I was watching Major League Fishing and noticed a bunch of the pros flipping Beaver type baits to the docks.

 

To ME these type baits dont have the flapping claw action and dont look as enticing on the fall as an action claw bait like a Rage etc.

 

Are there times when fish prefer one over the other? I know in cold water less action is prefered.

Maybe less action is preferred for you, but not for me. There are times when bass are in a mood or whatever, and they will go for one over the other, but I think big action all the time is how you are going to get the BIGGEST fish to bite, the most often.

I have also wondered why craws aren't used as much as beaver baits.  I do like the compactness of a beaver bait, but think the action of a craw is fantastic.

I think their are times were less action is better (post front/cold water). If fish are lethargic and not very response, slowing down and using lures with less action can sometimes be the only lures that produce. At times you can get these fish to respond by using fast moving reaction lures, but at times it is not the case.

 

For me I use beaver style baits mostly when it comes to pitching/flipping to heavy cover like matted grass, deep into cattails, or pencil reeds. The reason for this is because they are compact and go through the the vegetation better without hanging up.    

 Most of the docks they were pitching to had a lot of weeds so I think the beaver style baits were a better choice to penetrate the cover. Baits with a wide profile and a lot of appendages have a better chance of getting hung up on the cover. 

Quinn, who won his segment was flipping  a jig with a speed craw. it really didn't matter IMO.  They were catching em on sticks(Texas and wacky) and flipping Jigs, tubes, beavers, swim jigs, and even a shell cracker. The key was depth and cover IMO.

I believe fish see lures as looking similar to their pry and attack it before it can get away. But I still try to imitate as close as I can in a 3d and color pattern of their food. The abc's why bass strike.

I was watching Major League Fishing and noticed a bunch of the pros flipping Beaver type baits to the docks.

 

To ME these type baits dont have the flapping claw action and dont look as enticing on the fall as an action claw bait like a Rage etc.

 

Are there times when fish prefer one over the other? I know in cold water less action is prefered.

 

Numb, you hit the nail on the head with your query about the bass preferring one over the other.

 

Rage Tail craws have fast action claws. Others, including pork, have slower moving claws.

 

The bass will tell you what they want so you will have to experiment.

 

The guys are correct in telling you that in cold water slow moving craws are better while in warmer water fast moving claws can be productive.

 

Just remember the color of the trailer is very important along with the claw movement.

 

And a bass usually will hit a crawfish when the claws are not extended outward. So slow moving claws are the favorites of many bassers.

 

As for the beavers, they have been productive via flipping and pitching into cover as they can slide through the structure and grass easier.

 

Just remember to "peg" your weight to keep it tight to the beaver and other baits you are throwing into structuer and cover.