All lures are in essence gimmicks, there are just varying degrees.

  Growing up my dad owned a hardware store with a big fishing department. We would go to Chicago to the market in the winter to buy for the spring and the lure companies would tell us when each show was going to be aired with what new lure. It was amazing. We would get the lures in and only sold a few till the show aired then we would sell out. I still say stick to the basics. Put in front of the bass in a matter in which he wants it and he will strike. Always sounds simple.

How about The A-Rig ?  Though I was familiar with this style of "lure" as it applied to salt water trolling, I had a pretty low level of confidence that the bait would catch bass.  Having major tournaments ban the bait in short order does speak to the presentations effectiveness.  After throwing it the first time I really thought it was wacky . . . .Speaking of a wacky rig, the first time you saw that rig and before you used it, who thought this one was anything close to the fish getter it has turned out to be ?

 

So "Gimmick" could just be a frame of mind.

 

A-Jay

The A-Rig is the real deal. One of my favorite lure (while, lures) to throw.

 

 

 

 

Doug Hannon Snakes?

The A- rig takes no skill IMO it does mimick a school of bait fish. Obviously bass are going to eat it.