Online product ratings.

[BigBassin144]

I don't rant much, but lately this has really been ticking me off.

Big sites like BPS and Cabela's has product rating by customers and I've found these to be very helpful, but also very aggravating. What I mean is that when people give a good honest review and tell why they like it (i.e. crankbaits runs good out of box, has a great action, paint scheme very realistic, etc.) it is helpful.

but when people go on and give it 5 stars and say. "This is a fantastic product i bought this in early July 2007 and used it shortly after, this thing is awesome, i caught 8 bass in a row and they were all a good size to" (this is an actualy review of the Strike King Tour Grade Crankbaits on BPS website) It was rated 5 out of 5 for no good reason. IMO just cause a lure catches fish, doesn't make it good.

But what really gets me is this: This is a rating for Mann's Elite baby 1- on BPS website, got 2 out of 5, again for no good reason: "Maybe it was my fault but I was using this lure in an area I knew had a school of bass hitting topwaters. This lure didn't even get looked at. As soon as I changed lures I hooked bass on 6 consecutive casts. I was disappointed because the reviews were great but the lure was ignored." Another one, same lure, same site, got 1 out of 5: "i never use this thing anymore. i never get bites on it , and as soon as i switch to something else i get bites. i use baby bass color and never caught 1 fish on it."

I think all reviews should have to be looked over by someone and make sure they contain a legit reason why the lure/rod/reel/et was given the rating it was given.

IMO, this is a perfect review. This was a review on the Rapala Xrap Shad on BPS website, given 4 out of 5: "These baits are great! Great action and durabilty. Fishing shallow rocky bottoms is tough on baits and so far these have held up well. Unfortunately the hooks are like most trebles and I rate them as average. Replace the hooks with some sure set hooks and you have a 5 star bait."

If you want to include that you have caught a bunch of fish on it, then that's alright, but don't base your review solely on whether or not you have caught fish with it, especially after one outting. Cause I've seen reviews that say, "I used this once and never have used it again. I fished with it for two hours with not a single fish and not even any bites."

OK, I'm done ranting now.