Nice Trailer Alternative To Rage Tail Or Speed Craw

[SENKOSAM]

I always look for cheaper alternatives when it comes to lures, especially soft plastics. I bought a mold in December and made a few trailers to try in spring. It proved to be the perfect substitute for the Rage Tail or Speed craw. Creme sells it on their site for $1.99 a bag plus many other soft plastics.
 
Here it's rigged on a 1/8 oz jig I caught bass and pickerel on in the last five days:

 

 
Once my usual trailers are used up, my craw will be the only action tail I'll use accept my frog copy:

 

The attached picture is of a Creme Craw.
 
Frank

[Shane J]

That thing is no substitute for a Rage Craw.  Glad you're saving money or whatever, though.

[roadwarrior]

Generic baits have very little in common with Rage Tail soft plastics.

If some particular shape is all you care about why not make it out of

a discarded old tire? Then it's free!

 

 

 

[senile1]

I can't make a pronouncement that Sam's suggestion wouldn't be an acceptable substitute for a Rage Tail craw without more evidence.  Either I would have to try it or I would have to hear from a number of people I trust who have tried it.  Then I could make an informed statement of opinion.  

 

Having said that, I love Rage Tail craws and have a lot of doubt that a substitute could be found so easily, considering the time and research that have gone into the plastic formulation and action of these baits.  I never say never, though.  I hope your craws serve you well, Sam, and I hope you report back on your results as you use them more.

[cadman]

I would never make a statement saying there is no substitute for Rage Tail, because that is not true. These are all tools of the trade we need to assist us in catching fish. How you use them is up to you. There are many guys on this site that hand pour or use plastic injection systems that make craws. I've used them and they work just as well if not better than Rage Tail. So what makes Rage Tail so special, just because they are a sponsor and we have to promote them to our last dying breath. C'mon guys there is no one perfect plastic and many other brands catch a lot of fish as well.  I would like to see what the response here would be if Netbait became a sponsor as well. What would would everyone say then? Would we have Rage Tail, Paca Chunk wars?????Just my persoanl opinion, if you want to delete this post go ahead.

 

PS: With that kind of thinking since I own a Ranger than it's OK to make a general statement and say that there is no substitute for a Ranger boat?

 

Senkosam, I like that you think outside the box and are trying new things and exposing everyone to new ideas. Job well done and I commend you on your ingenuity on posting other plastic baits as well in other threads on this site.

[roadwarrior]

Agreed, there are many companies that produce quality products, but

some stand above the crowd. GYCB comes to mind. Hudd, Mattlures.

Keitech, Huddbaits, MegaStrike, Roboworm, Mizmo, Larew and YUM.

Obviously there are many more that are someone's favorite and perhaps

some of the custom pours reach this level, but they are the exception,

not the rule.

[WRB]

Wow, it's RageTail or go home on this site, taking support your sponsors to the extreme.

Strike King doesn't developed a lures on there own, they notch off and mass produce someone else's designs and have for decades.

Yamamoto's twin tail grub is as good as any soft plastic jig trailer and has caught a lot more bass than other

Trailers in this category.

Tinkering with different lures is a big part of bass fishing, use your imagination and don't get into the heard mentality.

Tom

[pabassr]

I always look for cheaper alternatives when it comes to lures, especially soft plastics. I bought a mold in December and made a few trailers to try in spring. It proved to be the perfect substitute for the Rage Tail or Speed craw. Creme sells it on their site for $1.99 a bag plus many other soft plastics.

SENCOSAM, WHERE DID YOU PURCHASE THE MOLD FOR THE CRAWS? I WOULD LIKE TO GET THAT MOLD FOR MYSELF.

Very nice looking jig you have your craw on, did you make the jig also?

[airborne_angler]

I've purchased some of those craws on Ebay from several different sellers. The claws have excellent action similar to a YUM Craw Papi or a Netbait Paca Craw.The claws flap like crazy.While not exactly a Rage Craw, the action I believe is comparable.

[hooah212002]

Would be nice to see an underwater video comparing the action side by side to see which is more "alive".

