Glide baits are prized by anglers for their smooth, side-to-side swimming motion, a movement that can often trigger strikes from cautious or hard-to-catch fish. Two popular options on the market today are the SPRO KGB Chad Shad 180 Glide Bait and the Storm Arashi Glide Bait. Both are designed for trophy bass but offer unique characteristics that cater to different fishing styles and environments. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two baits to help you determine which one might work best for you.
Design and Construction
When it comes to high-performance swimbaits, the SPRO KGB Chad Shad 180 Glide Bait and the Storm Arashi Swimbaits are two popular options anglers often consider. Both are designed to target trophy bass, but each has unique characteristics that make it suited for different fishing scenarios. Below, we’ll take a closer look at how these two baits compare in terms of design, action, performance, and versatility to help you decide which one is the best fit for your tackle box.
SPRO KGB Chad Shad
- Size and Weight: This glide bait measures 7 inches and weighs 2.25 ounces, making it a relatively large bait intended to attract big fish.
- Material: It’s constructed with a durable, high-quality resin that can withstand the rigors of big fish strikes.
- Design: The Chad Shad features a single-jointed body that gives it a unique, wide gliding motion in the water. It’s painted with realistic patterns to imitate baitfish, and the attention to detail is impressive, enhancing its appeal in clear waters.
Storm Arashi
- Size and Weight: The Arashi Glide is a bit larger at 7.5 inches and 3 ounces, offering an even bigger profile to attract larger fish.
- Material and Durability: Made with durable plastic, the Arashi also boasts high-quality finishes, though its build may feel slightly less robust compared to the Chad Shad.
- Adjustable Tail Angle: A standout feature of the Arashi Glide is its adjustable tail angle, which allows anglers to customize the swimming action for a tighter or wider glide. This versatility can be a game-changer for adapting to different water conditions or fish behavior.
Verdict: While both baits have excellent build quality, the Chad Shad stands out for its lifelike paint and robust construction, making it highly reliable in clear, pressured waters. The Arashi Glide’s adjustable tail gives it added versatility for different gliding actions.
Swimming Action and Performance
SPRO KGB Chad Shad
- Action: Known for its wide, slow gliding action, the Chad Shad mimics the movement of a struggling baitfish. This realistic movement is excellent for triggering predatory instincts, especially when retrieved slowly.
- Depth Control: The Chad Shad works best in shallow to mid-depth waters. It can glide just under the surface, making it ideal for targeting fish that are holding in shallow areas or around cover.
Storm Arashi
- Action: The Arashi Glide can be tuned to achieve a tight or wide glide, depending on the desired presentation. This versatility allows it to mimic different types of baitfish, giving it an edge in waters where fish are actively feeding on varying prey.
- Retrieve Speed: The Arashi Glide works well at multiple retrieve speeds. Its ability to adjust the tail angle lets it maintain a natural motion even at faster speeds, making it ideal for anglers who prefer an adaptable retrieve.
Verdict: The Chad Shad shines for anglers who prefer slow, precise presentations, while the Arashi Glide offers more flexibility with retrieval speed, making it better for varied fishing scenarios.
Retrieval Versatility
SPRO KGB Chad Shad
- This bait is optimized for a slow, methodical retrieve, allowing it to glide back and forth in a large, enticing pattern. However, it’s less effective with fast retrieval speeds as it tends to lose its natural glide motion.
- Anglers can add slight twitches and pauses to the retrieve, which can help simulate a wounded fish and trigger strikes.
Storm Arashi
- The Arashi Glide performs well at a variety of retrieval speeds. Whether you choose a slow roll or a quick retrieve, the segmented design allows the bait to maintain its lifelike swimming action.
- This versatility makes it suitable for different fishing techniques, from slow rolling in colder water to faster retrieves in warmer conditions.
Verdict: Both are ideal for slow, gliding retrieves but lack flexibility at higher speeds. The Chad Shad is barely the winner due to the finely tuned design.
Target Fish and Ideal Conditions
SPRO KGB Chad Shad
- Best For: This bait is particularly effective when targeting large bass in clear water, where the realistic glide action can entice cautious fish.
- Ideal Conditions: Works best in clear to slightly stained water and is ideal for shallow, open water or areas near vegetation where fish are actively hunting.
Storm Arashi
- Depth Range: The Arashi Glide is also effective in shallow to mid-depth water but can handle slightly deeper retrieves with ease. This makes it suitable for anglers who want to explore a broader range of depths.
- Water Conditions: With its ability to adjust the tail for different glides, the Arashi Glide is effective in both clear and slightly stained waters. Its profile and lifelike motion still show well in low visibility, making it a solid choice across a variety of water conditions.
Verdict: The Chad Shad is excellent for shallow, clear water where fish are feeding near the surface, while the Arashi Glide offers a bit more depth flexibility and can handle slightly stained water conditions.
Price and Value
SPRO KGB Chad Shad
- This bait is in a slightly higher price range, reflecting its detailed design, high-quality construction, and targeted performance. It’s an investment, but for serious anglers aiming for big bass, the Chad Shad can be worth the price.
Storm Arashi
- Price Point: The Arashi Glide is priced slightly lower, making it an appealing option for anglers on a budget or those looking to add versatility without the higher price.
- Value for Money: Given its adjustable tail and effectiveness across various conditions, the Arashi Glide offers excellent value for those seeking a multi-purpose glide bait.
Verdict: The Chad Shad is a great option for anglers seeking high-quality performance, while the Arashi Glide is more budget-friendly and offers a broader range of application.
Conclusion
Both the SPRO KGB Chad Shad 180 Glide Bait and the Storm Arashi Swimmer Swimbaits are fantastic choices, each with its unique strengths:
- Choose the Chad Shad if you’re targeting trophy bass in clear water, where a realistic, gliding action is crucial, and you’re looking for a bait with a premium build.
- Choose the Arashi Glide if you want a versatile, adjustable bait that can handle a variety of retrieval speeds, water conditions, and depths. Its adjustable tail and value pricing make it ideal for anglers who want a multi-purpose glide bait without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, both glide baits are effective tools for different fishing conditions. Whether you prioritize realism and premium quality with the Chad Shad or versatility and adaptability with the Arashi Glide, both baits are worthy additions to your tackle box.
SPRO KGB Chad Shad Glide Bait Grand Shad 7″ (Limited Edition Bassmaster Classic)
