So, our thread about what we've never done thread got me thinking, if you had to pick one lure for each of the following species, for summer and fall, what would they be, I'll be fishing in the MN/WI area these two seasons. 

 

1) Smallmouth Bass

2) Walleye

3) Muskie

4) Pike

 

Rivers, lakes, ponds, all are open to being fished if it influences the choice in lures at all, looking forward to the selections!

And there ya go.

A-Jay

24 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

And there ya go.

A-Jay

Well played sir, well played

If A Jays jerkbait doesn't work, my second choice would be a swimjig with a paddletail. 

Pointer 128 in aurora black for all four species. 

That of course is the colour that is unavailable presently where I can find fishing lures lol

A jerkbait would be my choice as well. 

11 hours ago, Sphynx said:

That of course is the colour that is unavailable presently where I can find fishing lures lol

Amazon

A big ole spinnerbait would be my choice. 

2 hours ago, slonezp said:

Amazon

Won't be home off the truck for a couple of months yet in all probability, though I do plan on placing an interwebz order at some point

Jerkbaits, crankbaits, and paddletail swimbaits will catch all the fish you mentioned and many more species of fish.

Jig and plastic for smallies and walters

#5 mepps for esox

I've caught all of these in jig and spinner combos, but if I was actually targeting muskies I probably wouldn't use one because I'd be looking for a bigger bait.

Just one lure for each? I think I can catch all 4 with just 3 baits...maybe 2-1/2 if you count the first two as somewhat of an overlap - lol

 

1. Ned Rig

2. Jighead and 3” fluke style bait

3. Mepps Musky Killer in-line 

4. Mepps Musky Killer in-line

 

 

On 7/24/2019 at 4:22 PM, A-Jay said:

And there ya go.

A-Jay

Ok, being a bank guy I opted for the shallower diving version, slightly smaller, you swapping hooks out at all? I'm almost wondering if a similar strategy to how some guys swap out crank hooks for stout short ones would let me be a bit more effective on a 7' MHF rod...also assuming doing up a leader would probably be best, running 30lb braid on it at present

17 minutes ago, Sphynx said:

Ok, being a bank guy I opted for the shallower diving version, slightly smaller, you swapping hooks out at all? I'm almost wondering if a similar strategy to how some guys swap out crank hooks for stout short ones would let me be a bit more effective on a 7' MHF rod...also assuming doing up a leader would probably be best, running 30lb braid on it at present

Yes ~ I use virtually NO stock hooks at all on any treble hook bait.

None.

My replacement hook for this and most of my jerkbaits is either:

Mustad KVD 1x Strong 2x Short Triple Grip Treble Hook (including the Red one) 

or

Gamakatsu EWG Treble Short Shank Magic Eye

 Both are quality sharp, durable & reliable trebles for me. 

This past April that KVD treble (size 4) helped me land this Giant Musky that hit my jerkbait while fishing for smallies. 

If they can to that, I expect them to handle any bass I may run into. 

A-Jay

 

 

6 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Yes ~ I use virtually NO stock hooks at all on any treble hook bait.

None.

My replacement hook for this and most of my jerkbaits is either:

Mustad KVD 1x Strong 2x Short Triple Grip Treble Hook (including the Red one) 

or

Gamakatsu EWG Treble Short Shank Magic Eye

 Both are quality sharp, durable & reliable trebles for me. 

This past April that KVD treble (size 4) helped me land this Giant Musky that hit my jerkbait while fishing for smallies. 

If they can to that, I expect them to handle any bass I may run into. 

A-Jay

 

 

I keep hearing about steel leaders, that an actual thing? If so is there a particular gauge of wire I'm looking for? These toothy monsters are messing with my head lol, while I'm on the topic, have you noticed steel/metal leaders to be a hindrance with bass at all?

35 minutes ago, Sphynx said:

I keep hearing about steel leaders, that an actual thing? If so is there a particular gauge of wire I'm looking for? These toothy monsters are messing with my head lol, while I'm on the topic, have you noticed steel/metal leaders to be a hindrance with bass at all?

Yes I use wire and No - I do not consider it a hindrance and neither do the bass I catch apparently.

I use the product pictured below.

It can be tied directly into your main line and then to your bait.

No crimps or other additional terminal tackle needed.

Works great.

A-Jay