Since the introduction of the Sweet Beaver from Reaction Innovations, the “creature bait” has accounted for countless fish caught by the pros and the weekend warrior alike. The fact is that this style of bait catches bass. We’ve fished some Tightlines products but have not reviewed the UV-Beaver until now.

Like so many of the offerings out there in this category, the basic design is similar. A ribbed body with two small appendages at the top of the body with two larger claw like digits on top. Out of the package, they are connected and can be fished this way or separated to allow them to move independently and give the bait more action. Some use softer plastics while others use a firmer, more durable version.

The Tightlines UV-Beaver is definitely on the firm side of the spectrum. This translates to  less tearing and more fish per bait but conversely, less action from the flapping parts. Like all UV baits, the Beaver has been developed using ultraviolet colors that, the company claims, bass respond to 3- to 7-times better than traditional colors. This may account for the limited palette available for these baits. However, the basics are covered including Black/Blue, Blood and Green Red Flake.

We fished this lure on both a jig-head and a standard Texas rig to see what would be the most effective when using this bait. On a jig-head, by itself or as a trailer, proved to be the most effective. Furthermore, because there is less action from the claws on the UV-Beaver, a more subtle retrieve produced the most strikes.

Use Finesse, And Make A Few Adjustments

While there are baits in this genre that are most effective when the angler uses sharp pops and jerks of the rod-tip, this one is more of a finesse style bait. We found that using about half the energy that one would use with something that has more action from its moving parts was the sweet spot for the Tightlines.

Allowing the bait to utilize its body properly by lifting it off the bottom gently so that it glides back to rest, was the key to getting strikes on the UV. This is accomplished by using lighter weights like 1/16 to 1/8. We also found that the most effective use of this bait was in stained versus clear water or low-light conditions.

The other tweak you might consider is using a scent with this bait. We definitely got more strikes when we used our Fish Sticks Lure Enhancer in crawdad on the Beaver. While I can’t quantify the actual effect of the UV technology, there does seem to be something to it. It could be that the fish can spot this bait better than others in murkier conditions.

All of this being said, the Tightlines UV-Beaver has earned a place on the second string. It really does shine given the conditions that we mentioned above.

Tightlines UV Beaver
Overall Rating
When the conditions are just right, this is a good bait

See ya’ on the water …