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

Top 5 Update

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Decent weather and some open access puts a few more bass in the Top 5 log for a pair of fishing brothers. And yes, we were there at the same time on one day without planning it but maintained social distance as our closest encounter was across a deep cut wall. In fact, it required a cell call as we were literally not within “shouting distance.”

Weight: 1-12
Angler: Troy Jackson
Date: April 4
Weather: Sunny/windy
Location: Knox County, IL strip mines
Lure: 3/8 oz. jig (black/blue) with #11A pork frog (black/blue)
Structure: Overhanging tree/drop
Angler Comments: This one worked out just like it was supposed to as this bass was hanging around one of the prime structural elements on this small pothole of a pit.

Weight: 1-8
Angler: Troy Jackson
Date: April 4
Lure: Strike King Red Eye Shad (orange craw)
Structure: Ridge
Angler Comments: A nice setup for a lipless crank produced along the deep side of a slight ridge separating the main bowl of this pothole from an adjacent shallow bay.

Weight: 1-4
Angler: Troy Jackson
Date: April 4
Lure: Strike King Red Eye Shad (orange craw)
Structure: Drop
Angler Comments: When possible on a steep walled stretch on a strip pit I like to parallel a straight bank to keep my bait in the potential strike zone throughout the retrieve. This time it worked.
Top 5 Weight: 5-13 (1-12,1-8,1-5,1-4)

Weight: 1-10
Angler: Brent Jackson
Date: April 5
Location: Knox County, IL strip mine
Lure: Mann’s 4- crankbait
Top 5 Weight: 1-10

Nice to get some fresh air and nab a few bass along the way. Full report on the weekend to come, hopefully later this week. 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

Friday Flashback – April 8, 1995

Posted on by Troy Jackson

I certainly enjoy putting together these flashback posts but the ones that include a fishing partner mean a little something extra. A lot more going on upstairs than just a fish story when I get to composing a post like today’s edition.

While these photos go back 25 years, me and that guy go back even farther. That guy is a fellow known to many as “Geek” and our friendship dates back to the early 80s. I’ve got a couple years on him but was fortunate to share the court with him back in 1984-85 as a Galesburg Silver Streak. Geek (actually, Mark Junk) would go on to be one of the leading GHS scorers by the time he graduated in 1987 and then would take his game to the next level at Knox College. Yep, among the top scorers of all-time there, too, as well as being enshrined in the school’s athletic hall of fame.

Geek’s older, shorter, former teammate gets in on the act

On the other hand, the combo of a lack of height, talent and desire found me perched in the top row of the bleachers at Knox College’s Memorial Gym recording the stats of Geek and his teammates. Yep, I was known as “Stat Boy” among a few in the b-ball circle. Part term of endearment and part poking fun, never was quite sure on the breakdown percentage wise. Regardless, I earned some beer money, had a great view and the focus on the game required while documenting the numbers further reinforced an appreciation for my friend’s talent.

Jan. 13. 1990 – Official box score Knox vs. Monmouth rivalry 

Closer look at the “good guys” who came up short on this night (stat sheets courtesy of “Stat Boy”)

Anyhow, many stories over the college years and beyond, some of which we vividly remember and others that are a little foggy. Among those that fit into both categories were trips to the Lake Bracken Spillway, home to a batch of carp (and other species) that sometimes cooperated and sometimes had lockjaw. You know, fishing. But hey, if the fish weren’t in the mood to bite, we always had an ample supply of refreshments and rambles to keep us happy.

Note: important to stay hydrated in the rugged spillway environment. Oh yeah, nice catfish. too. Celtic cap, on the other hand…

Fortunately, on this particular April day, twenty five years ago, the bites and The Beast* were top notch (*Milwaukee’s Best Light). Here’s to good (?) beer, great fishing and best friends. Geek, if you’re out there reading this, knock a couple down for me.

Talk to you later. Troy

Friday Flashback (Belated)-Mar. 28,2010

Posted on by Troy Jackson

March 31, 2010 – First bass of the year

No matter whether it is a “good one” (2 pounds or heavier is my criteria) or one slightly (or significantly) smaller, I always look forward to meeting that first bass of the year. Being an open water guy who prowls West Central Illinois, the chance to chase that first bass usually rolls around in March. In fact, that has become my goal going back many years. Start my year with a March bass.

Today’s flashback looks back ten years to a handful of smaller than “good ones” that I tracked down at a couple remote Snakeden Hollow potholes. The log entries below refer to Upper and Lower Twin Lakes, my unofficial designations. I believe they may actually have real names and I originally called them by other names, but those are tales for some other day.

These spots required a substantial hike and beginning the next year I kicked off my March bass quest at a couple Snakeden fishing holes a bit closer to a parking lot. Yep, stories for another day.

Far from trophies but these bass represented “Mission Accomplished” for the start of another year on the water. And just under the wire too, as I barely made it to open water before March 2010 drew to a close. As March 2020 draws to a close in a few hours, I am thankful that I was able to meet the same goal ten years after landing today’s featured fish.

Ten Years After – First bass 2020

With a grand total of 1 bass for 2020, I now bid March farewell. As always, I wonder just what April and the rest of the year holds in store. Even more so in these unusual times. Talk to you later. Troy

Top 5 Update

Posted on by Troy Jackson

Hey, here’s what we need, a contribution to the Top 5!

Weight: 6-14 (21.5”)
Angler: Chris Schwarz
Date: March 25
Location: Warren County pond
Lure: Spinnerbait (bluegill)
Structure: 3’ of water near rocks and weeds
Angler Comments: My first submission is a personal best. I couldn’t believe the belly on this thing! Also, this bass had a bluegill sticking out of its throat and also who knows what else in its stomach. I released her as I’m sure she will dump her eggs in the coming weeks.
Top 5 Weight: 6-14

 

Congratulations, Chris, on the new personal best and what a great start to our suddenly odd 2020.

Strange days indeed and I’ll just leave it at that. Stop back by as I try to provide a little escape via the blog, Facebook (click here or see link at top of page), You Tube (click here) and Twitter (click here or see link at top of page). Stay safe and 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