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Raider Lures

Mike Thrussell 01 January, 2006 01:20:00

When it comes to lures, we Brits are way behind the Yanks and Aussies. Comparing quality and prices, then we just don't compete. This is exactly the case with a new range of Australian lures being brought in to the UK by Town Moor Baits of Doncaster.

Called Raider lures and designed and manufactured by Designer Lures Proprietary LTD, Queensland, they offer a solid brass body with an overcoat chromed finish. In addition, the lures have a durable baked on prism tape that is reflective and shimmers in the water to give a lifelike reflection.

The split-rings used are a top quality extra strong type, and the supplied treble hooks a tough plated pattern. Often, foreign lures come with trebles that are too large for UK fishing, but the ones on the Raider lures are fine, though some UK anglers may prefer to swap the treble hooks for a bronze type.

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A lot of thought has gone in to the design of these lures. The body has been carefully balanced during construction to give forward weight to the lure to maximise casting distance and minimise wind resistance. The lure also has angled surfaces to induce erratic movement when retrieved.

The above design features are borne out in use. The lures cast like a bullet, even in to a strong head wind, plus there is no tendency for the lure to be flipped backwards as the wind catches a flat surface. In the water, the lure has a superb side-to-side movement, but will suddenly dart more erratically as the speed of retrieve is increased.

It pays to bear in mind that Australian fish have teeth, run much bigger than ours do, and lures take one hell of a hammering. As an ex resident of Western Australian, I can fully vouch for this. These lures are top class, and will find quick favour with bass, pollack and mackerel anglers, both boat and shore. The 40grm lure has already accounted for a 4lb bass for me, and a friend has had pike to 11.5lbs. How long for the UK companies to start copying it? Not long!

The Raiders are available currently only through Town Moor Baits, Doncaster (01302 738774) and come in sizes 10grm (0.4ozs) costing £2.30, 20grm (0.7ozs) at £2.65, a 40grm (1.4ozs) lure for £3.20, and the 65grm (2.3ozs) retailing for £3.60. These will be the most popular sizes.

The range also includes a 85grm (3oz) version for £3.95, a 125grm (4.3oz) size at £5.55, and 200grm (7oz) pattern costing £6.15. Boat anglers will consider these for deep water work targeting reef codling, pollack and bass, be it casting, trolling or jigging.

Website: raiderlures.com