Let’s hear all the opinions on Custom Painted baits as well as on the water tips to tweak your lures to match the forage?

I’m ready to try out these baits I had a friend make for me. You wouldn’t believe the inspiration for this particular pattern. 

I think that too much detail is for the fisherman and not the fish. Don't get me wrong...I like a beautiful bait just like the next guy, but I don't think it's necessary. A lot of you have great painting skills and I would put them on the wall instead of the lake.

Very valid point. A lot are too pretty to fish. Frankly can become quite expensive. I guess the question becomes, is the couple extra dollars worth it if the bait gives the angler the edge?

Silhouette and action are much more important than matching the forage exactly. A bait fishes coloration is made to help him blend in to his surroundings. Those who stand out, get eaten first. Not that I am a qualified person to give a valued opinion, but I have never done particularly well with realistically painted baits. As pretty as your baits are, I wouldn’t pay extra to fish with one.

Good point!  I’m going to try a similar colored “Over The Counter” bait equal in size, and action to see if there is, in fact a difference.