The_Natural

Lucky Craft LV500max in Chartreuse shad. The LV500max is designed to run deeper than other traps, and even when burning it, the bait remains at around 12ft. I also throw the Mad Craw color quite a bit in the Spring, along with all sizes of the LVR series. I think the Lucky Crafts rein supreme, and I don't lose a lot of rattle traps, so I don't mind paying a premium if I'm going to own them a while.

The X-rap...it's the only Rapala I consistenly use. The bleeding shad color scored me a win in a club tournament last year during tough, post cold front conditions. That day gained me imeasurable confidence in that bait.

Supposedly, each bait in the RC series runs to a depth designated in the name, i.e. the .5 runs 1/2ft, the 1.5 runs 1.5ft, and so on. I haven't found this to be accurate. The 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 all seem to run 3-4ft for me, and the .5 runs from 2-3ft. I'm not sure on your sammy question...I fish lakes that are predominately largemouth lakes.

I wish they had more colors in the 5" hulas

Come on, guys! If you are dreaming of something that costs $20 or so...buy it! Save your allowance, mow that extra lawn, or pick up an extra shift at work. I don't really have a 'dream lure', but I think the Lucky Craft BDS series are the prettiest lures in my box, and I do admire them everytime I handle one.

I've got the Avid 6'9" ML power XF action that is dubbed their 'drop shot' rod. I love this rod- it has a limber tip coupled with plenty of backbone. I use it for shakey heads more than drop-shotting, but it is great for either technique. I don't split shot very much, but I imagine it would perform great if you used it for that technique. I also own an Avid 6' medium power fast action rod, and I use it for skipping docks and jerkbaits. It is too stiff for drop-shotting IMHO; you need a limber tip for proper presentation. So I'll say get the 6'9" ML XF...it is a popular rod for builders over on another site if that tells you anything. This rod also comes in the Legend Tournament line.

Loomis baby 8-). I use their entire line, from the flippin' sticks to their crankbait rods, I feel Loomis is unparalleled in quality, warranty, and customer service.

No sweat Avid. Your response shows that you really have confidence in it to catch some larger fish, and should weigh more. I actually have a live pointer and a live LVR. The Live LVR was an impulse decision at Cabelas, and I haven't fished it yet. Live LVR in Chartreuse shad...

No sweat Avid. Your response shows that you really have confidence in it to catch some larger fish, and should weigh more. I actually have a live pointer and a live LVR. The Live LVR was an impulse decision at Cabelas, and I haven't fished it yet. Live LVR in Chartreuse shad...

Anglers experience with a bait usually varies quite a bit (except maybe with the senko ). The best thing the thread starter can do is weigh each response and make a collective decision. I simply share my opinion based on my experience.

I've already purchased my christmas presents. My wife and I both order our stuff online, but when it comes in, we can not open the box, and it gets wrapped. Sure we know what we're getting, but not having actually seen it in person or held it makes for an exciting christmas morning. I'm getting an assortment of Lucky Crafts and Jackal baits from my wife, my mom and stepdad already bought me a ton of the closeout Yamamoto baits, and I have expressed desire for a Glock 17 from my dad (I shoot in the winter). Should be a good christmas...we should start a thread Christmas night so everyone can show off their goods 8-)

I had a Cabelas bag, but returned it when all my worms became permanently bent due to the boxes standing on end. I went to two smaller Cabelas bags and only carry one when I fish.

I'm sure it will catch fish, but don't waste your money on the 'live' version...just get the regular sammy. I purchased a live pointer and wasn't all that impressed, so I stay away from any of the L/C 'live' series of baits.

I am anxious to try it as well as Pline's 'Halo' Co-flouride fluorocarbon. I like both manufacturers products and they both should be quality.

Sweet! 8-). Now you can answer the question people continually ask "Are the high end baits worth it?!". Obviously the answer is subjective, but you sure seem to be enjoying yours, as I do mine. Honestly, if I never catch a fish on a few of mine, I don't care. I enjoy owning them and admiring them just the same. I guess that is proof that being a tackle juncky is truly a disease. I wonder if my health insurance will buy baits if I show symptoms of withdrawl :-? ;D '

It worked because of the mood the fish were in, your bait and it's color was what they wanted to eat at the time, and you presented your bait at the precise speed and technique. That precise bite will probably never occur exactly as it did at that moment, but you can use that experience to help yourself in similar conditions in the future.

I purchased some split ring pliers, but I can do it twice as fast with my finger nails. I just split it with my fingernail, and with my fingernail still in the ring, force the hook on. I'm not sure if you have picked out some hooks yet, and while any of the name brand hooks work well, I prefer the Daiichi 4x trebles and purchase them in the 100 packs. Most of the name brands are $5-$6 for 8 or 9 hooks, but Daiichi sells the 100 packs for $25. This will save you money in the long run, but if you only have a few cranks I guess it won't matter.

Oh yah...a link would be nice. Go to www.backwatersonline.com and click on 'lucky craft sale'.

Backwaters online frequently has good sales, and I checked last night and they had added a bunch of Lucky Crafts to the clearance section. The last time they put a bunch of Lucky Crafts on sale, they lasted about three days, so you might want to stake your claim. I snagged about 14 BDS 1 & 2's, several Pointers in Original Tennessee shad and Rootbeer, and several LVR's in Arkansas chrome, Aurora Black, and Ghost minnow.

I guess he needs to post up and tell us whether he has any traps. I don't consider a trap a crankbait, but he may be including them.

I've been waiting for the clearance stuff to go an additional half off like it did several times last year. I just went in today, and the clearance stuff was still scanning the full clearance price. I know Academy doesn't do regional sales, so I am confused. I've been eyeing a bunch of Kinami stuff that has been on the clearance rack since last year, and there are a ton of power worms marked down to $1.88 also that hopefully will be .94 cents soon ;).

Small medium running cranks are versatile and will get you bit frequently. A Lucky Craft flat mini DR is a little medium runner that runs about 8ft on 8lb fluorocarbon (even though it is classified "deep runner" for DR) that gets a ridiculous amount of bites. It does catch it's share of small fish, but the chunks like it, too. It would be a great bait to get your confidence built up. Flat sided baits such as the afforementioned L/C, Rapala DT flat, and the Bandit Flat Maxx work great in early spring when the water hits 50 degrees plus.

I am also fond of the Slender Pointer 112. Matte Pumpkin is my favorite color; it is a versatile color that works well in clear and stained water (the bait is not pumpkin, yet more of a green/rootbeer colored back with white sides). Bass Pro closed out the 112's in Matte pumpkin for 6.88, and I purchased 10 (should have bought more ).

It's ironic that Gary would be sued over copyright infringement, when every bait manufacturer in the world, Zoom included, copied his Senko .

The original baitmate gamefish was an anise based scent. Does it smell like black licorisce (sp?)