KVD breaks down the NEW ultimate grinder-of-a-crankbait, the KVD Strike King Gravel Dawg, and the @LewsFishing rod/reel setup that works great to run it with. Meet all the colors of Gravel dawg, the erratic, hunting action built-in on retrieve, irresistible crankbait!
It’s got great triggering properties, the total package, you want to try this one. 4×4 natural action that plows through any lake-bottom terrain. All season @StrikeKingLure lure!
Check all the Gravel Dawg colors out! : https://bassproshops.vzck.net/DKkxWG
Hybrid Hunter Jr Crankbait: https://bassproshops.vzck.net/k0oxYV
Strike King Red Eye Shad baits: https://bassproshops.vzck.net/oqyr5n
Lew’s / KVD fishing rods: https://bassproshops.vzck.net/9gJoeY
Strike King KVD square bills: https://bassproshops.vzck.net/OrmPMP
Strike King KVD Lures: https://bassproshops.vzck.net/KjZ5xv
Check out the Strike King Lure KVD Dawg series: https://bassproshops.vzck.net/q4XkPy
Strike King KVD 1.5 Series: https://bassproshops.vzck.net/daj36K
Overview of the Gravel Dawg
This year, Strike King has released a new bait that has quickly become a standout in their lineup: the Strike King Gravel Dawg. Available in two versions, the Gravel Dawg 8 and the Gravel Dawg 10, these numbers indicate the depth each bait is designed to run.
I love working with Strike King because their designers and engineers truly understand the nuances that make a big difference in a bait’s performance. Right from the start, I noticed the unique and special qualities of the Gravel Dawg.
Addressing the Mid-Range Zone
Strike King boasts an impressive range of crankbaits, including the XD Series, the 1.5, and the Square Bills. Despite this variety, there was a noticeable gap in the mid-range zone—specifically, the 8 to 10-foot depth range. The Gravel Dawg perfectly fills this gap.
Though I initially wanted to name it the “KVD Grinder” due to its robust nature, legal constraints led us to the name Gravel Dawg. This crankbait is like a four-wheel drive vehicle in the water—exceptionally weedless and capable of handling all kinds of cover with ease.
Performance and Versatility
The Gravel Dawg excels in various environments. Its wide wobble and excellent deflection properties allow it to navigate through dense cover, including grass, brush piles, laydowns, and treetops, without getting hung up.
This bait is more weedless than a square bill and pushes through obstacles like a bulldozer. Whether it’s slime or algae, the Gravel Dawg clears it effortlessly, making it ideal for clean retrieves even in challenging conditions.
Design and Functionality
Both the Gravel Dawg 8 and 10 have the same body size but differ in their bill design and angle, affecting their running depth. The 8-foot model has a steeper bill angle, which gives it a wider wobble and allows it to run shallower. When selecting a crankbait, I prefer one that runs slightly deeper than the water I’m fishing.
This approach ensures optimal performance as the bait hits the bottom and triggers more strikes. Line size and rod manipulation also play crucial roles in controlling the depth and action of the bait.
Exceptional Crankbait Features
One of the most impressive aspects of the Gravel Dawg is its ability to wander and hunt even on a straight retrieve. This erratic action is key to provoking strikes from the bass.
The bait’s built-in triggering qualities mean you don’t have to rely on deflecting off the cover to elicit strikes. It consistently delivers exceptional performance across various conditions and seasons, making it an all-season lure.
Ideal Fishing Conditions and Setup
The Gravel Dawg is versatile enough to excel in different seasons, from spring and summer to fall and winter. It works well on channel swings, reservoir turns, and hydrilla flats.
For optimal use, I recommend pairing it with a 7-foot 4-inch KVD CC4 Composite Rod, which offers a perfect balance of casting distance and backbone, along with a soft tip for smooth casts. My go-to reel for this setup is the KVD 6.2:1 Gear Ratio Reel or the BB1 Pro for cranking, both of which provide great value and performance.
Color Variety and Availability
The Gravel Dawg comes in 15 different colors, catering to various water clarities and forage bases. From natural Shad patterns to vibrant Crawfish designs, there’s a color for every situation. Notable colors include a blueback herring mimic and the versatile ghost craw. Whether you’re fishing clear waters or targeting gizzard shad, there’s a perfect color option available.
Conclusion: Strike King Gravel Dawg Review
The Strike King Gravel Dawg is a phenomenal new bait that fills a crucial gap in mid-range cranking. It’s incredibly versatile, weedless, and performs well across different conditions and depths. With the Gravel Dawg now available at Bass Pro Shops, it’s the perfect time to add this outstanding bait to your arsenal. As someone who has already experienced its capabilities, I’m excited for you to try it out and see its performance for yourself.
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