Newest, Hottest Bait for 2008?

[MuskieSlayer]

Well, seeing that I'm trying to break a long and painful muskie drought this season, I'm looking for anything that can give me an edge. I haven't heard much talk on a new lure that breaks the mold, so to speak. In years past we have been bombarded with the hype of 'big blades', 'pink, pink, pink', and of course the Weagle. Sure, I gave in, like many others, and throw all those lures often, but I need something new, the 'holy grail', if you will.

So, is there a new go-to bait this year? You know, the lure that will be sold out of every tackle shop from here to Green Bay. Or, is old the new 'new'? Maybe my questions are a little premature, but post up the lures you are most looking forward to throwing this season, or what lure you would most like to add to your arsenal.

[PDXFisher]

I think the Swagger-Tail by BK Lures looks pretty sweet in the water. The Krusher by Llungen also looks very nice and can be used a ton of different ways and is probably good early season because of its smaller size.

Instead of "Big Blades", I the DCG Jr may be a real winner. A little more to it than the Showgirl, but not all crazy tiring huge like the DCG.

[Rebel9921]

Having the "Holy Grail" would virtually be impossible... Basically to have the "Holy Grail" would mean hooking a muskie on every cast no matter what...

PDX mentioned JR Cowgirl... Myself, I dont think they're worth the money... They're basically Showgirls stretched 2 inches longer... Just go either DCG's or DSG's... Now for Super Cowgirls... now thats a big difference... 13 inches long... 2 #13 blades... more thump... and they only cost $2-$3 more than a regular DCG's... I think its worth it...

MANY new lures came out this year... but its way too early for anybody to really hand down a judgment on those... Sure they may have been given to 5-10 "Pro" Muskie Fishermen... They know spots on lakes... but give it to 500-1000 muskie fishermen... success of the lures may stay the same or go either way...

Basically... it all boils down to lures that catches your eye... lures that you have confidence in using... lures that appeals to your liking...

Take me for example... I like prop-style Topwaters better than WTD-style topwaters... I like Magnum Topwalker better than Rumblers... I like Hellhound better than Suicks... and we all know that Suicks has far more better rate of success than Hellhound... Just like some people swears by Topraiders or SuperTopraiders... some says Pacemaker performs better...

I have PLENTY of DB-10 bucktails... but I only have one DC-10, 1 DC-8... rest are Cowgirls and Showgirls... I guess I like Flashabou better than bucktails or marabous...

This theory also applies to reels, rods, line, net, boat, etc etc... What works well for some doesnt work well for others... Its that those people go for what they like, what works well for them, and etc...

As for the new baits that I've heard of in 2008... Tacklebooty's SuperD appeals to me more than Bulldawgs... Mojo's Howie caught my eye but havent been enough of an appeal for me to buy one yet... same goes for BK Swaggertail... Krusher doesnt catch my eye at all... I've seen them but they dont appeal to me... Super Cowgirl caught my eye long time ago... and I own one... plan to get few more this summer...

Keep in mind... I've caught only one muskie... but I've raised several on DCGs... had 2 follows on a Raptor Double Bladed Bucktails... and I've used those lures I mentioned without anything to show for it but that doesnt mean I should not like them... Its the action in the water that I like... To me... Im just perfectly HAPPY being out there on the water casting for as long as I want to... Nothing else... just myself... and watching my lure come back to me in an action that mestermize me, I can feel the action thru the rod... Its soothing... its calming... until something grabs it... then thats a different story

[dfricke1010]

Holcombe's mini super humper, A-team's Assassin-X

[dfricke1010]

only cause those are ones i bought recently

[PDXFisher]

 Originally Posted By: Rebel9921

PDX mentioned JR Cowgirl... Myself, I dont think they're worth the money... They're basically Showgirls stretched 2 inches longer... Just go either DCG's or DSG's

Extra hook, too. If you've missed as many fish as I have, you'll appreciate 100% more hook points. I think it's a nice compromise and I'll probably throw the DCG even less this year. Honestly, I don't know if any bucktail over $20 is worth the money. But we still spend it, don't we?

[Rebel9921]

PDX... good point there but thank god theres a simple solution to that... add the extra hook yourself... It'd save you whole LOT too... Its what many do... and I havent heard any of them complain about it... Same idea can be applied to DC-10, DC-8, etc etc...

I will be getting PLENTY of Showgirls in May... and I'll be adding the hooks myself... VMC 5/0 or 6/0 attached to Wolverine Split Rings... cant go wrong with that...

Pricey, yes, but as long you're catching Muskies and making memories, thats very PRICELESS...

[delmuts]

"and watching my lure come back to me in an action that mestermize me,"

rebel. i hate those times! usually that is when i look down and see these BIG steely eyes staring up at me!! del

[Rebel9921]

Del... BIG steely eyes??? hmmm... a word of advice... stop fishing at pools when theres a swim meet going on!!! Those swimmers doesnt know how to go into a figure 8!!!

On a serious side... how can you hate that??? Doesnt that get your adrenaline going... the excitement of watching a Muskie follow closely on a figure 8... or having a boatside strike???

