On 4/29/2021 at 9:51 PM, MN Fisher said:

Could have fooled me - I've caught a number on a Rapala Shad Rap in 'Live Bluegill'.

The Rapala Original bluegill is one of my most productive lures. Back some years ago when Rapala started marketing the ‘Live’ or ‘Real Image’ baits in the Shad Rap and DT Series baits I was all over them like white on rice. Two of my most productive baits. As big of a Rapala fanboy I am, their ‘Live Image’ baits have been a major disappointment.  During the August September time with no rains and ultra clear water on the river they have yielded me more channel cats then bass. 
 

I bought a brand new original bluegill and hung it up outside all winter to fade the color some. I have not fished it yet but will soon. Think it is gonna work great. 
 

I fish a couple of Lucky Crafts that have been productive. If you catch a few variations of bluegills and  sunfish in your waters, you can get pretty close to a good imitation. 
 

But I thing getting an exact or even close to exact pattern means nothing. 

I agree with rapala's bluegill color, but not live bluegill. I also like strike king's neon bluegill. Crankbaits should not provide photo copies of fish because they will miss providing the key colors that bass key in on when chasing fish. An exception I can think of is when yo-yoing a lipless crank. I may opt for a more detailed lure then since it is moving slower and providing less of a visual blur. The blur I believe is caused by the crankbait's wobble as the colors on its side blend together and certain colors will stand out or not.

5 hours ago, LrgmouthShad said:

I agree with rapala's bluegill color, but not live bluegill. I also like strike king's neon bluegill. Crankbaits should not provide photo copies of fish because they will miss providing the key colors that bass key in on when chasing fish. An exception I can think of is when yo-yoing a lipless crank. I may opt for a more detailed lure then since it is moving slower and providing less of a visual blur. The blur I believe is caused by the crankbait's wobble as the colors on its side blend together and certain colors will stand out or not.

 

I agree with this. The slower the bait is moving, the more realistic/natural I want it to look. 

Academy Sporting Goods has some great bluegill crankbaits.