Rapala Deep Mavrik 110 Review: A Game-Changer for Forward-Facing Sonar

Model Tested: Rapala Deep Mavrik 110
Color: Hot Perch
SKU: PXRDM110 HTPH
Price: $13–15 USD
Reviewed by: American Angling Field Team (Southwest Michigan)

Why We Chose the Mavrik

Modern sonar technology has changed the game. With forward-facing sonar, anglers can track fish behavior in real time, which means your bait choice matters more than ever. We picked up the Rapala Deep Mavrik 110 because we needed a jerkbait that could stay down, show up well on sonar, and hold its position where the fish are roaming. It’s designed to dive deeper than traditional jerkbaits and stay there, making it an ideal choice for anyone targeting suspended fish or working deep weedlines.

Specs That Matter

Real-World Testing

• Location: Multiple lakes in Southwest Michigan
• Season: Post-spawn, late spring
• Water Conditions: Clear (10+ ft visibility) and stained (under 2 ft)
• Setup: 7 ft medium spinning rod with 10 lb fluorocarbon
• Target Species: Largemouth bass and northern pike

The Deep Mavrik stood out in clear water where it slowly sank at roughly 1.3 seconds per foot. In stained water, it held a near-perfect horizontal suspension. We used Garmin LiveScope to spot fish and then cast the bait 10 to 20 feet ahead of their path. The fish responded. Hard.

How It Performed

• Casting: Long, straight casts. No wobble or tumble in flight.
• Sink Rate: Slightly sinks in clear water. Maintains zone control well.
• Action: Quick darting motion with a subtle shimmy during pauses.
• Hook-up Ratio: Outstanding. Over 30 fish landed without a single shake-off.
• Fish Behavior: Triggered chases and hard hits. Pike and bass both responded aggressively.
• Durability: Strong. Paint held up well and no hook bending from pike.

Where This Bait Excels

We ran a steady two-jerk, pause cadence with three to five second delays. The Mavrik gave us repeatable success when thrown into the path of moving fish, especially near depth transitions and outside grass lines.

How It Stacks Up

• Jackall Rerange 110MR: More erratic, less stable between movements
• Megabass Vision 110+1: Ultra-refined but pricier. Slightly less visible on sonar.
• Berkley Stunna 112+1: Excellent suspend and action, but the Mavrik reaches deeper and offers a better sonar signature

The Mavrik delivers where others taper off. If you need a bait that gives you sonar visibility, true depth control, and the confidence to chase deep targets, it fills that role beautifully.

Quick Pros and Cons

• Pros: Extremely sharp hooks, excellent LiveScope visibility, deep running range, great in open water
• Cons: Slight sink may be a drawback for finesse anglers, treble configuration can grab grass, limited color selection

Who It’s Made For

This bait is built for the angler who’s chasing fish on deeper structure using forward-facing sonar. It’s ideal for:

• Boat anglers with LiveScope or similar tech
• Those targeting deep, suspended fish
• Tournament anglers who want sonar-friendly hard baits

It’s not the best pick for bank anglers or those fishing ultra-shallow cover. But if you’re working 10+ foot zones and tracking fish in real time, it performs at a level usually reserved for premium Japanese imports.

Final Thoughts

After heavy testing, the Rapala Deep Mavrik 110 stands as one of the best American-market jerkbaits available for anglers using sonar to hunt. It has just enough sink to keep it in the target zone, enough presence to light up on screen, and enough fish-catching power to become a regular part of our lineup.

It doesn’t try to be everything for everyone. But what it does, it does incredibly well.

Watch Our Field Test

We’re releasing a video review soon with underwater footage, sonar tracking clips, and casting demonstrations. Subscribe to American Angling on YouTube to catch it first.

Jackall TN70 Review: Is This the Best Lipless Crankbait for Bass in 2025?

The Jackall TN70 has long held its place as a staple in the lipless crankbait category, known for its unique rattle system, long casting performance, and ability to trigger reaction strikes in challenging conditions. But with a crowded market of rattle baits and vibration lures, does the TN70 still stand out in 2025? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into its specs, features, real-world performance, and community sentiment to help you decide if this bait belongs in your box.

