Bull Shad quality issue?

[NorthernBasser]

Hey guys, so I just received my first Bull Shad in the mail (6", slow sink). 

 

Right off the bat I notice that the line tie eye/towpoint is crooked. Also, it's more horizontal than up and down, which pictures show. Not sure if this will affect the movement of the lure or not. I'll provide pics at the end of the post.

 

A bigger issue- The screw hooks for both treble hooks are extremely loose. I can spin them with my hands, and the front one is so loose I could pull it out by hand if I tried.

 

For a lure this expensive, I would expect better quality. Did I just get a bad one? I'm wondering if I should send it back for a refund or an exchange. I've heard nothing but good things about this lure, so this is quite a surprise for me.

 

Here's the pics regarding the towpoint. First pic is how it looks online (vertically).

 

 

 

[A-Jay]

You may want to direct any questions and or concerns regarding the bait you received to Mike Bucca at either his website or email address   http://www.bullshad.com/contact.html   ~  www.BullShad.com  /  mbucca@comcast.net 

 

Mike's a straight shooter.

 

A-Jay

[NorcalBassin]

+1    Yeah, that definitely doesn't seem right.

[Falkus]

Yes - I would submit an email to them to explain your concern. That is something that I would address the quality control that "passed" before being send out. 

[Bluebasser86]

Bullshads aren't pretty baits, but they are effective. My line tie isn't straight on any of mine and they work fine. Mike Bucca will address any concerns you have and make them right if necessary though.

[Big Rick]

The hook screws/eyelets would be my issue!  This bait is a HAWG hunter and needs that part of the hardware to be a tad overkill, not loose and sketchy. I'm sure the issue can be resolved in short order.  

[NorthernBasser]

Thanks guys. I'll send Mike an email and see what he says. These things obviously have a great reputation, so I'm sure I just got a bad one that slipped through the cracks.

 

I guess I could just return it to Tackle Warehouse for another one, but I'll let Mike know about it first and see what he says.

[Triton_Mike]

Hi Galen. Thank you for reaching out. The line tie is a screw. We changed from a metal clip to a screw several years ago on a few different sizes on our baits. (Your pic is a old version with the clip) we now have the screw completely horizontal almost like you have it its just a couple of degrees off if you turn it a few degrees to where its horizontal and your good to go. The hook hangers are swivels. They are supposed to rotate by design helps keep the fish pegged so it doesnt give the fish leverage. Now the 7 8 9 and 11 inch we still use the clip. The 4 5 and 6 we use a screweye.  Hope that explains things and if you have any other questions holler back.

Mike
 

[NorthernBasser]

7 minutes ago, Triton_Mike said:

Hi Galen. Thank you for reaching out. The line tie is a screw. We changed from a metal clip to a screw several years ago on a few different sizes on our baits. (Your pic is a old version with the clip) we now have the screw completely horizontal almost like you have it its just a couple of degrees off if you turn it a few degrees to where its horizontal and your good to go. The hook hangers are swivels. They are supposed to rotate by design helps keep the fish pegged so it doesnt give the fish leverage. Now the 7 8 9 and 11 inch we still use the clip. The 4 5 and 6 we use a screweye.  Hope that explains things and if you have any other questions holler back.

Mike
 

Thanks Mike, appreciate the reply. I'm able to wiggle the screw eyes back and forth quite a bit. Is this also normal? 

 

And I wasn't sure if I could just tighten the line tie myself without wrecking it. Didn't know if it was just screwed in or screwed it with glue as well.

[Bobby Uhrig]

The only issue I have ever had with Bull Shad is THE OWNER-  SOB -probably eating  jelly donuts and his fingers slipped off the eye of the hook while using pliers -PUT THE DONUT DOWN 

[Comfortably Numb]

Yup was gonna say the hooks are supposed to swivel.

 

As said not the prettiest molding or paint but they are solid and obviously catch pigs.