Best for us has been of course the Slasher with many fish over 45 inches this year including several 47/48 inchers, two 49 inchers and one fatty 52 incher. Also a close second were all black Bucktails and spinnerbaits. Most over rated is a tough one but would have to say the Legend Perch bait. We dragged them all over this year without a sniff. Also the 6 inch Tuff Shads almost went hitless. Kingfisher
Best NEW lure for the year I think was my Squirrelly Ernie- like that little dude a lot, and will be getting the full size version too.
Worst new lure for the year is no contest, a real laugher- the Real Fish Bullhead. Reeling at anything more than stupid-slow, or any kind of light pull, produces a belly-up swimming motion ! And all his whiskers fell out after about 5 normal cast/retrieves…
Histiorically the most over-rated… hmmm for once I can't say bucktails this year because they performed real well this year (might have a little something to do with the fisherman). I will go with the TopRaider, in my boat at least. It became the new "I surrender bait" – the one you put on just for fun because you can cast it a mile and its fun to look after you've tried everything that should have worked and you know they just ain't going to hit anything.
Best new bait: Chatterbait…
Worst new bait: Kickin Minnow. Heavy, and not durable
Most over rated: Not one particular bait, but generally gliders… I love the artwork some of the baitmakers are creating, and I throw them a lot because they look so damn good, but they suck! But, I will keep buying more…
Best new lures for me were:
Manta 8" (THE color was so hot you can't find it in stock again until
2007)
Dunright Dancer 8.5" A load to cast at 5 oz but didn't have to cast it for
long periods on most occasions in July
Best of the older stuff in the box:
Rad Dog A great grinder using smaller blades than factory standard
this summer
Jig/Plastic Used successfully this year in 90 degree, blue bird
summer conditions when they ignored all else
Triple D Amazing versatility in the design and engineering
( I hope Dick Pearson made a ton when he sold it early
in 2006…..he should have)
No Luck or No Patience (maybe no skill either)
Top water
Interesting thoughts… thanks to everyone for replying.
As for me,
I really like my jointed slashers, I have a particular fondness for the $9 bass, Also the good old full size Ernie in Firebelly did his job this year.
I have to go with Duke on the Bullhead, looks awesome but haarrrdddd to use. The problem I have is that working it so slow makes it sink and it is hard to keep in the zone, I do like it for a drag bait over the side though.
Historically- I just cant get suicks to do their "thing" I know its not the bait but I had so many that won't run right and lack of fish = no confidence.
Kevin
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