Category: Lures

Lure Lunacy Final

Posted on by Troy Jackson

 

And the winner is…

Blue Glimmer (Storey Region #3) vs. Senko Wacky Rig (Snakeden Region #1)
Matchup: The final pits a couple lures that qualified for a Legendary Lures series that I wrote back in 2012. Ten lures were selected and these two made the list for not only their productivity but also their impact.

Blue Glimmer: The actual name for this bait is the Stanley 3/8 ounce Vibra Shaft Rainbow Glitter Series Spinnerbait in the Blue Glimmer pattern. Like I’m really going to write that in the log book or offer it up as a boat ramp tip in its entirety. Of course, if it didn’t produce it wouldn’t matter as the lure would have simply faded from use without much fanfare. Or without a nickname. And that’s also part of what makes this lure special and worthy of inclusion in the championship match. Beyond practicality, the “Blue Glimmer” nickname also represents a term of affection combined with a thumbs up for a job well done. Oh yeah, it just sounds cool, too, which is, well, cool.

Senko Wacky Rig: Do you know where you were at 7:48am on May 22, 2005? I sure do. South end of Lake Bracken’s Snake Island, spinning rod in one hand, first ever Senko Wacky Rig bass in the other (16.5” and 2-5 weight). Fishing with Dad that morning I had a total of four bass on other baits between 5:30am-7:45am when I opted for the Senko out of desperation. When we called it quits at 10:30am, I had sixteen more bass in the log all courtesy of the Senko as I never put it back down. Fifteen years later, I’ve got it on a rod most every time out once the water warms in the spring.

 

Result: This one is quite a matchup as these two baits obviously have a lot of history and have made for just a few fish stories. The champ represents a lure that has come to dominate not only my lure selection but also a few others that I know. It’s both new angler and kid friendly as my boy, Jayce, has taken a liking to this thing. As a result, it’s put a big smile on that boy’s face a few times. Of course, those smiles are contagious to this proud dad. Finally, when a lure becomes your generic term for any similar lure or presentation, you know that it has left a lasting impression. Like Kleenex or Scotch Tape, the winning “Senko” refers to the wacky worm approach no matter the imitation. Congratulations to the Senko Wacky Rig for the victory and well done by a quality runner-up in the Blue Glimmer.

First Senko Wacky Rig bass  7:48am on 5/22/05  – It’s not always the biggest bass that makes the biggest splash

It’s been quite a ride for what turned out to be a more ambitious undertaking than I initially thought. The original intent was to provide a little distraction from our odd times through an outdoor related substitute for the “real” tourney. And I guess I did just that while getting to tell more than a few fish stories along the way. Even threw in a little basketball lore and some song lyrics to enhance the tourney journey. Sure, it got me distracted from some of the other things that could have been attended to while the world is out of whack. But you only get one shot at such a project without the real March Madness trying to steal your blogging thunder. Well, let’s hope so, at least.

Whew!

And talk to you later. Troy

Lure Lunacy Semi-Finals

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Well, the results are in a bit later than anticipated but I spent yesterday afternoon and most of the evening actually putting some lures to use during a much needed fishing trip. In fact, all of the lures below got in on the act. But that’s another story or two for next week.

For today, it’s a look at how the semi-final contests went down as I throw in yet a couple more new wrinkles. Results were recorded lakeside during my fishing trip and the videos feature the Top 4 bass for each lure since we have reached the Final Four.
(Disclaimer: a pair of jig bass were not included due to no existing photo for one catch and I failed to confirm permission to use another photo with the angler).

 

 

Blue Glimmer (Storey Region #3) vs. Red Eye Shad (Emiquon Region #2)
Matchup: Both of these baits were kind of next generation lures for their lure type. The Blue Glimmer (actually 3/8 oz. Stanley Vibra Shaft Spinnerbait in the Blue Glimmer pattern) took over spinnerbait duties in the 90s from the old Mann’s Hank Parker models. The Red Eye Shad assumed the lipless crankbait role back in 2011 taking over from the Rapala Rattlin’ Rap.
Result: While the Red Eye Shad moves towards ten years of consistent production, the Blue Glimmer has resurfaced with a bit of reconstruction via skirt replacement to do battle again. Therefore, the former disadvantage faced by the Blue Glimmer long being out of production is no longer a hindrance. As a result, the tried and true old school bait pulls off a mild upset as it’s slightly slower pace and potential structure hugging ability derail the fast moving lipless crankbait.

