Get ready to dive into the world of fishing gear reviews, where we unravel the mysteries of the Berkley Riveter Buzzbaits! But wait, there's a twist...
The Dual Review: Today's review is a unique one as we tackle not one, but two buzzbaits from Berkley's Riveter series. The Skirted Riveter Buzzbait and the Toad Riveter Buzzbait are both intriguing, and I've been putting them to the test. It's time to uncover their secrets and reveal why these baits are creating a buzz (pun intended) among anglers.
On the Water: I ventured out to various fishing spots, casting these baits around seawalls, docks, grassy areas, and wooden structures. The Toad Riveter became my go-to for grass and dock skipping, while the Skirted Riveter excelled in open waters and around hard cover. But here's where it gets interesting—both baits have a natural tendency to run left, a common trait among buzzbaits. I strategically positioned myself with the bank on my left, allowing the baits to work their magic against cover and under docks.
The Skirted Buzzbait's Appeal: This bait packs a powerful auditory punch right out of the box. The prop is ingeniously designed to collide with the lead head, creating a loud, attention-grabbing sound. It's one of the loudest buzzbaits I've encountered! But don't worry, customization is possible. By slightly bending the arm, you can transform the sound to a more traditional, squeaky buzz. And guess what? Most of the bites I got were with this subtle adjustment.
Skipping with the Toad: Now, let's talk about the skirtless Toad Riveter. I paired it with a Zoom Horny Toad and discovered its true strength—skipping. This setup allowed me to skip the bait deep under docks and bushes with ease. The highlight? Landing a big bite in a grass patch, proving its durability. But what makes this bait so effective? Let's dig into its features.
Key Innovations: The Toad Riveter boasts a unique 45-degree welded bar, a brilliant addition that prevents bending during intense battles with fish or accidental dock collisions. This feature is a game-changer, ensuring the bait's longevity. Additionally, a small band around the line tie keeps your knot secure, while the barbed lead head and the sharp Berkley Fusion 19 hook with an O'Shaughnessy bend ensure your bait stays locked on.
Comparing the Duo: While the Skirted Riveter shares some features with its Toad counterpart, like the band at the line tie and the rivet at the prop base, it lacks the 45-degree brace and, of course, the skirt. Its head design is worth noting, with a long and narrow shape for smooth water penetration. Plus, the weight stamped beneath the head is a thoughtful touch for anglers like me who sometimes forget the bait size. The Skirted Riveter also features a molded lead bait keeper on the shaft.
Size and Customization: Anglers have options with these buzzbaits. The Skirted Riveter offers 1/4 and 3/8 ounce choices, while the Toad Riveter comes in two 1/4 ounce variations, differing only in blade size. Both baits provide three prop color choices, and the Skirted Riveter Buzzbait boasts 7 color combinations, catering to various fishing preferences.
Final Verdict: These Berkley Riveter Buzzbaits are impressive. Testing them side by side revealed their unique strengths. The Skirted Riveter is an excellent all-around buzzbait, with its hook design, weight placement, and squeaky rivet creating a captivating lure. The Toad Riveter, with its 45-degree brace, excels at skipping, making it a top choice for dock and cover fishing.
And this is the part most anglers will appreciate—both buzzbaits consistently attract bites. So, which one would you choose for your next fishing adventure? Do you prefer the traditional buzz of the Skirted Riveter or the innovative skipping action of the Toad Riveter? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's spark a lively discussion!
