Yes I know it says “Not for human or pet consumption” right on the package of flavored or scented artificial baits, but how are we supposed to know they taste like the real thing if we don’t try ‘em ourselves? Are we going to take the manufacturer’s word for it? Not likely, but I didn’t know anyone who had actually tried eating them. So in the interest of science, I decided a real-world taste-test was in order. I assembled a selection of tasty artificials, then prepped a big cup of iced water and a barf bag. Here’s what I discovered:
Mister Twister Exude
Taste: this one reminded me of cough medicine.
Aftertaste: bitter, and it sticks with you for a while.
Consistency: greasy yet tough, and hard to chew apart. It’s tougher than most plastic baits and should hold up better then most, too.
Strike King Salt-impregnated 3X
Taste: Yikes!!! this stuff tasted like over-salted pickled herring.
Aftertaste: saltier then the Atlantic brine. Or the Dead Sea, for that matter.
Consistency: the plastic is gummy as usual, but with the salt added in you get some grit to the consistency, too.
Fishbites Synthetic Bloodworms
Taste: While I can’t say I’ve eaten bloodworms, this stuff does taste exactly like they smell.
Aftertaste: mouth-watering and sickeningly sweet, this one caused involuntary convulsions. I am not kidding.
Consistency: like stale trading-card bubblegum when you start, but this stuff dissolves when moist and it quickly turns into hairy goo.
Berkley Powerbait Power Hawg
The taste: plastic, with a slight hint of fish.
The aftertaste: none.
Consistency: chewing them is like chewing stale gummy bears, but they aren’t as sticky and don’t dissolve so fast.
Berkley Gulp Cut Bait Squid
Taste: Calamari dude - it really does taste just like squid!
Aftertaste: wow, this stuff sticks with you like the real thing, too. Note: water does NOT rinse away the taste… thankfully, time cures all ills. In this case, it too about 30 minutes.
Consistency: it’s quite tough, hard to bite through… and yet it’s also greasy. Again, this reminds me of the real thing.
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