The Berkley PowerBait Unrigged Cullshad Swimbait is my go-to when I want to target big bass with a soft swimbait that gives me flexibility in how I rig and fish it. This bait is unique among soft swimbaits for its tough construction and natural swimming action. I find that it stands out in my tackle box because I can adapt it for almost any fishing situation where a swimbait is a good choice.
QUICK LOOK
- Choose Hook Size Wisely: The Cullshad’s body is thick, so I always make sure my hook is big enough to clear the plastic for reliable hookups. Usually, a 4/0 to 6/0 EWG screw lock hook does the job for the 5-inch size.
- Adjust Sink Rate: I sometimes add a nail weight in the belly slot to get the bait down deeper or keep it in the strike zone longer. This makes a difference when fish are holding at a certain depth.
- Vary Retrieve Speeds: I experiment with different speeds. Sometimes a slow, steady retrieve gets bites. If the water is warmer and fish are active, I speed it up or add quick twitches to trigger reaction strikes.
- Match the Hatch: When I’m picking a color, I always try to match whatever forage fish are in the area. If shad are moving through, I’ll grab a silver or natural shad pattern. When bluegill are spawning, I switch to something with a little more color.
- Tuning Your Retrieve: The Cullshad has a “sweet spot” for retrieve speed. If I go too slow, sometimes the bait will roll. If I crank too fast, it might spin instead of swim straight. I make sure to test the action by reeling it close to the boat, where I can see how it swims.
- Bringing the Right Hardware: Since the bait is unrigged, I need to carry a selection of hooks and weights. This gives me flexibility on the water, but adds an extra step before I start fishing.
- Checking Quality: While recent versions are solid, early batches had some issues with rolling. I inspect the bait and test out a few casts to make sure it’s running true right out of the package.
- Applications: The Cullshad’s profile leans toward catching bigger fish. It shines in places where bass are feeding aggressively. If fish are heavily pressured or looking for smaller prey, I sometimes go with a smaller bait.
Key Features of the Cullshad Swimbait
The design of the Berkley PowerBait Unrigged Cullshad Swimbait lets me tailor my setup from the ground up. This approach appeals to me, especially when I want more control over hook selection and presentation style. Here are the details that I think really matter:
- PowerBait Scent Infusion: The entire bait is infused with Berkley’s signature PowerBait formula. This scent is engineered to get fish to hold on longer, and in my experience, it absolutely helps me get those extra seconds I need for a solid hookset.
- Honeycomb Technology: The tail section features a honeycomb texture. I have found this adds strength, so fish can’t tear it up as easily. It also means I get that desired tail kick action, no matter how many bites it takes.
- Customizable Rigging: The Cullshad comes unrigged with a roomy belly slot, so I can thread in different hooks or weights depending on conditions. For heavy grass, I like to use a wide gap weedless hook. When I need to get deeper, I switch to a jig head.
- Consistent Swimming Action: The Cullshad’s body is shaped so it doesn’t roll onto its side or lose its kick, even when I fish it slow or burn it back to the boat.
- Forage Matching Colors: I see a lot of high definition options for shad, bluegill, and other baitfish. I pick colors that fit the local forage, and it helps me trigger more strikes.
Getting Started: The Basics of Using the Unrigged Cullshad
I started fishing swimbaits to catch bigger bass and found the Cullshad was a kind of “blank canvas” that let me experiment. The first thing I do is match the hook and rigging to how I plan to fish. The most common setups are easy to get the hang of. Here are the styles I reach for, depending on the day:
- Standard Jig Head: This is my go-to in open water. It helps the Cullshad run straight. I adjust the jig weight if I want to fish deeper or keep the bait just over grass tops.
- Belly Weighted Swimbait Hook: When I have to get through thick grass or lily pads, I rig it weedless with a screw lock hook and a belly weight. I like that this lets me fish where other lures would get snagged.
- Unweighted Swimbait Hook: Sometimes, when fish are feeding on shad near the surface or over weed beds, I throw the Cullshad on a weightless swimbait hook. It glides more slowly and gives off a subtle action that the fish don’t see as often.
- Trailer on Chatterbaits or Buzzbaits: I’ve had success slipping the 5-inch Cullshad onto a bladed jig or buzzbait. It turns my standard setup into a bigger, more realistic meal and draws more interest from quality fish.
Tips for Setting Up the Cullshad for Success
I get asked about the best ways to rig the Unrigged Cullshad. My answer is that it depends on where I’m fishing and what I’m targeting. Here are a few things I keep in mind when I first break out a new pack:
- Choose Hook Size Wisely: The Cullshad’s body is thick, so I always make sure my hook is big enough to clear the plastic for reliable hookups. Usually, a 4/0 to 6/0 EWG screw lock hook does the job for the 5-inch size.
- Adjust Sink Rate: I sometimes add a nail weight in the belly slot to get the bait down deeper or keep it in the strike zone longer. This makes a difference when fish are holding at a certain depth.
- Vary Retrieve Speeds: I experiment with different speeds. Sometimes a slow, steady retrieve gets bites. If the water is warmer and fish are active, I speed it up or add quick twitches to trigger reaction strikes.
- Match the Hatch: When I’m picking a color, I always try to match whatever forage fish are in the area. If shad are moving through, I’ll grab a silver or natural shad pattern. When bluegill are spawning, I switch to something with a little more color.
