Every lure listed on Second Strike has been through the same process: physically inspected, assessed against a consistent grading standard, and photographed exactly as it is. No stock photos. No guesswork. No surprises when it arrives.
Here's exactly how we grade every lure we sell.
Why Grading Matters
Used JDM lures vary enormously in condition. Some have never touched water. Others have been fished hard across multiple seasons. The difference between a mint lure and a heavily used one isn't just cosmetic — it affects hook sharpness, finish integrity, and in some cases, the action of the lure itself.
Without a consistent grading system, buying used tackle is a gamble. With one, you know exactly what you're getting before you spend a dollar.
Our Grading Scale
We use a five-tier grading system based on physical condition, not age or price.
A+ — Mint / Unboxed
The lure is in perfect or near-perfect condition. No hook marks, no paint chips, no scratches. May have been removed from packaging for inspection but has never been fished. Hooks are factory sharp. This is as close to new as a used lure gets.
A — Excellent
The lure shows minimal signs of use. There may be very light hook marks on the body or minor scuffs that are only visible under close inspection. The finish is intact, hooks are sharp, and the lure performs exactly as intended. An A-grade lure is indistinguishable from new in the water.
B+ — Very Good
Light to moderate use is visible. There may be small paint chips, light scratches or hook marks, but nothing that affects the lure's action or structural integrity. Hooks may show light use and could benefit from replacement depending on personal preference. A solid fishing lure at a meaningful discount.
B — Good
Moderate use is visible. Paint chips, scratches and hook marks are present but the lure is structurally sound and will fish effectively. Hooks should be inspected and likely replaced. Ideal for anglers who want proven lures at the lowest price point.
C — Project / Display
Heavy use, significant paint loss or cosmetic damage. We rarely stock C-grade lures, but when we do, they're clearly labelled. These are for collectors, display purposes, or anglers who plan to repaint or restore.
What We Check on Every Lure
Each lure goes through a physical inspection before it's listed. We check:
- Body integrity — cracks, splits or structural damage that would affect action or water tightness
- Paint and finish — chips, scratches, fading and finish delamination
- Hook condition — sharpness, rust, bend and point integrity on every hook
- Split rings — corrosion, deformation or weakness
- Lip condition — chips, cracks or bends that would affect diving depth or action
- Weight and rattle — confirming internal components are intact
Actual Photos, Every Time
Every listing on Second Strike uses photographs of the actual lure you're buying — not stock images, not manufacturer photos, not representative images. What you see is what you get.
We photograph each lure from multiple angles under consistent lighting so that any imperfections are visible. If there's a paint chip on the belly, you'll see it in the photos. If the hooks show light rust, that's in the photos too.
This is the standard we'd want if we were buying. So it's the standard we hold ourselves to.
Hooks and Hardware
Most JDM lures ship with premium Japanese hooks already fitted — Owner, Gamakatsu or equivalent. Where hooks show significant wear, we note it in the listing. Where we've replaced hooks, we specify what's been fitted.
We never list a lure with bent, broken or severely corroded hooks without clearly disclosing it.
One Lure, One Listing
Every lure we sell is a single item. When it's gone, it's gone. There's no restocking the same colourway or batch — each listing represents one specific lure that we've physically handled and assessed.
That's what makes Second Strike different from a general tackle retailer. We're not moving volume. We're curating individual pieces, each one graded and documented so you can buy with confidence.