Koppers® LIVETARGET™ Pumpkinseed Crankbait

Target Species: Largemouth Bass
Also Good For: Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass

A beauty to behold, the LIVETARGET Pumpkinseed by Koppers is seemingly everything anyone could want in a premium lure - solid construction, exquisite detail and realistic colors. And although this lure may be ready to win awards for it's artistic merit, we wanted to see what the Bass and Pike in our region had to think about it.

First Impressions

Stunning. The lure has an incredibly detailed surface including body contours and ridges around the gills, fins, mouth and eyes. Matching that is a lifelike paint scheme that uses computer-aided graphics to visually recreate what looks to be a live pumpkinseed. The body is well constructed with a clear lip, sharp hooks and an internally counter-weight complete with rattle.

We purchased the PS70S model which is 2-3/4'' long, weighs 1/2 oz. and has a diving range of 3 to 4 feet. Pumpkinseedlings, as cute as they can be, are often at the top of the menu for aggressive mid-to-late season Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike. The PS70S is the perfect size to match the hatch and mingle with the schools as they are herded up into the shallows.

Fishing the Lure

This lure pops off the cast with the internal weight catapulting it much further than would be expected. The action is outstanding. With a unique balance of weight and buoyancy, this crankbait can almost play the role of a jerkbait and when jigged, has action similar to a lipless shad style bait.

My favorite technique is to crank down then, jig the tip of the rod causing the lure to rise and shake side to side quickly. Then pause and let it drop. Many times, that strike comes just after it begins the fall.

For all the lure's marketed realism, one thing did strike me as mildly disappointing. Although this lure is beautiful above water, underwater it looks like almost every other crankbait - plastic. The color has a flat look that just doesn't pop like many other premium and custom finishes. The lure catches fish, but I wonder how much of that has to do with the action and not so much the paint.

Review Summary

High marks for construction, action, and durability. The Koppers LIVETARGET Pumpkinseed will land heavy Bass and Northern Pike as well if you live up North. Although it is pricey, we'd recommend to anyone who is experienced enough to appreciate the nuances of action. Because of this we deducted a few value points, but this lure does offer a unique presentation with it's body style, lip and "muffled" rattle. No other bait on the market currently offers the sacred middle ground between a lipless, jerkbait, and crankbait all at the same time.