[MuskieMojoTackle]

 Originally Posted By: PDXFisher

 Originally Posted By: Rebel9921

PDX mentioned JR Cowgirl... Myself, I dont think they're worth the money... They're basically Showgirls stretched 2 inches longer... Just go either DCG's or DSG's

Extra hook, too. If you've missed as many fish as I have, you'll appreciate 100% more hook points. I think it's a nice compromise and I'll probably throw the DCG even less this year. Honestly, I don't know if any bucktail over $20 is worth the money. But we still spend it, don't we?

The blades are also different. Showgirls have double colorado #8's, and the Jr Cowgirl has double #8 MAGNUM colorados. The blades are shaped a little differently

[10,000 Casts]

2008 is all about the SWAMP DONKEY!!!

Drifter has some really cool stuff.

Read October Tubes will be awesome this year. I am going to throw the tube with the twin #10 blades (forgot the name) alot this year. And the ninja tube, twister tube ect.

The 12" Suick is sweet .

Of course Super Models.

Wade has some new stuff and his new designs and pait is really cool.

I will think of more at work today.

[MuskieSlayer]

Good stuff. I'm adding to my list of things to buy before June. Keep 'em coming.

 Originally Posted By: 10,000 Casts

2008 is all about the SWAMP DONKEY!!!

Drifter has some really cool stuff.

Read October Tubes will be awesome this year. I am going to throw the tube with the twin #10 blades (forgot the name) alot this year. And the ninja tube, twister tube ect.

I stocked up on the Red October tubes and I'm looking forward to throwing them as I've had really good luck on tiger tubes in the past. I like the twin blade idea too.

[Muskiefool]

My secret is always a bait they never see I like to stick with customs for Jerkbaits and Gliders for spinners I use nothing but Muskiemachinery spinner baits, the Super Chinook and Sonic Chinook are truly revolutionary and they work unlike some of the rip offs that tried to duplicate them The super is a double #10 Spinner bait and the Sonic is a double #9 Indiana blade, For Jerkbaits I make em myself because they cant be bought, for glides I do the same with the exception of Bikini Bait Co's Beer Belly Glider 6 inch, Turmoil 6-8 inch for wide glide and Hoosier Handmades, Price can sometimes be high but how many do you need anyway?, with the exception of the MM spinnerbaits those are remarkably reasonable, close to 2 for 1 compared to a DCG.

I'm a real believer in using what few throw.

[cjac]

Hey,

Even after the Expo, I really didn't add much "new" stuff.

I'm excited about the Mojo Howie, the only real new bait I picked up. I used a proto last year and I like this bait a lot! Slow moving topwater, easy to fish (with patience) and hard for fish to lay off.

Beyond that, my theme going into '08 is to downsize at times and overall go back to basics. In many cases, I'm leaning towards over speed and the enticing factor of a bait over sheer size, with a few exceptions.

Topwater: Weagle flat-out produces for my boat, if it ain't broke...don't fix it. This will be my only walk the dog style topwater. Prop baits, again downsizing to the Mouldy's Topper Stopper, simple yet effective, and proven by RK. Rough conditions I'm going AHL topwaters and LOW Riders.

Bucktails: Can't overlook the double 10s since they're proven, but I'm going with Mojo XX maribou, I just like maribou better, personal preference I guess, "pulses" in the water and looks great. Big baits aside, Lilly Tails are going to be thrown a lot by me. Added a KT Pro Edge 9' Diamondback and Curado 300DSV mainly for that purpose. Such a simple yet effective lure, fished slow and fast, and proven year after year. Also will be using the Showgirls, I like the illusion of speed while being relatively easy to fish.

Jerkbaits: Suicks, been around for how many years??? There's a reason! T'ing hooks and ready to throw them more, 9"s & 10"s both.

Glides: Hellhounds, they are great with that erratic movement.

Cranks: Believers...... From 6" to 10"s for me, straight and jointed, I'm looking to use them more. Very versatile and proven. My 6" baits have teeth marks......

Jigs: Esox Cobra jigs with tails added. I now see what RK and others have said about the hooks on the Esox jigs vs. the J-Macs, I like 'em better.

Right now, I'm ready to throw anything, but my '08 plan is simply using proven and time-tested presentations.

[MUSKY18]

I'm with Cjac. Haven't really added much new stuff. Picked up a custom made DC-10, DC-9 and a couple of Kilr Eels for my son. I have always been the one who sticks by the old stand by lures. Suicks and Bobbies are always first out of the box. Added some Hellhounds and Phantoms at the end of last season and will really give them a work out this summer.

I prefer the older, proven lures because they are just that...PROVEN. Suicks haven't been catching fish for all these years just for their pretty colors!!!

[MuskieSlayer]

 Originally Posted By: Muskiefool

I'm a real believer in using what few throw.

 Originally Posted By: cjac

Topwater: Weagle flat-out produces for my boat, if it ain't broke...don't fix it.

...

Right now, I'm ready to throw anything, but my '08 plan is simply using proven and time-tested presentations.

 Originally Posted By: MUSKY18

I prefer the older, proven lures because they are just that...PROVEN.