 

Jig & Pig (Little John Region #1) vs. Senko Wacky Rig (Snakeden Region #1)
Matchup: This pair of lures feature a hand-off of sorts that works out to cover the fishing calendar with some solid bass catching potential. The jig & pig shines in the early, cold water period before stepping aside as the water warms when April moves along. From there the Senko steps up as a bass fooling machine through the summer before handing over the reins to the jig and pig to finish off the year.
Result: Both of these lures received #1 seeds for a reason and their variations in seasonal effectiveness make for a tough matchup. There’s no doubt that I’ll have a jig & pig on to start and finish the year but the Senko flat out changed the way I fish. Particularly on the strip mines where I do a great deal of my casting. This is one presentation that lived up to the hype and that makes it the winner in this battle.

The Lure Lunacy Final is set with an old legend looking to take down a new legend. Lots of log entries with these two lures so it is certainly a match full of memories. One more walk down Memory Lane slated for Monday will determine which lure takes home the Lure Lunacy title. Hope you’ll tune in for the finale. Talk to you later. Troy

Lure Lunacy-LJ/Snakeden Finals

Posted on by Troy Jackson

The Final Four is about to be set based on the battles below.

Little John Region

Jig & Pig (1) vs. Booyah Buzzbait (2)

Lyric (Jig & Pig): “The jig is up the news is out.” Renegade – Styx (1979)
Lyric (Booyah Buzzbait): “Lights out, ah ha, blast, blast, blast.” Lights Out – Peter Wolf (1984)

Matchup: Big bass potential is an appealing feature of both baits in this battle. However, they get the job done in different conditions and different fashions. The jig shines in cold water while the buzzbait typically stays home until the water warms. The jig is a slower, bottom bouncer as opposed to the buzzbait which speeds through the surface with a crazy racket. And finally, the jig is an in your face, in your home presentation for the bass while the buzzbait rings the dinner bell far and wide.
Result: This one goes right down to the wire, much back and forth in determining the victor. Both have some big bass potential as the jig is productive in the early season when big bass catches are always a possibility. Wielding a buzzbait early or late in the day during warm water also has the same potential as those big bass are a little less wary. In the end, this one ends on a buzzer beater and the buzzbait goes down while the jig & pig fights on in the Final Four.

 

Snakeden Region

Senko Wacky Rig (1) vs. Mann’s Baby 1- (3)
Lyric (Senko): “Oh but they’re weird and they’re wonderful.” Bennie and the Jets – Elton John (1974)
Lyric (Baby 1-): “Every time I think of you it always turns out good.” – Every Time I Think of You – The Babys (1979)

Matchup: This is what I call the “I told you so” contest. Back in the 90s, a fishing buddy and co-worker they call “Woody” introduced me to the Mann’s Baby 1-. Knowing that he knew how to catch some bass I followed his advice, bought a few and never looked back. Similarly, when I finally got wise and bought into the Senko wacky rig that anglers raved about in major magazines, I also found it to be a winner.
Results: I am a creature of habit so often it is tough for me to change my ways or venture into new baits or presentations. In the case of these two lures, that was a mistake. The Senko will win this one running away but for my “I told you so” advice, you would be wise to put these two lures to use if you haven’t already.

 

Thus, the Final Four is set and we will now enjoy a much needed break before the Lure Lunacy semi-finals launch next Saturday. But have no fear, there is some other blog stuff in the works beginning with our latest Monday Top 5 Update. And somewhere along the way, I need to work in last week’s Friday Flashback. Talk to you later. Troy

Lure Lunacy – Storey/Emiquon Finals

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Half of the Final Four will be set following this pair of Region Finals. And a new wrinkle for this post includes a pertinent lyric for each lure. On with the fun…

