimbaits anymore, but I'd pay good money for one of those.
OP, the baby bullshad is a good intro to see swimbaits, and gets bit. But if $14 is too much for you to spend, I suggest leaving swimbaits in general alone. Even quality soft baits are often going to run you more than that.
Luke Barnes reply :
Wow I didnt realize hard swimbaits were that expensive! The one I was looking at was the Catch Co baby bull shad. So the original is that much more expensive?
I've got plenty of soft swimbaits that come intrigued like the SK Rage Swimmers and I have one Optimum Boom Boom line through.
In comparison you all are right that $14 is way better than $50 or more, never looked into them that much.
J Francho reply :
Hand made, tested, and tuned baits command a higher price than production line baits.
JediAmoeba reply :
On 2/13/2020 at 11:49 PM, Luke Barnes said:In comparison you all are right that $14 is way better than $50 or more, never looked into them that much.
When it comes to swimbaits, $50 is cheap. I would say the common price is 100-120 bucks. Depending on the paint scheme and size it can cost a lot more.
Luke Barnes reply :
On 2/14/2020 at 12:22 AM, JediAmoeba said:When it comes to swimbaits, $50 is cheap. I would say the common price is 100-120 bucks. Depending on the paint scheme and size it can cost a lot more.
For one bait?? That's insane! Did they really catch more fish than other baits?
Also unfortunately the Dicks sporting goods in my city stopped selling fishing stuff so would have to buy a catch co baby bull shad online.
Choporoz reply :
On 2/14/2020 at 12:59 AM, Luke Barnes said:For one bait?? That's insane! Did they really catch more fish than other baits?
Keep in mind that number of fish isn't the only measure of value.
Do you have any other hobbies? Nearly every hobby has a parallel. Value is extremely personal...and will differ greatly from one angler to another...many factors to consider; not just number of fish
MassYak85 reply :
On 2/14/2020 at 12:59 AM, Luke Barnes said:For one bait?? That's insane! Did they really catch more fish than other baits?
Half of it is targeting bigger fish, but half of it is deifinitely that some people just like fishing them more and even collecting them. Like others said they're handmade works of art most of the time by garage bait makers. Sometimes I feel bad chucking them in the water but it's kind of a badge of honor for the bait to start showing some wear... It means it's working.
As for the bullshad, the original resin ones are all I've ever fished. I agree, they look kinda ugly. But Mike Bucca has tuned them meticulously and has the action dialed. They get crushed.
Luke Barnes reply :
Thanks for all the information. I've only been fishing for about 3 years so just now getting into them.
I think I'm going to try a H2O express one and see if it fits my style, then upgrade to a catch co baby bull shad. You can never have too many lures! So I'll start cheap and work up to more expensive ones.
PhishLI reply :
On 2/14/2020 at 12:59 AM, Luke Barnes said:For one bait?? That's insane! Did they really catch more fish than other baits?
It's hard operating a small, low production business. You've got to keep the lights on. This is reflected in the asking prices.
Hobbies tend to get insane. Try shaving shaving tenths of a second off at the dragstrip, especially once you're faster than 10 seconds in the 1/4 mile. Very expensive and you're actually risking your life every time you make a run. Bass fishing with relatively pricey baits is far less expensive, risky, and insane.
No, they don't tend to catch more fish, but that's not what it's about. It's cool and interesting catching bass on cool baits. That's what it's about in the purest sense. It's also about this: Bass really try to kill the bigger baits for the most part. You can feel it. I often get the same feeling with chatterbaits. They tend to strike them violently. The big baits also tend to be either on, near, or close to the surface, so there's a show. You get to see it. It adds to the thrill, just like going down the track a 10th of a second faster than the previous run.
deaknh03 reply :
On 2/13/2020 at 4:12 AM, looking45 said:As mentioned, $14 is not expensive for a swim bait, especially one that catches fish. Here on the west coast, almost every bass shop has swim baits that cost $40-$90 and my local shop can't keep them in stock. Here's an expensive bait
https://www.ebay.com/itm/HINKLE-TROUT-SHAD-LURES-FISHING/312884013937?hash=item48d9572b71:g:q4EAAOSwU4hd8Feu
thats a sucker listing. nobody that knows anything about baits will sniff that. an unpainted hinkle might fetch 2 bills.
Smalls reply :
On 2/14/2020 at 12:59 AM, Luke Barnes said:For one bait?? That's insane! Did they really catch more fish than other baits?
Also unfortunately the Dicks sporting goods in my city stopped selling fishing stuff so would have to buy a catch co baby bull shad online.
While there's plenty of options around $50-75 that are mass produced, the more expensive options are usually hand made by small companies. I think Mike Bucca (owner of Bullshad) only has like 2-3 guys working for him, and everything is made in house. There's no Chinese manufacturer making them for $0.50 a unit.
These aren't baits you're gonna find at Dick's, Cabela's, etc. Most only make a limited quantity.
I won't even get started on JDM stuff.
MassYak85 reply :
Something else with the big baits is resale value. The initial sticker shock getting into it is insane I agree, you will unfortunately (for your wallet) get used to it. However once you get into the custom bait makers there's a true demand for these baits, many of these guys drop baits through instagram or through small batches on their website. It's no exaggeration to say that some of these baits sell out within seconds. But even baits that are easier to get, you can usually get most of your money back in the second hand market. Buy an MS Slammer or Bullshad 4x4 and decide, "hey this isn't for me"...you can probably turn around and find a guy willing to pay 75-90% or even retail for a bait that's fairly new. Especially with baits that are harder to get, guys will even flip baits cause some are worth far more on secondary market than they are retail. Not something I agree with, but it speaks to the value some of these baits have.
