when "secret weapon" becomes "popular"

[jalberg]

I'm just curious what some of you guys do when you have a technique or bait that you feel is a "secret weapon" that not many people are throwing, then over time it becomes the norm. When I got serious about bass fishing about 10 years ago, I started using a bait that didn't have much space on store shelves, if any. Now it dominates the shelf space in it's category. I still catch fish on it, but I'm losing some confidence in it. I don't like feeling like everyone else is using the same thing.

If you have been in a similar situation, what did you do?

[corncob]

Quess I would be far more concerned with what is catching bass, than who else was using the same bait....I think they have medication for your problem....

[prov1900]

Have the confidence to know that you are throwing it better than everyone else...that's what I do.

[itchmesir]

Seems silly.. because other people were obviously using the same bait as you.. otherwise this "secret weapon" that became "mainstream" wouldn't have become mainstream if people weren't buying it.. it's all in your head man..

[katoguy]

I am a firm believer in that it isn't so much as "what", but it is more in "where, when, and why".

[lookincalifornia]

i fish a small public pond that has its shorelines strewn with tattered senkos. i like to switch it up and throw a 10" power worm instead. if i do throw a senko type bait, it's a SK ocho. it has a similar shape, but i slightly different feel and fall and a completly new smell for the bass. or if i notice that all the torn up senkos are ripped at the nose, i'll throw a wacky rig. there are lots of "tricks" you can do to make your bait stand out from the crowd, but it still comes down to confidence. it you have faith in your bait, throw it.

[slipperybob]

What I associate with the secret weapon is usually a secret technique behind the lure.