Storey Region

Zara Spook (1) vs. Blue Glimmer (3)
*Lyric (Zara Spook): “It’s you and me forever, Zara, smile…”
Zara Smile – Hall & Oates (1976)
*took a little liberty with the lyric and title to make it work
Lyric (Blue Glimmer): “Hey, there, Mr. Blue, we’re so glad to be with you.”
Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra (1978)
Matchup: Both lures in this battle have seen their heyday, somehow winding up on the bench when it formerly was their time to shine. The Zara Spook has been replaced by a couple other topwater presentations as new lures and new models hit the market. The Blue Glimmer was replaced out of necessity as Stanley Jigs ceased production of the bait many years ago.
Results: Each of these lures scream for a comeback, perhaps 2020 is the year pending how the current national health situation plays out. Even though I have plenty of Spooks on hand versus a lone intact Blue Glimmer bait, the latter is going to gain entry to the Final Four. With the aid of some spare skirts I do have several frames of Blue Glimmers that can be put back in action. Sort of a Steve Austin thing as “we can rebuild it.”

 

Emiquon Region

Creatures (4) vs. Red Eye Shad (2)
Lyric (Creatures): “But all the while you hear a creature creepin’ up behind, you’re outta time.”
Thriller – Michael Jackson (1983)
Lyric (Red Eye Shad): “Red! Knock’s ‘em dead, some like it hot, I like it red!”
Red – Sammy Hagar (1977)
Matchup: Slow vs. fast, finesse vs. power, tortoise vs. hare? Creature baits get real up close and personal with their quarry while the Red Eye Shad calls out to the bass with its rattling and vibration as it blazes through the water column.
Results: Nothing wrong with the old saying that “slow and steady wins the race” as that can certainly be the case with those that comprise the creature collection such as muskrats and craws. But I like to cover a lot of water when I can get away with it and the up tempo game of the Red Eye Shad is right up my alley to win this one going away, don’t blink or you’ll miss it.

Half of the Lure Lunacy Final Four is now set with a classic set to face a contemporary. Final two regions to come so stay tuned. Talk to you later. Troy

Lure Lunacy-LJ/Snakeden Round 3

Posted on by Troy Jackson

In the final half of the Sweet 16 collection of lures, things get old school, create a buzz, turn wacky, and we finally get a resolution to the much anticipated “Baby” showdown.

Little John Region

Jig & Pig (1) vs. Shad Rap (4)
Matchup: These two lures have done battle before as they often vie for the bookend bass of each fishing year. Cold water specialists that you should have on the end of your line right now.
Results: While the Shad Rap can somehow entice that cold water bite when other baits can’t get it done, the jig & pig generally gets bigger bites. Generally speaking, when I get out in the cold water period I only have a narrow window of time on the water. In that time I am basically looking for one bite. And I’ve seen some good ones on the jig & pig which push it on to the region final.

KVD Squarebill (3) vs. Booyah Buzzbait (2)
Matchup: The KVD Squarebill owes a debt of gratitude to the Poe’s Crankbaits that bowed out in the first round of our tourney. Built to deflect off of structure, and with a little practice, these lures can save you a few bucks and nab you some more bass. Be very careful when you pick up a buzzbait. If the timing is right and you run into some early quality bites, you may be in trouble.
Results: Crankbait effectiveness is taken up a notch when you can run the bait into something whether it be wood, rock or the lake bottom. Sure is fun to get that thump after a bump but the explosion of a surface buzzbait strike is over the top. Every once in a while one of those buzzbait bass will fool you too, just barely slurping the bait in with hardly a ripple. You never know until you set the hook but wait for the weight before you do so. Easier said than done on our topwater winner that moves on to the next round.

 

Snakeden Region

Senko Wacky Rig (1) vs. Rapala Floating Minnow (4)
Matchup: Tackle selection got a bit wacky back on May 22, 2005 at Lake Bracken when I broke down and tied on a plain looking worm to try out a new presentation. As they say, “The rest is history” and I’ve had one tied on ever since. Speaking of history, the Rapala Floating Minnow, originally crafted in Finland circa 1930s, caught the eye of American anglers in the 1960s. All these years later, the tackle aisles are still stocked with the “Original Floater”
Results: Shame on me, perhaps, that my last floating minnow catch came in 2006. Dad has busted it back out on several occasions in the meantime but I seemed to have forgotten my roots. Such can be fishing these days with overwhelming offerings tugging at an angler’s mind. The Senko, on the other hand, has been on a spinning rod nearly every trip since that tackle changing first catch back in 2005. The Senko moves on but I’ll make a note to dust of the Rapala this spring if conditions permit.

