Expensive Lures

[mlvaj]

What do you guys think about expensive lures, like the $15+ range (swimbaits, cranks, etc.)? Do they really work the same as an ordinary bait we get at the big stores? I bought some frogs that were made in Japan last year and they were $20 a piece. So far, I've only caught a few largies with them. Now, I see some weird cranks I'm thinking about buying but at $15 a piece, I'm not sure if it's worth it. I'm scared I might lose it to some toothy creatures up here in the northern waters and don't know if it'll be worth my money. But again, the crank looks unique and I want them. I don't want to mention the name of the company but it's the crank with the treble on top and bottom towards the "Back". What are you guys' opinion on getting expensive lures for northern waters where we live?

[KickNBass]

I haven't found any that I absolutely need to use but would be interested to hear what others have to say.

Why don't you want to mention the name, that's legal on this site isn't it? (wouldn't surprise me if it wasn't though)

[Cecil]

I think on hardbaits, yes, they make a difference. On a soft bait where you impart the action, not so sure. But I use Lucky Craft jerbaits and I think they work better than others...

[corncob]

If you can't find the lure that you need in the Rapala line then you don't need it!......Nothing wrong with the high buck lures, just they surely are no secret fish catcher.

[Deitz Dittrich]

true griz, but even some of the new hight end Rapala are pushing $15 or more..

[Larson15]

I do think that the higher end cranks do perform better as i find myself buying more and more of the expensive ones (Spro, Lucky Craft, Ima, Megabass, etc.). Maybe its a confidence thing, maybe not. Like DD said, the Raps are getting pricey themselves. I do think some of the more expensive topwater, walking baits and jerkbaits definitely make a difference.

[ALL_IN]

I guess another option is trying to find a "knock off"... for example I like the action of the lucky craft pointers... but dropping 15 bucks is hard to grasp when a dang northern is going to eat the bait and snap me off. I will say that action, fall rate, and such to a pointer for example I can not find in another bait like a rapala. But going to a bulk tackle store on the internet you are able to find jerk baits out there that are almost the same to the pointers by lucky craft. I know I used the pointers for the example, but by doing my research and testing things in the water has allowed me to find cheaper options that give me simular action to what I am looking for in a bait that is 15-20 bucks.

My 2 Cents

ALL-IN

[RK]

Hiya -

I think it can matter, but only in certain lure classes where very specific performance comes into play...and Cecil pointed out the #1 example: jerkbaits.

Higher end jerkbaits may not technically work "better" on any given day, but what you do get for the extra $ is consistency from bait to bait. I like husky jerks and catch fish on them, but I honestly don't think I have two that behave alike. Some sink slowly, some suspend tail up, some suspend tail down, some barely sink, and at least one I have sinks like a rock.

On the other hand, every Lucky Craft pointer I have works the same. Especially in cold water where suspending perfectly and horizontally can matter, the extra $ is worth it, even if it stings when a pike bites one off.

On the other hand, stuff like deep diving cranks? Nah... I catch all kinds of fish on Strike Kings and DT Rapalas, and if there's something specific I want the bait to do, like suspend or rise more slowly, I can modify them with lead wire or SuspendStrips, and it won't affect the action - bigger lipped, bigger bodied baits aren't nearly as touchy as something like a suspending jerkbait, and you can get away with fairly crude tuning methods. I sometimes clip little bell sinkers to the hook hangers on some baits and get away with it...

I agree that it can get carried away - I'll rot before I spend $25 on a Megabass jerkbait - but at least to a point, you pay a premium for premium quality, and there are cases where that can matter in practical, help you catch more fish terms. But I think those cases are fairly rare.

My $.02

Cheers

Rob Kimm

[BPBOB]

I like this topic-looking ahead to this season's open water season I wonder about purchasing

1.Sebile soft and/or hard magic swimmer

2. SPRO swimbait- BBZ type

3.Sebile spinnerbait-the $15 version with the funky fish-looking blades.

I fish a bass/northern panfish weedy lake -anybody with suggestions on these particular lures?

Or are there some other pricey new/fairly new lures you would suggest as goodies to purchase?

[Larson15]

I guess it also depends on how much of a bargain shopper you are. I do buy higher end hard baits but dont pay the premium for them. Doing some searching over the internet you can find the 25 dollar baits for around the 12-15 dollar range.

[mlvaj]

It's just my thought on these hardbaits. If they tend to run true and are way better than the Rapalas, Strike King, etc., wouldn't they be advertising more? To me, I think the low class hardbaits works just as well. If the producers of the high end ones would advertise proving the efficiency of their lures, I think all fishermen like us would be willing to spend the money and make it worth it. If I didn't know how to use the internet and search for some of these lures, I wouldn't have never known these other companies even existed. And another question, how do you know if these high end lures works better than the low end ones? And to answer the previous post about me not posting the name of the brand here, I guess I could. It's called the backstabber lures. Never seen it before but they look intriguing to say the least, but very expensive.

[Cecil]

Keep in mind that the makers of expensive baits are typically smaller companies and are based outside of the US.

