Ok. I have no qualms with using live bait in order to catch smallies - however it must be acknowledged that it is lower on the evolutionary scale of bass fishing skill - very low - I'm talking amoeba stage. Now if one is just desperate to catch a smallie because he/she lacks the necessary skill, patience, and knowledge in order to land a bronze back then of course live bait is the way to go. And not to mention live bait does seem to diminish the sense of sportsmanship, and internal pride that one receives after knowing that he/she has deceived the bass into biting a lure that the fisherman presented with skill, color selection, patience, and creativity. Here endeth the rant. Agree or disagree?