Being on Lake G, we're all waiting for those warmer temps to come around to warm the water up and get us into pre-spawn, which everyone in my club is talking about running those Red Eye Shads. Talking with a few guides around and a few buddies... it seems like the SPRO Aruku is pretty hot right now too.

 

Just wondering your opinions on each of these. One guide said he's really ripping them on the SPRO Akuru Purple Rain... 

 

Also, do the hooks need changed on either of thse if purchased? If replaced, what size and brands do you guys like/

The baits are two different sounds and actions. I prefer the Red Eye Shad just for it's unique wobble on the fall. In grass, i prefer the Akuru or One Knocker.  I switch all hooks /w kvd elite short shank triple grips and go a size up from the stock hook. While I like strike king baits, their hooks are awful. you don't HAVE to change hooks but you will appreciate better hooks when you bend out stock ones. Hook size depends on the bait.

Thanks for the info. I'll look into the different actions for the baits. I'm really going to try to adopt the technique of ripping it from the grass, and in other water semi-yoyoing it off the bottom. 

 

Do you happen to know what size hooks come on the 1/4 and then on the 1/2 Red eyes?

 

Do you happen to know what size hooks come on the 1/4 and then on the 1/2 Red eyes?

#6's on the 1/4 oz. #4's on the 1/2 oz., and #2's on the 3/4 oz.

Thanks for the info. I'll look into the different actions for the baits. I'm really going to try to adopt the technique of ripping it from the grass, and in other water semi-yoyoing it off the bottom.

 

Do you happen to know what size hooks come on the 1/4 and then on the 1/2 Red eyes?

 

Largest fish last year was caught with Aruka early May they seem to hold-up well and run straight the few I have. My RES well sort of wavered away from them due to many quality issues paint and not running true. Another reason for not using RES was success with Rapala Rippin Rap. It caught the fish plus ran true at any speed and the finish held great even throwing on rocks and running over gravel. For the tech you mention the Rippin Rap is made for yo-yoing but still does very well with various retrieves. The sound is different and the wiggle is tighter. Check vid about it.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnLvx98VaFU&feature=player_detailpage

I throw both but tend to catch a lot more fish, on my waters, on the Aruku's. Perch is the only color I fish and it's one of those baits that always produces. A lot of people around here throw red eyes hence why I think the Aruku produces better.

My favourite lipless is the Aruku Shad in Perch. I catch so many fish on this bait and colour. I really like the nose down feature and you can literally crawl this crankbait.

I prefer the Aruku shad. I've smacked them into rocks and they seem durable except the finishes. Never really been a fan of Strike King baits, but the red eye seems popular. The Spro is the best priced quality lipless crank out IMO. It comes with Gamakatsu hooks so no need to change unless you want bigger or smaller hooks. I would change the hooks on the red eye though. The Aruku and the Yo Zuri rattlin vibe have been my two most successful lipless baits

I use both as well as some Rat-l-traps, and occasionally a Cordell Super Spot seems to be the ticket.  I can't say one is better than another.  It just depends on water conditions and what a bass wants on a particular day for me.

QUAKEnSHAKE also mntioned the Rapala Rippin' Rap in addition to the Red Eye Shad & the Aruka Shad. I say get all 3 as they are not expensive and you will find all them are capable of being the hot bait for the day and each bait excels under different scenario's. 

 

I like the 75 size Aruka Shad for slow rolling in slightly deeper water, also their metallic finish baits are impeccable and durable as well. This bait seems to produce more 4 plus for me than most lipless cranks.

 

I like the 1/2 Red Eye as an all purpose crank and especially when fishing emerging weeds in about 5' of water, the shimmy on the fall after you rip it off a weed is money.

 

The Rippin' Rap  I fish like a blade bait but more aggresively, works well when the fish are little deeper and bottom oriented. It also swims down like the Red Eye Shad. 

 

I would also recommend the Sebile Flatt Shad, this bait has a wider body than most and the vibration seems to appeal to the lateral line. The liquid filled versions are silent which sometimes can be a plus when fishing pressured clear water.

Have not fished the Spro bait.

 

I have fished the SK Red Eye Shad both the 1/2 & the 3/4 ounce here locally and really like the subtle slack line flutter the bait does.

 

I had Four days of "Once in a Life Time" fishing with the 3/4 oz (sexy shad) this November south of the border.

 

Upgraded Owner Split rings and Mustad Elite Trebles are standard operating procedure for me.

 

A-Jay

 

 

The Aruku Shad is better in rocks or cover where deflection is key.  It has a much broader head than the Redeye, and the faster you reel it, the lower the head dips and protects the hooks from hanging up.  I prefer it for working rip rap and boulders.  The stock hooks on both are fine.  While the finish on the Aruku Shad is more durable than the Redeye, it is subject to getting beat up, like any other bait - if you're doing it right

 

Results of doing it right....

 

 

I don' tlike the Aruku Shad in grass, and since I fish grass about 95% of the time with my lipless baits, I got rid of mine. My favorite is the 1/2 oz. Red Eye Shad, I couple others I like are the Damiki Tremor, and the Storm Rockin Shad. I ususally fish the stock hooks on the Red eyes untill they get mangled, which dosen't take long because they are a "regular" strength wire, but they are good and sharp and will last for a few fish, then I swap them out.

You're right about grass and Arukus....  I like the Xcaliber baits and LC Weedcutter for grass.

What color though? I can't seem to decide and I'm going to be getting the Jr. Size

What color though? I can't seem to decide and I'm going to be getting the Jr. Size

perch.

Wild shiner, perch, and majic shad for the aruku

Wild shiner, perch, and majic shad for the aruku

If I was in northern illinois and not fishing lake michigan?

I always thought match the baitfish but I never see perch besides when I fish lake michigan.

I ended up going with blue shiner. Match bluegills pretty much

Whats the cheapest price you can buy the Red Eye Shad's?

4-5ish dollars.

Nice!

 

I wish I can buy them at that price.

For another fun and expensive option, Duo lipless kill it in grass.

I also a big fan of the Sebile flat shads. They clear easy like red eyes and work well in grass also. For rocks or whatever the spros and live targets are great.