That's some sound advice there gents. Seeing that I'm a novice muskie fisherman, I've all too easily given into the hype of the new baits. When casting upon the sea of boats on Mille Lacs it's not too often I see the older, time tested lures thrown. The basic lures are what I had originally stocked up on, but they haven't been thrown much the last few years. I'll have to change that for '08.

Chris, you'll have to show me how that Weagle produces. I've had absolutely zero luck with it. The Jackpot on the other hand...

[PDXFisher]

 Originally Posted By: MuskieSlayer

Chris, you'll have to show me how that Weagle produces. I've had absolutely zero luck with it. The Jackpot on the other hand...

I had never made an attempt at walk-the-dog style lures until last year, even though I had a few of them. So I made a point to work on my Weagling after picking one of those up. I was finally so happy that it was doing what I wanted it to I was totally unprepared for the monster that tried to eat it ten feet away from me. I even screamed a little. It was one of those "Aha" moments, like when I actually saw a fish eat my LOWrider. Or when a Ski actually strikes on a Fig 8. When you're starting out, it's hard to visualize that kind of thing happening when you're just looking at the lure...and a prop bait is a pretty weird thing to get used to when you've never seen them before. All these lures are just articles of faith for a while. Then something hits it and the confidence shows up. I was probably most surprised when a Ski ate my Reef Hawg...I had zero confidence in that. But Jonah told me to throw it, so I did.

I'm going to make it a point to use Hellhounds and Phantoms this year, too. I've definitely neglected my glides/j erks. I've tried throwing spinnerbaits for the few years I've been at this and haven't gotten as much as a sniff from anything on them. They are my current zero confidence lure. Sad, since I have like 25 of em. Even removed the second blade like RK says. Threw one all night long at a guide's prompting...nada. Showgirls on the other hand....

[Rebel9921]

Reef Hawg can be a good lure to throw out sometimes... Its a a bait you wouldnt want to be caught without... same idea as Suicks... but I was advised once to keep a close eye on the Hawgs... I was told that half of the time, those Hawgs needs to be tuned before it'll work properly... something with the nose being misaligned...

PDX... you'll love those Hellhounds... Boy, do they really FLYYY out there... dont need to cast so hard... just cast normally and they'll just FLYYY out there... fun to use too... I know I will be getting few more Hellhounds in different colors/patterns this year...

[Nick Kuhn]

Chris, Suicks and Believers produced the most fish of my muskie baits, it's just I think they were all pike and bass Nice to catch something though, some of those baits you throw other species won't take a second look at.

[MUSKY18]

Rebel........I don't tune anything when it comes to Reef Hawgs. My best Reef Hawg has an action that is undescribable, mainly because I have no idea what it is doing or going to do. It just darts, turns dives and rolls. The harder and faster I [jerk-bait] it, the better the bait is.

You want to go real old school with the gliders, find yourself a great working Eddie bait. There is no other bait out there with the effortless glide like a well tuned Eddie. You just have to find one that works, but once you do, they are DEADLY!!! Especially on LOTW.

Jointed Believers are deadly topwaters too. Think that some folks over look them, but take a 10" Believer and crawl it across the surface of the water real slow, awesome topwater.

[cjac]

Vahn,

Yes, you do get some other fish, but I've scored some nice pike on 'tonka and Mille, and I'll never complain about them!

Bret is right on, sometimes a bait can be "too tuned". Jonesi always jokes about the Mantas, perfect side-to-side motion makes a muskie look like Stevie Wonder swaying it's head in rhythm side-to-side along with the bait, almost hypnotic! Reef Hawgs, suicks and the like can be tuned, but it's the varied move of a bait that can be a trigger. Watch baitfish....the dart all over, they don't swim in a straight measured path!

Jointed Believers on top......were you sitting in on the RK seminar at the Expo? Let's just say they're not only a trolling bait.....

[b1gf1sh1]

this thread has a general theme. i see here what i see out on the water. not many muskie fisherman really throw that many crankbaits. pretty much all own a few or more but they seem to be relagated to trolling mostly. and it's funny because they produce when they are trolled, BIG TIME. so why would they not while cranking? just a thought. i throw alot of different cranks throughout the year, every year, and they produce extremely well. love those storm shallow running baits in the 6'' o 7'' size. their not all that tough but a looser drag takes care of that. polish perch in deep and shallow is good too. lil ernies, and super shad raps work great. and the super magnums aint bad if a little hook tangley. believers are a great bait... crankbait... don't overlook the swimwhizz either, a little thinner plastic, different sound, action. and colors too. just another thought. i like to use cranks around sand points, bars, and rocks. loose, scattered or in wall formation. thats my take.

[cjac]

Check out the new mag sized Thundersticks, I really am intersted!

Think about how many muskies are caught by walleye anglers on the standard sized stick/crank baits like the reg Thundersticks.....

[Rebel9921]

made by Ducktail Lures??? If thats the case, yeah that caught my eyes too... Havent asked around to see who carries that...

[cjac]

Made by Storm, called the Giant Thundersticks. 10" jointed looks like a great bait!