Mann’s Baby 1- (3) vs. Baby Brush Hog (2)
Matchup: The media blitz for the “Battle of the Baby’s” has hit a fever pitch in the days leading up to this matchup. Fierce allegiances have spiked merchandising, The Babys rock group has seen a resurgence in radio airplay and internet hits and a variation on a popular 70s soft drink jingle has resurfaced. Anybody recall the original version of “I’m a baby, he’s a baby, she’s a baby…wouldn’t you like to be a baby, too?” Okay, maybe not, but I could see it happening.
Results: When the bass tell me that I need to slow down, I occasionally listen. And when I do, I often reach for the Baby Brush Hog. Just did that last year in fact, so the Zoom creature represents a contemporary lure. As does the Baby 1- which also reeled in a few in 2019. The fast moving Baby wins out in this matchup as that’s my speed and for many years my lifestyle with four kids.

 

We have our Elite 8 baits and little rest for the contenders (and the blogger) as the show must go on. Talk to you later. Troy

Lure Lunacy – Storey/Emiquon Round 3

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Back in business with the first two regions of the Sweet Sixteen. No sense in giving a rambling intro as the lures speak for themselves.

Storey Region

Zara Spook (1) vs. Mepps (5)
Matchup: A classic battle that originated for me in the mid-80s. Both lures were already legends when one found me and I found one. The Mepps was a fixture in Dad’s arsenal and one of “only two lures you need to catch some bass” (more on the other one tomorrow). The Spook was something Brent and I read about and couldn’t pass up at a tackle wholesale outlet on Grand Avenue ran by Dom and Pete Calderone.
Results: While both have faded from regular use among me and my fishing partners, they each hold many memories. Not only the memorable catches but the origins of how this whole thing once began with a handful of lures and a head full of dreams about landing some big bass. As these lures come in neck and neck in the sentimentality factor, the fact that the Spook produced more of those big bass gives it the edge in this matchup.

 

Blue Glimmer (3) vs. Booyah Spinnerbait (2)
Matchup: This is a spinnerbait battle that began with a homemade lure crafted by my baseball coach and early bass fishing mentor, Gary “Bru” Bruington. That one was lost to the ages somehow, initially giving way to a Roland Martin Blue Fox model and then a batch of Mann’s Hank Parker spinnerbaits. Thirty five years after receiving that first spinnerbait, these two winners slug it out for the current spinnerbait title and a spot in the Elite Eight.
Results: The Booyah models are the spinnerbait stars when I hit the water these days as The Blue Glimmer has long been out of production. One of my last two Blue Glimmers bit the dust at Lake Storey a few years ago courtesy of a broken blade while fooling one last bass. I do have a final spare Blue Glimmer in the package so the bait indeed can live to cast another day. Which is just what it does in defeating the formidable Booyah Blades.

Emiquon Region

 

Swimbait (8) vs. Creatures (4)
Matchup: So some of these swimbaits are actually bigger than a lot of the bass this aging wannabe bass angler catches. Pretty cool looking but at a price that stops me in my tracks. After all, if I hang one of them in a brushpile I’m either going swimming or pulling out a hanky to dry my tears. Creature baits on the other hand, while not a dime a dozen, are certainly more in this frugal fisherman’s price range.
Results: Jaw dropping bass pics from giant swimbait action sure do get my attention. But, there’s a price in terms of both financial and time investment. I’m just not committed enough to that niche to spend my day looking for one or two big bites. Tried that one before as a muskie fisherman. Nope, I’ll take my chances on a big bass eventually showing up among the collection of small to mid-sized bass that eat my muskrats and craws. Victory to the creatures.

