Storm's ThunderStick® with MadFlash – Bring the rain.

Fishing is about taking advantage of differences. Be it the isolated log we pitch to, or the transitions between weed and sand and rock, as fishermen we are always looking for a change from the norm to give us that edge. I do the same thing when I look for new lures for my collection or for active fishing duty. I look for baits that stand out from the crowd. Let’s face it, lure aisles can be rather crowded, awash in the white noise of similar baits doing similar things. Now, I’m not saying that these types of lures can’t be productive, to the contrary, but in order to truly gain an advantage on the water (or on the wall), one must look to those lures who might march to a different beat. These differences can be subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, but they are differences nevertheless. One of those baits that presents us with an interesting new look is the Storm ThunderStick with MadFlash - a classic lure reborn.

The Storm™ Original Thunderstick remains a top quality bait with tried and tested fish catching abilities (available in a multitude of colors, diving configurations and sizes).

Storm Lures is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Rapala/VMC Group. Founded in 1964, Storm is well known for such popular-selling hard lures as the Wiggle Wart, Hot 'N Tot, Chug Bug, ThunderCrank and the Original ThunderStick. More recently, under Rapala’s umbrella, Storm lure designers have exploded traditional tackle themes, casting them aside for radically bold but incredibly effective design and presentation. Think of Rapala as the traditional parent company, and Storm as its creative art house satellite. Their hybrid-softbaits are generally viewed upon as some of the best in the industry, and are only rivaled in my opinion, by their relatively new, re-vamped line of minnow stick baits – ThunderSticks® with MadFlash. Updates to the original design include: big and wild 3d eyes; an internal holographic foil strip; an external scale pattern; and a fantastically savage set of aptly named VMC® Barbarian red trebles - I absolutely love these hooks – they give the baits such a distinct profile and presence, and call to mind the tridents you find in mythology. The fish-calling rattles, integrated diving lip and great side to side rolling action remain unchanged from the original release.

The added appeal of Storm's brilliant MadFlash holographic finish reflects all kinds of light, creating a firework's display of color. Because the holographic foil is inside the body (just like some of its parent companies offerings) Storm’s new baits will continue to sparkle even after they are bitten repeatedly by toothy predators.

Storm® Giant ThunderStick® - (top to bottom) Classic, Suspending, Jointed. Big lures with big fish - and eye - catching personalities. These lures show very nicely on the wall.

Topwater Bottom Line: As a collector, Storm’s MadFlash series of baits offers bold designs that scream quality (The Giant Musky versions are a particular favorite for display). And as a fisherman, one simply cannot go wrong, as Storm offers a wide range of shallow, deep, jointed, suspending, Jr., Original and MadFlash models - all offered in a kaleidoscope of colors and all priced well within reason. While you can expect to pay between 4 and 14 dollars per unit, their action in the water rivals baits priced many times that amount, making the ThunderStick an incredible value. If you throw minnow baits for Pike, Musky or Bass, you can do yourself a favor by carrying a few of these unique baits in your box. In the end, I think their overall success in drawing strikes comes from their panicked, wide-eyed stare – something that I feel predators react to by delivering a finishing blow (most especially Pike). As always, please practice catch and release with these lures.

Topwater Rating:

5 out of 5 bobbers