Jackall TN70 Specs & Features

• Weight: 17.8g (5/8 oz)
• Length: 70mm (2.75″)
• Rattle System: Tungsten lip weight with dual steel ball bearing chambers
• Hook Size: Factory rigged with #6 trebles
• Price Range: $15–$18 MSRP

What Makes the Jackall TN70 Stand Out?

Innovative Rattle System

The TN70’s claim to fame is its tungsten lip weight paired with steel ball bearing chambers. This combination produces a distinct pitch that cuts through the water column and stands out from other lipless crankbaits. In northern Michigan lakes, I’ve personally found this high-frequency rattle triggers bites in colder water when other baits fall flat.

Balanced Weight Design for Long Casts

Thanks to its forward-weighted design, the TN70 achieves impressive casting distance. Even against a stiff Michigan crosswind, I’ve been able to hit target areas up to 50 yards out with a medium-heavy rod. This makes it a reliable choice when covering expansive flats or targeting schooling fish at a distance.

How to Fish the Jackall TN70 (Techniques & Applications)

Grass Ripping

The TN70 excels when ripped through submerged grass flats. I use a slow lift-and-drop method in sparse vegetation and a hard ripping retrieve when the grass gets thicker. Its compact body and weight distribution allow it to shed grass well without bogging down.

Yo-Yo Retrieve for Cold Water

During the prespawn or late fall, a yo-yo retrieve—lifting and dropping the bait along deeper flats—can be deadly. The TN70’s vibration on the lift and flutter on the fall mimic a struggling baitfish perfectly.

Burning Over Flats

When bass are actively chasing bait in the fall, burning the TN70 across shallow flats at high speed can trigger aggressive strikes. Its stable action holds up well even at faster retrieves.

Pro Tip: Add a dab of Berkley Gulp! Alive! scent to the TN70’s belly when fishing stained water or pressured lakes. It gives you that extra edge.

Rod, Reel, and Line Pairing for the Jackall TN70

Recommended Rods

Opt for a medium-heavy power, moderate-fast action rod in the 7’–7’3” range. This setup absorbs shock from trebles while providing enough backbone for solid hooksets.

Reel Setup

A 6.3:1 to 7.5:1 gear ratio reel is ideal. Use the lower ratio for yo-yo techniques and the higher ratio when burning the bait over flats.

Line Recommendations

For most applications, 12–15 lb fluorocarbon offers the right blend of strength and sensitivity. When ripping through heavier grass, I switch to 30–40 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader for added toughness.

Seasonal Applications: When & Where the TN70 Shines

Pros & Cons of the Jackall TN70

Angler Sentiment: What the Community Says

Aggregating feedback from YouTube reviews, forums (BassResource, Reddit), and retailer sites, the TN70 consistently earns high praise for its action and versatility:

• YouTube: Widely lauded for cold water effectiveness, especially during prespawn.
• Forums: Positive feedback on its grass-ripping ability; mixed reviews on hook durability.
• Retailers: Maintains an average rating of 4.5+ stars, with many praising its long casting and unique sound.

From my personal use across Michigan’s lakes, I’ve found the TN70 to be a confidence bait when fish get tight-lipped, especially in early spring and late fall conditions.

Alternatives at Different Price Points

• Inexpensive Option: A basic lipless crankbait that gets the job done but lacks the TN70’s advanced rattle system and casting distance.
• Mid-range Option: Solid performance with decent hardware, but fewer color patterns and slightly reduced action consistency.
• Premium Option: The TN70 itself remains a top-tier choice for anglers wanting precision and performance.

FAQ

What is the weight of the Jackall TN70?

The TN70 weighs 17.8 grams (5/8 oz), making it ideal for long casts and stable retrieves.

Is the Jackall TN70 good for cold water bass fishing?

Yes, its rattle system and yo-yo retrieve action make it highly effective during the prespawn and colder months.

What rod and reel are best for the Jackall TN70?

A medium-heavy, moderate-fast action rod paired with a 6.3:1–7.5:1 gear ratio reel works best.

How does the TN70 compare to other lipless crankbaits?

It offers superior casting distance, a unique rattle profile, and excels in grass-ripping scenarios, though it comes at a higher price point.