 

Rapala DT (3) vs. Red Eye Shad (2)
Matchup: We’re talking evolution and legacy in this matchup of differing crankbait styles. The Rapala DT Series comes from the legendary lure maker that first introduced the floating minnow, then divers such as the Shad Rap and Fat Rap along with a stab at a topwater bait in the Skitter Pop. The Red Eye Shad comes from a legacy of lipless cranks such as the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap and Rapala’s lipless model known as the Rattlin’ Rap.
Results: Quite the matchup here as the Rapala DT series hauled in an amazing bunch of Emiquon Preserve bass including my personal best. The Red Eye shad was no slouch down there either but truth be told, those bass were duller than the trebles on some of my vintage crankbaits. In the end, it’s the Red Eye Shad with the win. Confidence and the added cold water effectiveness indeed make this a lure for all seasons.

 

 

Full videos scheduled at Troy Jackson Outdoors You Tube (click here)

More to come with the Little John and Snakeden Regions tomorrow night. And have no fear, the Friday Flashback will appear with a slight delay as the “essential employee” status trumps “dedicated blogger”. Guess what pays the bills? Talk to you later. Troy

Lure Lunacy-Snakeden Region Round 2

Posted on by Troy Jackson

The Sweet 16 have been finalized with the results of our last region below.

Snakeden Region – Round Two

Senko Wacky Rig (1) vs. Pop R (8)
Honorary Captains: Bill Walton & Kermit Washington/Rudy Tomjanovich


Matchup: Silent versus loud, sinking versus floating, wobble versus twitch, all parts of the equation when figuring out what to throw to fool some bass. Every lure has its time to shine and spots to be employed.
Result: While the Pop R and surface baits in general can be addictive, the flat out bass fooling ability in a wider range of the calendar and the water column push the Senko to a runaway victory.

Rattlin’ Rap (5) vs. Rapala Minnow (4)
Honorary Captains: Bill Laimbeer & Quinn Buckner


Matchup: In this much anticipated battle of Rapala baits, does loud and brash win out over silent and steady? Well, that depends on a lot of variables and that is what the angler has to figure out. Experience is valuable, confidence is crucial and while practice may never amount to perfect in fishing, putting those lures to work is key.
Result: the second of three lipless crankbait contenders bows out of the tourney as we bid farewell to the Rapala Rattlin’ Rap. It served as my introduction to such lures but the old Rapala Floating Minnow goes back to my bass fishing origins and lives to fish another day.

Jitterbug (11) vs. Mann’s Baby 1- (3)
Honorary Captains: Connie Hawkins & Muggsy Bogues


Matchup: The flashy moves and attention getting action of the Jitterbug can appeal to bass and anglers alike. Well, the Mann’s Baby 1- sure has a distinctive bass catching wobble all of its own.
Result: The Mann’s Baby 1- put a crankbait in a zone that really had never been effectively exploited before by such a lure type. A revolutionary highlight in bass lure history, in my opinion. An aspect that pushes it past the Jitterbug into the Sweet 16.

Hula Popper (7) vs. Baby Brush Hog (2)
Honorary Captains: Tom Henderson & Nate “Tiny” Archibald


Matchup: A matchup of extremes always makes for an interesting decision. There’s often a tradeoff of some sort. More bites, bigger bites, exciting bites, rewarding bites, moderate focus, intense focus…In “Taking Care of Business”, Bachman-Tuner Overdrive observes, “If it were easy as fishin…” C’mon, dudes, you rock, but that’s kind of insulting.
Result: Conditions aside, this decision comes down to not only feeling more confidence in the Baby Brush Hog but also having more confidence in topwater presentations beyond the Hula Popper. So long to another classic bait, it was a good ride.

Well, that’s a wrap for the opening weekend. Took some work but I’ve had a good time. Lure Lunacy resumes this coming Thursday evening and perhaps some other items to come in the meantime. Talk to you later. Troy

Lure Lunacy-Little John Region Round 2

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Covering the water column top to bottom, the third of our four regions launches on the final day of the first weekend.

Little John Region – Round Two

Jig & Pig (1) vs. Dropshot (9)
Honorary Captains: Sidney Moncrief & Rick Barry


Matchup: A compact, cold water lure that shines around heavy cover takes on a slim profiled, less intrusive bait. The dropshot often does it work on more wide open broad structure areas as the business end suspends off of the bottom.
Result: Generally speaking, the jig & pig is going to get the attention of some larger fish and sets up better for most of the water I fish. I would be wise to give the dropshot more of a workout on some clearer strip mines but no winner this time around.