Things I Think About Before Tying on the Cullshad
The unrigged Cullshad has strengths, but a few things come up that I like to plan for before I tie one on. Here are some practical considerations:
- Tuning Your Retrieve: The Cullshad has a “sweet spot” for retrieve speed. If I go too slow, sometimes the bait will roll. If I crank too fast, it might spin instead of swim straight. I make sure to test the action by reeling it close to the boat, where I can see how it swims.
- Bringing the Right Hardware: Since the bait is unrigged, I need to carry a selection of hooks and weights. This gives me flexibility on the water, but adds an extra step before I start fishing.
- Checking Quality: While recent versions are solid, early batches had some issues with rolling. I inspect the bait and test out a few casts to make sure it’s running true right out of the package.
- Applications: The Cullshad’s profile leans toward catching bigger fish. It shines in places where bass are feeding aggressively. If fish are heavily pressured or looking for smaller prey, I sometimes go with a smaller bait.
Durability and Longevity
One of the main reasons I stick with the Unrigged Cullshad is its durability. The honeycomb tail holds up against multiple bites and keeps its action even if the plastic gets scarred. I sometimes catch several fish before I need to replace the bait, which saves me money in the long run. If a chunk of plastic gets torn, I can usually trim it up and keep using it for a few more casts.
Where I Track Down the Cullshad for Sale
I buy most of my tackle online these days. The Berkley PowerBait Unrigged Cullshad is carried by all the popular retailers. Tackle Warehouse always has a wide selection of colors and sizes in stock. I also check Berkley’s own site for the latest releases and find occasional deals on Pure Fishing, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela’s. Since stock can vary by season and location, I double-check availability before heading out to the lake.
Cool Features That Make the Cullshad Worth Considering
The Cullshad offers a few things that put it near the top of my list:
| Advantages of the Berkley Powerbait Unrigged Cullshad |
|---|
| Flexible Rigging Options: I can fish it weedless, on a jig head, or as a trailer depending on where the fish are holding. The belly slot makes rigging easier and helps the bait collapse for better hookups. |
| Consistent Tail Action: The honeycomb structure in the tail ensures steady action even after a few fish have hit it. |
| PowerBait Scent Formula: Fish really do seem to hang on longer, and that translates into better hookup ratios, at least in my experience. |
| Natural Profile and Colors: The realistic colorways and body shape make a big difference when fish are picky. |
| Tough Enough for Multiple Fish: Compared to some other soft swimbaits I’ve used, I notice the Cullshad holds up better before tearing or losing its kick. |
Potential Drawbacks of the Cullshad
I find the Cullshad to be a strong performer, but there are a few things I’ve learned to watch out for:
| Drawbacks of the Berkley Powerbait Unrigged Cullshad |
|---|
| Learning Curve: It can take a few trips on the water to nail down the best retrieve speed and rig for your conditions. |
| Requires Extra Gear: Because it isn’t pre-rigged, I always need to have a selection of hooks and weights ready. This can be an adjustment for anglers used to pre-rigged swimbaits. |
| Not Always for Finesse Situations: If the bite is tough or fish are keying in on tiny bait, the Cullshad profile may be too much. I switch to something smaller in those cases. |
| Occasional Tuning Needed: Sometimes the plastic out of the package needs to be straightened or tweaked for the best swimming action. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions I hear about the Berkley PowerBait Unrigged Cullshad Swimbait:
What size hook works best with the Cullshad?
I use a 4/0 or 5/0 EWG screw lock hook for the 5-inch size, making sure the hook point rides cleanly just under the skin for best hookups.
How do I keep the Cullshad swimming straight?
After rigging, I check the bait by swimming it next to the boat or along the bank. If it rolls, I make sure the bait is threaded straight and the hook is centered. Adding or adjusting weights can help tune the swim as well.
Is the PowerBait scent really noticeable to fish?
In my experience, bass seem to hold onto the Cullshad longer than unscented plastics, which gives me more chances to drive the hook in.
Is the Berkley PowerBait Unrigged Cullshad Swimbait Right for You?
If you enjoy customizing your approach, fishing for big bass, and want a durable, realistic swimbait with scent, the Cullshad is worth trying. I reach for it when I want to target bigger fish in a variety of environments, and it hasn’t let me down yet.
Taking the time to dial in your rigging and retrieve goes a long way towards getting the most from this bait. It’s a reliable soft swimbait I keep handy for seasonal bass fishing and tournament days alike. For anglers looking to step up their soft swimbait game and experiment with different rigs, the Cullshad is a fantastic starting point.
Newcomers will appreciate the ability to mix and match hooks or presentations, while more experienced fishermen will love its durability and attractive, lifelike finishes. You won’t have to worry about the bait giving out after a few fish since its sturdy construction means more time fishing and less time swapping lures.
Another point worth mentioning is its role in different water conditions. The Cullshad performs well in clear water, thanks to its subtle, natural profile, but also holds its own in stained water because of the scent and thumping tail action.
This adaptability is key when fishing lakes that change with the weather or season. I often bring a small assortment of colors and weights in my boat, letting me quickly make adjustments if the conditions or the bass’ behavior mix it up.
Wrapping up, the Cullshad’s all-in-one combination of flexibility, toughness, and proven scent makes it a valuable tool for chasing big bites. Whether you’re jumping into swimbaits for the first time or searching for a dependable option to add to your arsenal, the Berkley PowerBait Unrigged Cullshad deserves a spot in your tackle tray. Give it a try—you just might stumble upon your new favorite soft swimbait.
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A life long surf fisherman with 50+ years of experience, I am also an avid hunter and outdoorsman. I will be sharing my passion for the outdoors with you so be prepared for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and more. Along with gear reviews and the latest trends and innovations in the outdoor industry.
