Anyone try the Castiac Catch 22 ?

[Primus]

They were featured in this months In Fisherman, curious to see if anyone's tried one and what's your opinion of this bait. The one thing that has me somewhat interested is that they offer it in a 4" size that can be thrown on conventional gear and they are supposed to be very durable.

[hmongkidBee]

I have a few.  I bought it when I first got into that swimbait craze and couldn't afford the expensive ones like mattlures hardbass or hardgill.  As for the catch 22 it's a waste of money.  I like it's swimming action, but it's durability is crap.  I threw one for about an hour and then the magnet came off, and there was a tear in it somehow.  Didn't even get to catch a bass on it at all.  From what I heard, castaic lures are really bad quality so stay away from it.

[XLFISH]

Castaic has undegone some changes internally. There were a great company and then went down hill. My contact listened to my input on products and assured me they were trying to improve thier baits and regain thier name. Then a month ago I called him and he was reassigned and I had a new contact. The guy talked a good game but I am yet to see a box sitting on my door step with the stuff I asked for. So it appears that there is no stability in the company right now. As for the C-22, I also own several of the shad and trout. The 4" are way too small unless you are after smallmouth. I throw the six and even eight inch C-22's on a 7 and 7.5 ' rod with no problem. The hook placement makes it difficult to hook up with any consistancy. The swimming action is good though and I have not had any of them fall apart on me. I am sorry to hear about magnet coming off and the bait taring man. Knowing what I know now, I would recommend the new Tungsten 5", SPRO's BBZ-1 baits, and Strike King's King Shad baits for most anglers. They are small, easy to use, and catch fish anywhere and of all sizes. Also there is no need to purchase new gear to throw them. If you are stuck on the 4", Strike King recently came out with a King Shad Jr. and Tungsten makes a 4" .

[Primus]

I appreciate the feedback, I agree with you about the SK KingShad & similiar baits, looks like the Catch 22 isn't going to find a place in my tackle arsenal.