Raid Japan Micro Dodge Review

[RRocket]

As mentioned previously, it's excessively weedy in many places I fish, so weedless is a must. Particularly for topwater. So I was extremely excited to test a lure that reminds me of the Heddon Crazy Crawler, except this one is weedless and plastic. Sign me up!!  

 

This is Raid Japan Micro Dodge. It comes in a large blister pack with 3 baits. The color is "Ice Back". The body is 55mm (2.16") long and the tail 45mm (1.77")  for a total of 100mm (about 4"). The body is elastomer (like Elaztech I believe). It stretches and is extremely durable. It has some nice appearance details, especially the eyes. The tail is thin nylon strands with green sparkle. The wings are 67mm (2.6") and feel like a firm silicon. They should also be quite durable. They are removable via a slot in the side.

 

 There are some nice technical details too. The hook slot in the bottom is deep, which will allow the bait to easily clear the hook. They recommend a couple of books and there are recommended indents in the nose for either. My preference would be the Ryugi Infini. This is a deep EWG which would allow the bait to really slide down the hook increasing hookups. The hook slot on the back is the best I've used. It has a unique shape that allows the tip to nestle down without the need for texposing. It works perfectly.

 

I did not have the appropriate ultra deep EWG, so I used a Zappu Bellows hook. I wish it was a bit deeper but beyond that it fits nicely and the soft body easily clears. Because this is elastomer, it's s bit tough to hook.

 

 Without the hook, it weighs .2oz and with the hook nearly 1/4oz. So perfectly sized for my UL rod. I used it with my 6'4" Expride UL paired with a Vanford 2000 with 6lb.

 

 Unfortunately, it was extremely windy. But I did manage to find a fairly protected area to throw. If any fish were present, they would be Northern Pike.

 

First, this casts much farther than expected! I thought the wings would act as a sail and catch the wind. Not so, (somehow). It floats of course. The action is that greatly, exaggerated side to side crawl! And it also makes that unique popping/plopping combo sound. I love it! 

 

Not much in the way of technique. A nice, steady retrieve. If you get too zealous with your retrieve, it will pop out of the water and somewhat cartwheel. So a steady, up to moderate speed works best.

 

With the wings removed, this does a shockingly good job as a topwater pencil bait!! Almost Eefortless walk the dog. Or erratic jerking. Both worked and both would surely produce.

 

To test the weedlessness, I deliberately casted into shore, into weeds (albeit dried) and no hang ups. It just pulled through.

 

 Overall, this is a really, really nice modern reinterpretation of all time classic with some really distinctive touches. This will be getting much use for Pike and Largemouth.

 

For those of you who prefer bigger baits, they also make the Micro Dodge Big. 1/2oz and 4/0 hook.

 

 

[Derek1]

That’s a cool bait. I could see using that. 

[RRocket]

41 minutes ago, Derek1 said:

That’s a cool bait. I could see using that. 

It's just one of those baits that makes me smile when I use it.

[webertime]

Raid might be the hottest bait maker right now.  I have a bunch (not this one though) and they're all top performers.

[Dwight Hottle]

1 hour ago, webertime said:

Raid might be the hottest bait maker right now.  I have a bunch (not this one though) and they're all top performers.

X2

[A-Jay]

Interesting little bait and nice review.

However when fishing excessively weedy places,

the 6'4" Expride UL paired with a Vanford 2000 with 6lb might not be my first choice.

Why such light gear in thick soft cover ?

A-Jay

[RRocket]

1 hour ago, webertime said:

Raid might be the hottest bait maker right now.  I have a bunch (not this one though) and they're all top performers.

For my part, I want to try the 2Way as I think it would be great wacky....or cutting it in half to make a leggy, poop bait type rig.

 

And REALLY want to try their bladed jig, the Maxxblade Type Speed. I really like the compact size with the weed guard.

[RRocket]

29 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Interesting little bait and nice review.

However when fishing excessively weedy places,

the 6'4" Expride UL paired with a Vanford 2000 with 6lb might not be my first choice.

Why such light gear in thick soft cover ?

A-Jay

Because it's incredibly fun!  And a bit of a challenge.

 

All I fish is UL, nothing else.

 

But fear not...there are indeed limitations to the type of cover that I fish. "Heavy cover" for UL is quite different than someone rocking a MH rod. I typically cast only 2-3 feet into lilies pockets/weeds or work edges so that I can get fish out. It's about understanding the limitations but still being able to fish those fun areas. If I didn't fish weedy areas, it would cut down on my fishing spots significantly. I also fish these same weedy areas in late fall/early winter for Pike (with an UL leader).

 

There's also some excellent areas covered with duckweed here. I have great success there, too. But again, I'm not going to be horsing anything out of truly heavy cover.

 

At the same time, just because I'm fishing UL, doesn't mean I'll avoid cover. I just have to be smart about it. Also..it's so much fun! 

 

In all honesty, the bowfin are more problematic for me since they chew my line off. But in either picture below I didn't have any problem getting the fish out. Note the rig on the bowfin. Was in the fish when I caught it...It broke someone off! 

 

Thanks for the question! I hope it makes sense.

[webertime]

8 hours ago, RRocket said:

For my part, I want to try the 2Way as I think it would be great wacky....or cutting it in half to make a leggy, poop bait type rig.

 

And REALLY want to try their bladed jig, the Maxxblade Type Speed. I really like the compact size with the weed guard.

If you toss swimbaits the g dash, oksanaglide and okasanaswimmer are sweet.

 

Not Raid but the Basspuzzle Grass Piece is a great bladed-ish jig

[OHBuckets]

8 hours ago, RRocket said:

Because it's incredibly fun!  And a bit of a challenge.

 

All I fish is UL, nothing else.

 

But fear not...there are indeed limitations to the type of cover that I fish. "Heavy cover" for UL is quite different than someone rocking a MH rod. I typically cast only 2-3 feet into lilies pockets/weeds or work edges so that I can get fish out. It's about understanding the limitations but still being able to fish those fun areas. If I didn't fish weedy areas, it would cut down on my fishing spots significantly. I also fish these same weedy areas in late fall/early winter for Pike (with an UL leader).

 

There's also some excellent areas covered with duckweed here. I have great success there, too. But again, I'm not going to be horsing anything out of truly heavy cover.

 

At the same time, just because I'm fishing UL, doesn't mean I'll avoid cover. I just have to be smart about it. Also..it's so much fun! 

 

In all honesty, the bowfin are more problematic for me since they chew my line off. But in either picture below I didn't have any problem getting the fish out. Note the rig on the bowfin. Was in the fish when I caught it...It broke someone off! 

 

Thanks for the question! I hope it makes sense.

I bought a bunch and also had fun throwing at little river pike. Just retrieve them slower so they don't propeller - just a fun, goofy little walk  

19 minutes ago, webertime said:

If you toss swimbaits the g dash, oksanaglide and okasanaswimmer are sweet.

 

Not Raid but the Basspuzzle Grass Piece is a great bladed-ish jig

Agreed - I throw the G Dash, Slide 170 and both Swimmer sizes. And I like the 2" and 3" 2Ways.

 

Aw heck, I have a whole tote of Raid soft plastics (Battle Hog, Buggy Craw, Egu Bug and Chunk, etc). Had fun with the Libero for crappie, and am looking forward to throwing the Zariganist.

[webertime]

Zariganists are piles in the fishing room...  I have a problem