Another one of our Facebook readers, Dustin Keys, wants to know what out-of-pocket baits I use, and why. By out-of-pocket I assume he means those lures that I buy myself, those that do not come from sponsors.
In truth I don’t use a lot of them. I have top-shelf sponsors. Their baits seem to work in most situations I’m faced with in B.A.S.S. tournaments. There are exceptions, however.
The first is a Zara Spook. It’s the right size, the colors are good and it walks easily. In some situations a walking stick snaking across the top of the water is what it takes. There’s nothing that will replace it.
I also use a wide variety of soft plastic stickbaits. I don’t have any one brand that I use exclusively. My selections are based on water temperature, water depth, water clarity and the mood of the fish. It’s mostly a gut decision that comes from my years on the water fishing for bass. If I had a formula for picking the right one, I’d give it to you. I don’t.
My third selection is really a group of products — Roboworms. Like a Zara Spook, they come in fish catching sizes and colors. They also have great action. For the most part I follow the standard rules when it comes to picking the best size and color.
The reason I use these baits is because they catch fish. It’s that simple.
I do make small, but important, modifications to some of my lures, however. Sometimes I’ll use KVD Mustad hooks on my crankbaits, and I like Owner Stinger hooks on my topwater baits. But, once again, I don’t follow hard and fast rules for doing this and I don’t always use the same brand of hook. The best way to pick a replacement hook is by what works for you.
I also change the rings on the eye of many of my lures. A smaller ring will give you more action. A bigger ring will reduce the action. And, I put a bigger ring on all of my Zara Spooks. I think it gives them better action.
Modifying bills and lips, or repainting lures, isn’t my thing. I don’t have any issue with those anglers who do — some of the best in the business are really into that sort of thing — but that’s not for me. I seem to do OK with what the manufacturers provide.
With all that said I want to respectfully remind everyone that most factory baits are really good right out of the box. Manufacturers put a lot of engineering into their products. At the same time keep in mind that most baits nowadays are designed with the help of top professional anglers. Generally speaking, they catch fish. You don’t need to do much with them.
The best way I know to catch more bass is to find more bass. The way to do that is to spend time on the water, learn to use your electronics and fish with anglers who are better than you. There aren’t any shortcuts out there, or at least I haven’t found any.
Chris Lane’s column appears weekly on Twitter and Facebook or visit his website, www.chrislanefishing.com.