But these baits aren't some magic bullet or ticket to fishing success, you still gotta grind, still gotta figure out patterns and understand the fish and the lake. But they're just fun to fish and seeing an 8" bait inside the mouth of your new PB and all of a sudden that bait looks small...it's a thrill.
Luke Barnes reply :
On 2/14/2020 at 9:46 AM, MassYak85 said:
But these baits aren't some magic bullet or ticket to fishing success, you still gotta grind, still gotta figure out patterns and understand the fish and the lake. But they're just fun to fish and seeing an 8" bait inside the mouth of your new PB and all of a sudden that bait looks small...it's a thrill.
Best advice I've received
I'm not looking to collect, reminisce, or sell my lures. I want to catch fish that otherwise I wouldnt have caught. I thought if all these weird lures wont catch them, what about something as close to real as I can get.
I'm not after trophys or collectibles. But about what will catch me more and bigger fish in the right conditions.
Hammer 4 reply :
Also, Spro makes a couple of smaller swimbaits you might like, reasonably priced to.
https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Spro_BBZ-1_Baby_Shad/descpage-SBBZ1BS.html
https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Spro_BBZ-1_Shad_Swimbait_4/descpage-SBZSFS.html
I have a few of the BBZ Shad baits, they do catch fish.
FishinBuck07 reply :
I just ordered two of baby bull shads today, can't wait to get them. Still have some time till I can fish them ( darn you winter), but at least I can hold them!!!????
Derek1 reply :
Anyone know a store that has them in stock. Mass/NH, I’m old fashioned and like to go to the store and buy things.
PhishLI reply :
DSG stocks them around here.
Derek1 reply :
On 2/15/2020 at 3:07 AM, PhishLI said:DSG stocks them around here.
Good to know thanks
Luke Barnes reply :
On 2/14/2020 at 2:56 PM, Hammer 4 said:Also, Spro makes a couple of smaller swimbaits you might like, reasonably priced to.
https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Spro_BBZ-1_Baby_Shad/descpage-SBBZ1BS.html
https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Spro_BBZ-1_Shad_Swimbait_4/descpage-SBZSFS.html
I have a few of the BBZ Shad baits, they do catch fish.
I like the colors on these better than the baby bull shads. I would try a spro before a baby bull shad for that fact alone. Thay and the size and shape are almost the same so with colors I like better with the spro, I think I will try one soon!
GrumpyOlPhartte reply :
@Derek1: The DSG in Pittsfield, MA had a fairly large selection of the Baby Bull Shad but they do seem to be selling quickly. I picked up three different patterns then grabbed a second in golden shiner just because the snot rockets here in western MA are brutal on that pattern.
walleyecrazy reply :
On 2/15/2020 at 11:39 AM, GrumpyOlPhartte said:@Derek1: The DSG in Pittsfield, MA had a fairly large selection of the Baby Bull Shad but they do seem to be selling quickly. I picked up three different patterns then grabbed a second in golden shiner just because the snot rockets here in western MA are brutal on that pattern.
Im not to far from Western Mass being over by Albany NY, and will say I have lost tails on more soft swim baits than I can count to those darn snot rockets. Haven’t had one hit a baby bullshad yet though. I may have to pick up that golden shiner color, and give them hell.
RyneB reply :
A 5 inch bull shad is a great bait for a beginner wanting to get into serious swimbaiting. It just gets bit. Can be had for only $50. Tried and true. It is without a doubt my 2nd best producing hard swimbait. It's expensive in terms of bass baits, but it's a very affordable swimbait. Heck, my favorite hard swimbait is a KGB ChadShad and its ONLY $110. That's still on the low end in my eyes. Try getting yourself a Pizz or a Pat's. Now you're talking real money, and people aren't usually willing to sell them.
Luke Barnes reply :
It still amazes me how much swimbaits are. I understand if it's someone that hand makes them like Marling Baits, but a mass produced one I couldn't understand a super high price.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/17/2020 at 10:28 AM, Luke Barnes said:It still amazes me how much swimbaits are. I understand if it's someone that hand makes them like Marling Baits, but a mass produced one I couldn't understand a super high price.
I don't know of any that are mass produced that carry a super high price tag.
You're paying for that person's time, their failures, all the hours they've spent tinkering and tuning, just to have it not work over and over again. Once they finally get it right, sometimes after years of trying, the end result can be a very special and unique product that does what nothing else does.
Hammer 4 reply :
^^^^This. Go on the tackle making forum, ask those guys how much time, and money they invested just making a really nice crank bait, or any hard bait for that matter. A lot goes into producing a nice swimbait. And usually in the long run, you get what you pay for. I know where your coming from, the first 150.00 hard swimbait I bought years ago had me gasping at first, but then I realized what goes into making them, and the cost then didn't seem so bad.
Deeare reply :
On 2/15/2020 at 2:15 AM, Derek1 said:Anyone know a store that has them in stock. Mass/NH, I’m old fashioned and like to go to the store and buy things.
You can try mgc in Hanover MA. Ive heard they have a big selection.
Derek1 reply :
On 2/18/2020 at 5:35 PM, Deeare said:You can try mgc in Hanover MA. Ive heard they have a big selection.
Thanks, I found them at dicks.
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