Berkley® Gulp® Alive!™ Minnow

Billed as a more potent version of the popular Berkley Gulp scented softbait, Gulp ALIVE! softbaits actually "swim" in their own solution allowing the plastic to absorb even more scent. Berkley even claims you can return used softbaits back into the solution to "recharge" the potency of the scent.

First Impressions

Looking at the contents on the shelf of my local store, I was wondering if I was buying a small vat of actually pickled minnows — a $20 dollar vat of pickled minnows. Not cheap to say the least, but I've had good success with other Berkley Softbaits such as the Powerbait Chigger Craw and Gulp Minnow Grub, so I gave it a try choosing the smaller 3" Minnow (4" is also available) in a natural, Black Shad color.

Fishing the Bait

The bodies are very lifelike and upon rigging, create a soft jiggle that can be used to one's advantage while jigging. I began the season with this bait, looking for early largemouths and smallmouths. Fishing the Gulp 3" Minnow on a Carolina Slip Rig with 3/8 oz. weight, allowed me to jig the minnow along the bottom, simulating the jerky swim motion of a dying minnow. To further enhance the "wounded prey" look, I used a Gamakatsu® blood-red hook rigged Texas style into the belly. I found all types of bass including largemouth, smallmouth and red-eye bass along the shorelines. Even large bluegill and crappie will attack this bait and it seems that I cannot argue against the claims made by Berkley regarding the effectiveness of their scented plastics.

TIP: Keep the lid tight on the container and then put it into a heavy-duty zip lock bag or a plastic utility box with waterproof seal — because if this stuff spills, you'll smell it for weeks!

Review Summary

There is little doubt that the Gulp ALIVE 3" Minnow will catch fish. The 3" size is comfortable to fish and can be used in a variety of situations allowing for deep water or shallow water fishing. I caught all types of fish including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass (including my largest smallie of the year: 6lbs.), crappie, bluegill, trout, catfish and even snapping turtles*. I'd recommend the Berkley Gulp ALIVE 3" Minnow and keep it in the tacklebox as a go-to lure to downsize in tough bites.

*What I thought was a snag turned put to be otherwise when I looked down into the water. I've seen it twice over three seasons. I guess the turtles are tempted too!