# **How to Choose Strike King Thunder Cricket Vibrating Bladed Swim Jig Sizes & Colors [FREE SHIPPING]**
As an angler, selecting the right lure can make all the difference between a slow day on the water and landing your personal best. The **Strike King Thunder Cricket Vibrating Bladed Swim Jig** is one of the most versatile and effective lures for bass fishing, combining the action of a swim jig with the vibration of a bladed bait. But with multiple sizes and colors available, how do you choose the best one for your fishing conditions? In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect **Thunder Cricket**—plus, **KyleBooker** offers **FREE SHIPPING** on all orders!
## **Understanding the Thunder Cricket’s Design**
Before diving into sizes and colors, it’s important to understand what makes the **Strike King Thunder Cricket** unique. This hybrid lure features:
– **Bladed Vibration**: A spinning blade creates intense flash and vibration, triggering reaction strikes.
– **Swim Jig Action**: The streamlined head and skirt allow for a natural swimming motion.
– **Versatility**: Works great in grass, wood, and open water—ideal for both shallow and deep presentations.
Now, let’s explore how to pick the right size and color for maximum effectiveness.
## **Choosing the Right Size**
The **Thunder Cricket** comes in two main sizes:
### **1. 3/8 oz – Best for Finesse and Shallow Water**
– **Best for**: Clear water, pressured fish, and finesse presentations.
– **Ideal Conditions**: Early morning, late evening, or when bass are in a neutral mood.
– **Presentation**: Works well on a steady retrieve or with subtle pops to mimic a baitfish.
### **2. 1/2 oz – Best for Power Fishing and Heavy Cover**
– **Best for**: Windy conditions, stained water, and thick vegetation.
– **Ideal Conditions**: When bass are aggressive or when fishing deeper structure.
– **Presentation**: A faster retrieve helps the blade thump harder, calling in big bass from a distance.
**Pro Tip**: If you’re fishing around heavy grass, the **1/2 oz** version helps punch through cover, while the **3/8 oz** excels in open water or when fish are finicky.
## **Selecting the Best Colors**
Color selection depends on water clarity, light conditions, and forage. Here’s a breakdown of the best **Thunder Cricket** colors:
### **1. Clear Water / Sunny Days**
– **Green Pumpkin / Pearl** – Mimics bluegill and shad.
– **White Ice** – Great for imitating shad in bright conditions.
### **2. Stained or Murky Water**
– **Black & Blue** – High contrast for low visibility.
– **Chartreuse Sexy Shad** – Bright and flashy to attract reaction strikes.
### **3. Low Light / Dawn/Dusk**
– **Bluegill Flash** – Natural forage profile.
– **Okeechobee Craw** – Darker tones for better silhouette visibility.
**Pro Tip**: Match your color to the local baitfish. If shad are dominant, go with **White Ice** or **Sexy Shad**. If bluegill or crawfish are the main forage, **Green Pumpkin** or **Okeechobee Craw** will be more effective.
## **Final Tips for Fishing the Thunder Cricket**
– **Trailer Pairing**: Add a **Strike King Rage Swimmer** or **Rage Bug** for extra action.
– **Retrieve Speed**: Vary speeds—sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a fast, erratic retrieve triggers strikes.
– **Rod Setup**: A **7’2” MH rod** with a fast tip is ideal for sensitivity and hook-setting power.
## **Get Yours Today with FREE SHIPPING!**
At **KyleBooker**, we stock the full range of **Strike King Thunder Cricket** sizes and colors—and we offer **FREE SHIPPING** on all orders! Whether you’re targeting largemouth in heavy cover or smallmouth in open water, the right **Thunder Cricket** can help you land more fish.
**Shop now and upgrade your tackle box with the best vibrating swim jig on the market!**
Happy fishing! 🎣
**- Your Friends at KyleBooker**