RRocket

I am no expert in the upsized baits, but I've got a decent collection of really nice wake baits so I don't see why the upsized version wouldn't work as well. As mentioned, the rat is great. This was my first wake bait and it did not disappoint. The strikes are violent! I live in an area with Pike and have had them launch completely out of the water on a strike. Bowfin pound this lure too. I've seen guys on YouTube catch monster fish with the bigger rat version. Someone mentioned the Buzzjet (I have the Jr.) It's such a beautifully made lure. There's just something about it. I'm not sure if it's big enough for what you want though?

Its one of the great mysteries of the world! LOL 😆 Which is why we keep coming back for more, I presume.

All I fish is dirty water....Red doesn't seem to work.

Yes.

Red doesn't work for me...at least not that I notice in any appreciable way. Like you, our crayfish here are brown-ish.

This! That's what I've been waiting for. MiniMax version...

Same. Never an issue. And I've bought stuff from Japanese sellers.

Nice!!

Was hoping you'd check in! 😃 All excellent points. I'm less North than you and they don't get as huge here as in your videos..we have Musky for that! It's primarily the hammer handle size to 24" Pike that are problematic for me. Bowfin too, but to a lesser extent. And very early in the spring Long Nosed Gar. The knot I use is similar to uni-to-uni, but you only use one uni which saves on wasted tag length for wire. Double Figure 8+ Uni. I can easily tie in the boat. See video. Thanks for chiming in and adding your insights!

I agree that you can't use just any knot. The knot I use only requires a figure of eight knot from the wire which is quite easy to do and doesn't pigtail. This is the same connecting knot I use often for braid to mono as well. My leaders have been 6"-12" long....I haven't settled on the length yet. Not sure if it matters? Great info so far!

Topwater Crankbait Bladed Jig Poop Bait 3" Paddle Tail

Bear in mind, the weedless nature of this is only 2 fine, mono guards. I have a feeling the Decoy might be better on heavy cover.

Yes, I would get more hookups on the top hook as well.

This is known to me at the "Drop Dead Ned" and shockingly, works very well indeed..Double hookups are frequent. I've seen plenty of videos where the bass chase the sinker (on the drop) and ignore the bait. So it's no surprise to me how well it worked.

I've used exactly what the OP described. It's called the "Free Drop Rig" or "Free Shot Rig". I'm sure there's videos. I used a Zappu Chain Cushion to prevent the hook from damaging the sinker knot. I works...but I see no benefit over the traditional way of leaving extra tag length and adjusting the sinker clip as needed.