Whopper Plopper (5) vs. Shad Rap (4)
Honorary Captains: Billy “The Whopper” Paultz & Donald “Slick” Watts


Matchup: The Whopper Plopper represents a loud topwater presentation that provides the option of bait models that run to gaudy, muskie sized plugs. The Shad Rap on the other hand is a sleek, rather silent plug that stealthily gets the job done in cold water when other lures can’t steal a bite.
Result: If I’m going to root for a topwater noisemaker, I’m still fonder of a buzzer or walking bait than this entertainingly named prop bait. And while the Shad Rap is kind of a seasonal niche bait, it fills an important role in getting those tough cold water bites. Victory to the Shad Rap.

Ned Rig (11) vs. KVD Squarebill (3)
Honorary Captains: Ernie DiGregorio & Phil Jackson


Matchup: The Ned Rig doesn’t look like much and doesn’t do much in terms of action. But it does catch some tough to tempt bass. The Squarebill on the other hand wobbles, rattles and gets the attention of the bass as it bangs around their home.
Result: No matter if the Squarebill was endorsed by some random, rambling blogger as opposed to perhaps the best bass angler of all-time, it’s a winner. Today it is endorsed again by the blogger and moves on to the Sweet Sixteen.

Mann’s Augertail (10) vs. Booyah Buzzbait (2)
Honorary Captains: Manny Leaks/Calvin Murphy & Garfield Heard/Jerry West


Matchup: I just learned that Mann’s actually still makes the Augeratail model, had no idea. Probably would use my old ones first though to see if the sleek offering is still a bass attractor. Still a couple more months before the buzzbait hits the water but seems it is always worth the wait.

Result: Cinderella stories are great for a tourney but they eventually meet their match in most instances. Today is the day for the nostalgia of the Mann’s Augeratail to lose the magic to an explosive and addictive topwater beast.

One more second round bracket to go as we head for the Sweet Sixteen. Talk to you later. Troy

Lure Lunacy-Emiquon Region Round 2

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Emiquon Region – Round Two

The second of the Saturday regions draws to a close as detailed below.

Rat-L-Trap (1) vs. Swimbait (8)
Honorary Captains: Ed Ratleff & Bob Lanier


Matchup: Tried and true lipless crankbait takes on some of biggest baits in bass fishing.
Result: Too many lipless cranks, need to pick a favorite and this one isn’t it. The Swimbait pulls off the upset as I try to get the picture on the big bass potential of these lures.

Alabama Rig (12) vs. Creatures (4)
Honorary Captains: John Mengelt & Skeeter Swift/John Roche


Matchup: The multi-lure Alabama Rig (limited to only two hooks in Illinois) was billed as unfair by some when it burst onto the tackle market. Fending off this wild collection of baits is a lure type with varied body plans and versatile presentations.
Result: Oh, to have wielded an Alabama Rig back in the early bass feeding frenzy days of Emiquon. But those days are no more so the consistency of the creatures moves them on to the next round.

Wooly Curl Tail (6) vs. Rapala DT Series (3)
Honorary Captains: Neal Walk & Dave Twardzik


Matchup: Slow and steady for the curl tail, retrieved just fast enough to keep the bait off the bottom and the tail twisting. The broad bodied DT series keep you up to speed on depth with the estimated running depth etched right on the bill.
Result: Fast over slow takes this matchup as the curl tail puts up a solid effort but is not effective at the pace set by the Rapala DT.

Power Worm (10) vs. Red Eye Shad (2)
Honorary Captains: Moses Malone & Red Robbins


Matchup: Power is a bit deceiving in a plastic worm offering but it sounds good. And that’s what helps sell a product. Does have a powerful scent though. The Red Eye Shad, however, is typically all about power fishing, cast it, crank it and rip it.
Result: The Power Worm is easily outmatched as it just can’t go the distance like the Red Eye Shad which can produce all year long.

On more day and two more regions to complete the opening weekend. Hope you’ve got a couple more reads in you before I give the lunacy a break. Probably have some other stuff though. Talk to you later. Troy