Russ Lane has stayed in contention for the Bassmaster Wild Card title this week primarily on a bait he designed — the Big Bite Baits Real Deal Craw. Jeff Kriet has relied on it, too.
"I think it's the best flipping bait I've ever used," Kriet said yesterday.
Lane said the soft plastic crawfish imitation combines two things: It's realistic and it's functional.
The bait comes packaged with the pinchers attached to the main body.
"You can use it just like that and it has a spiraling action," Lane said. "Or you can pull the pinchers apart and it has a good flapping, kicking action. The plastic is just right, so it doesn't tear off too easily, but it's not too hard."
Lane has been using it with 1 1/2-, 2- and 2 1/2-ounce tungsten weights, depending upon the thickness of the mats he is punching.