WIDE , STAINLESS STEEL BILL :
The wide , stainless steel bill is countersunk in a nose slit and pivots on a metal pin . The pivot point allows the bill to move freely side-to-side as the bait comes through the water column , delivering an erratic S-motion wobble and a rocking , rolling hunting action that becomes increasingly radical when the bait deflects off grass or crashes into hard objects . Pausing the retrieve or snapping the tip alters the action even more .
METAL LIP :
The metal lip creates a distinctive “ thud ” as it rotates on its axis and meets with hard plastic on either side .
POLISHED BILL :
The polished bill comes in three colors – silver , gold and gun metal black . The bills are coordinated to match the high-quality paint schemes
wicked mixture of characteristics I ’ ve never seen in a crankbait before – nor have the bass .
Whether it ’ s used to ply grass flats , laydowns , stump fields , shore rock or boulders , the Axis is destined to give ‘ em a different look and some serious fits along the way . In today ’ s market , it ’ s well worth the $ 14.99 price point .
Performance Tips
Vary the retrieve by twitching the rod tip , changing the speed or pausing it to alter the erratic action even more .
In windy conditions , you might try throwing it on a quality spinning rod like the St . Croix Legend Series . The 7-foot , 2-inch S-Glass rod is powered just right for slinging lightweight , elongated lures that can cause line management issues in windy conditions on baitcasting gear .
Applications
— Water depths of 2-5 feet — Should be great around bluegill beds — Stained or off-color water — Aggressive fish
DETAILS
Length : 2 1 / 2 inches Weight : 1 / 2 ounce Diving Depth : 2-5 feet Colors : 28 MSRP : $ 14.99 Contact : 6thsensefishing . com
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HITS & MISSES
+ Radical S-motion wobble + Erratic hunting action
+ Lots of vibration and sound + Custom trebles
+ Premium paint and color schemes
+ Large profile + Buoyancy + Comes through covers well
— Tends to cartwheel when cast into big wind
It ’ s still too early in the process to release much detail , but 6th Sense claims the Axis is only the start of more innovative applications to come . The company is toying with the idea of incorporating the pivoting bill into other styles of crankbaits , including shallow , medium and deep divers , possibly using some different materials .
As much advancement as there ’ s been in the crankbait world over the last several years , the pivoting bill on the Axis represents an entirely new dimension of design innovation that may prove to be the next step in how manufacturers think about changing the game .
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2021 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | FLWFISHING . COM 63