Castaic trout

[Jack H]

I’ve just received 2 6” castaic trout in slow sink. They came up on ebay for a sensible price, so I thought I’d give them a go as I’ve read some good reports on them. Looking back through some older threads, I can see that the quality plummeted at some point, as production moved elsewhere. I’m wondering if the ones I’ve ordered are original or the newer design? Is there any way to tell? The packaging on one is slightly different as it says ‘made in Mexico’ whereas the other says ‘assembled in Mexico’. My understanding is the newer ones sink a lot faster, but is there any other changes to the action, durability etc?

Thanks

Jack

[Steve Dennington]

I’ve just received 2 6” castaic trout in slow sink. They came up on ebay for a sensible price, so I thought I’d give them a go as I’ve read some good reports on them. Looking back through some older threads, I can see that the quality plummeted at some point, as production moved elsewhere. I’m wondering if the ones I’ve ordered are original or the newer design? Is there any way to tell? The packaging on one is slightly different as it says ‘made in Mexico’ whereas the other says ‘assembled in Mexico’. My understanding is the newer ones sink a lot faster, but is there any other changes to the action, durability etc?

Thanks

Jack

The main difference is the 10" slow sink. The old ones had a foam harness and sank horizontally, whereas the new ones sink nose first. The new ones are a different plastic too, which is definitely not as durable. Decent enough lures, but I wouldn't go back to them. The loose body versions available from various companies these days are far more versatile.

[Jack H]

Cheers Steve. I didn’t pay over the odds for them, a couple of pounds more than a replicant. One of them is a mad shad pattern, which looks great as something a bit different on difficult days. I see what you mean about the durability, compared to a replicant, the plastic seems a lot softer. I can’t see them standing up to too much punishment.

Thanks

Jack

[Steve Dennington]

Cheers Steve. I didn’t pay over the odds for them, a couple of pounds more than a replicant. One of them is a mad shad pattern, which looks great as something a bit different on difficult days. I see what you mean about the durability, compared to a replicant, the plastic seems a lot softer. I can’t see them standing up to too much punishment.

Thanks

Jack

Yep, some of the 10" ones I had started to fall to bits before they even saw teeth. As ever, when these products are changed it's not for the better. Same as with food products - whenever you see "new improved recipe" you just know it's going to result in a downturn in quality.

[Jack H]

Cheers Steve. I didn’t pay over the odds for them, a couple of pounds more than a replicant. One of them is a mad shad pattern, which looks great as something a bit different on difficult days. I see what you mean about the durability, compared to a replicant, the plastic seems a lot softer. I can’t see them standing up to too much punishment.

Thanks

Jack

Yep, some of the 10" ones I had started to fall to bits before they even saw teeth. As ever, when these products are changed it's not for the better. Same as with food products - whenever you see "new improved recipe" you just know it's going to result in a downturn in quality.

Unfortunately, that’s the case with lots of items at the moment. Higher prices, lower quality

Jack

[Steve Dennington]

Cheers Steve. I didn’t pay over the odds for them, a couple of pounds more than a replicant. One of them is a mad shad pattern, which looks great as something a bit different on difficult days. I see what you mean about the durability, compared to a replicant, the plastic seems a lot softer. I can’t see them standing up to too much punishment.

Thanks

Jack

Yep, some of the 10" ones I had started to fall to bits before they even saw teeth. As ever, when these products are changed it's not for the better. Same as with food products - whenever you see "new improved recipe" you just know it's going to result in a downturn in quality.

Unfortunately, that’s the case with lots of items at the moment. Higher prices, lower quality

Jack

Very true. It seems that everything you buy these days is smaller or worse quality (or both) than it used to be.

[r0bert]

Don't rely on the bottom hook on them , take it off and rig one externally, the bottom harness is very unreliable.

[Jack H]

Don't rely on the bottom hook on them , take it off and rig one externally, the bottom harness is very unreliable.

Thanks, the 2 I’ve got don’t have bottom trebles, just a large single on top. Have you found just the single good enough when it comes to hookups? Or do you think a bottom treble helps significantly?

Jack

[Steve Dennington]

Don't rely on the bottom hook on them , take it off and rig one externally, the bottom harness is very unreliable.

Thanks, the 2 I’ve got don’t have bottom trebles, just a large single on top. Have you found just the single good enough when it comes to hookups? Or do you think a bottom treble helps significantly?

Jack

The single hook alone will give a woeful hook up ratio. I bend the point of that one down to the back with pliers to put it out of action (I don't like big upward facing singles on any lure) and rig with one or two trebles.

[Jack H]

Don't rely on the bottom hook on them , take it off and rig one externally, the bottom harness is very unreliable.

Thanks, the 2 I’ve got don’t have bottom trebles, just a large single on top. Have you found just the single good enough when it comes to hookups? Or do you think a bottom treble helps significantly?

Jack

The single hook alone will give a woeful hook up ratio. I bend the point of that one down to the back with pliers to put it out of action (I don't like big upward facing singles on any lure) and rig with one or two trebles.

I’ll look into making up some short stingers to rig them up on. I know what you mean about single hooks. I’ve snipped them off in the past when they’ve been ridiculously
Oversized, like those on replicants, which look like they’ll cause unnecessary damage.

Jack

[Andy Scott]

What are the Castaics worth nowadays? I’ve a box full somewhere but not packaged….

[Jack H]

What are the Castaics worth nowadays? I’ve a box full somewhere but not packaged….

Not sure, there’s a 10” one on eBay £27.99. I think as Steve has said there are better alternative’s available for less. I only bought them as they were going cheap for the pair.

Jack