[JP Z]

I am generally not one to jump on the expensive bait bandwagon. That and I am more of a recreational fisherman when it boils down. Heck, I am still having a hard time dropping coin on Tungsten Bullet weights. When you think about it a standard lead 3/4oz is $.20 where at a Tungsten one....$2.50 or more. That is crazy if you think about it.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

I agree with what most have said. I think lures like jerkbaits are worth the premium price and I also try to buy most of them when I can find deals on them. I believe I have bought generic LC Pointers from the same site ALL_IN eluded to but the fakes dont have quite as good paint schemes or durability (some actually warped in the sun).

I do have a couple premium crankbaits but I personally dont think you need to spend as much to get a good crankbait.

I have had several instances where pointers outfished everything else. Most recently last spring on Mille Lacs. My dad and I were fishing the reefs and I had a pointer, I caught a few smallies before he switched to a suspending bait, a husky jerk. I kept catching he didnt. I offered a pointer, he tried a rogue. He finally switched to a pointer after a few more fish including a 28.5" walleye. After switching he caught started catching fish including a 27.5" walleye.

[smeese]

You can always make your own.....

[Superduty]

Some days the fish seem to only hit the high dollar jerkbaits and some days they only hit the $4 rapala husky jerks. Confidence can be a big factor too. Something else to consider, the price gap is narrowed a bit after putting high dollar trebles on the cheaper baits.

[Stick in Mud]

So much of this is relative...I mean, the expensive Senkos run, what, $7 a pack. And sometimes they'll be ripped in half after one or two fish. A $15 swimbait, or even a $25 one, if it doesn't get bit off, can be a much better "value" in terms of fish per dollar, than can "cheap" baits like expensive plastics. Just my .02.

[mainbutter]

I'm not a fan of cheap crankbaits.. I just don't like 'em. Mid price range cranks are my usual go-to.

As for the OP's interest in lipless undulating swimbaits (not boot-style swimbaits):

I've had zero luck boating a fish on one, though I've had a few missed strikes on a floating one. I think lipped swimbaits give off stronger vibrations. I love the look of lipless swimbaits in the water, but they haven't proven themselves to me on the water.

I think that jointed lipped cranks are much better at catching fish. I'm waiting for a 3-jointer that consistently suspends perfectly from bait to bait to be created.

That said, my absolute favorite lures of all time are made by a guy in the Netherlands, "Lucky Lures", he's currently focusing on his Esox line of swimbaits which are basically baby pike/muskies used to target big pike/muskies!

[RumRiverRat]

So much of this is relative...I mean, the expensive Senkos run, what, $7 a pack. And sometimes they'll be ripped in half after one or two fish. A $15 swimbait, or even a $25 one, if it doesn't get bit off, can be a much better "value" in terms of fish per dollar, than can "cheap" baits like expensive plastics. Just my .02.

I agree.

I had a day on Mille Lacs last year where I went through 2 packages of Yum Mighty Bugs catching both Brown and Green bass on shallow rocks.

Since the body is segmented parts end up being ripped off if you have short strikers or annoying little perch nipping your bait.

I use Yum Dingers a lot and they hold up slightly better than a Senko. You can still go through a bag or two wacky rigging them if the bite is hot.

[Comit 2]

I would have to think that the price of a lure would be more an indicator of the manufacturing costs and the cost of marketing. I don't think a Bass or a fish considers the cost of a lure before striking.

Quote:

I don't want to mention the name of the company but it's the crank with the treble on top and bottom towards the "Back". What are you guys' opinion on getting expensive lures for northern waters where we live?

I do find it odd that you won't say the name of the lure when Rapala, Spro, Lucky Craft, Ima and Megabass are all mentioned.

The only question is; is it better then what your using now?

[Comit 2]

Quote:

Fishing success cannot be bought through the latest or hottest new lure. It can not be bought through the latest equipment, or some kind of gadget. Buck (Perry) says that knowledge is the key to fishing success.

I found this somewhere on the WEB. I can't think of a thing to add.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

We realize you cant buy a $20 dollar lure and expect it to produce all the time and everywhere, having the knowledge of when and where to use a lure is necessary first. This post is simply asking the question, "in your opinion is a $15, $20, or $30+ bait worth it?"

[bASS_BLASTER]

Is it worth it? It depends.

Worth it.

1. Expensive lures use quality materials, are individually tested, quality inspected and have meticulous craftsmanship.

2. Having expensive lure give some fishermen lots of confidence.

3. For those who fish all day and didn't make it at the weigh in, you still have your pride and joy because one of your plano box alone is worth $500, your boat and gear alone is worth more then some guy's house.

Not worth it.

1. Lose one to a pike, musky, tree, log, rock and snag= - $

2. It will only produce just as much fish as your $2.49 lure.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

2. It will only produce just as much fish as your $2.49 lure.

Fill me in on a $2.49 jerkbait that will match my Pointers and I will be forever grateful.

[Bass4life]

Hey everyone im new to the forums. In my opinion, lures that are expensive (more than $15 for a crankbait) were designed for heavily pressured, clear bodies of water. Most of my buddies, including myself would not cast a $20 crankbait in minnesota's pike infested waters. Again, just my opinion. Maybe down south, or over in Japan where matching the "hatch" perfectly, makes a bigger difference. Just my 2 cents....