[flyfisher]

They look good to me and as long as they catch fish then save the extra cash.

[Comfortably Numb]

That is the 702 craw mold from Basstackle. It is one of if not the best action craws you can get.

 

The bulbous tips act like a paddletail swimbait as opposed to the patented ridges on the Rage products

 

Rage Craw also is excellent and right up there in my experience.

[bassh8er]

I like and use the Rage Craws but prefer the Yum Crawbug as a trailer.

I also like and take the advice of specific people on this site since I value their opinions over others; again who's to say what's right and what's wrong.

I do not like to get contradictory advice about certain brands or products, which is where the archived search comes in.

Site sponsors don't necessarily have a better or worse product than what's on the market, and I like to support them when I can.

Rage Tail, Northstar, Siebert, Seagaur and DVT have all seen money from this guy in the last 2 months, and unfortunately, so have many other companies.

[J Francho]

I think a big part of why there is so much support for Ragetail baits is that not only does their inventor use them EXCLUSIVELY, but he is always looking to improve what is already there, making the best baits possible, AND take the time to teach us all how to best use them.  Spend 20 minutes on the phone with Mr. Parks, and you'll get what I mean.  It's this kind of support that brings about loyalty.  It's not brand bashing, it's loyalty.  Maybe Creme can come on here, sponsor the site, and put forth the effort Steve does to educate us about his unique baits.  Or they can pump out copies of other successful designs for less money.  There's room in the market for both.

 

I'm cool that Frank found something that works for him, and saves him money.  While they don't look to be an improvement over the Rage Craw, they look like a reasonable facsimile.  I don't see the color 'Bama Craw, though, and that's a deal breaker for me.

[SENKOSAM]

Wow!!! Thanks for all the support and relevant opinions!!!

 

While they don't look to be an improvement over the Rage Craw, they look like a reasonable facsimile.

 

They are not a reasonable facsimile. They are unique in tail action and so far have helped me catch over ten bass and many pickerel either swimming the lure or jigging in 15'. Brand loyalty is fine until someone or other company can produce a lure that is uniquely better, the same and/or cheaper. The companies mentioned produce great baits, but now with companies like Basstackle owned by a great guy named Bob I've been doing business for years (who produced the laser cut craw mold), the hobby of lure creation and design is no longer limited to those with the means to mass produce and protect with design patents.

 

Unless I've actually tried a bait, I can't make an informed comment of its usefulness or characteristics, negative or positive nor comparisons.  I don't promote companies nor sell baits so I have no reason to hype something I didn't strongly feel could blow away fellow bass anglers hungry for information that another had discovered and was blown away by successes.

 

Thanks again for keeping an open mind. It's what make the sport interesting and challenging and for independent thinkers, extremely satisfying.

 

Frank

 

(Someone asked if I make my own jigs. I don't and buy them without skirts online. I add skirts from a site that is exceptional in color choices, price and service - bar none. Sadly of the many colors I've purchased (around 50), I still gravitate to using only a few that always work.)

[Dyerbassman]

Keep up the creativity, Senkosam. Fish don't care what brand it is. If they eat it, then by all means, use it! I, for one, and probably the only one, have never purchased any Rage Tail product and have no problem catching fish.

[mjseverson24]

I like custom baits much better than mass produced baits. that being said they are usually much more expensive. but if it is a hobby for the wintertime then i guess it is worth it. I take a lot of pride when one of my custom crankbaits produces a nice fish. That being said rage tail products are among the best soft plastics on the market, but they like all lures have specific situations where they really shine, so using them exclusively may not be the best way to go. maybe if they made a rage senko lol...

Mitch

[rockchalk06]

Wow, it's RageTail or go home on this site, taking support your sponsors to the extreme.

Strike King doesn't developed a lures on there own, they notch off and mass produce someone else's designs and have for decades.

Yamamoto's twin tail grub is as good as any soft plastic jig trailer and has caught a lot more bass than other

Trailers in this category.

Tinkering with different lures is a big part of bass fishing, use your imagination and don't get into the heard mentality.

Tom

Here is my opinion on the whole pro Strike King on this board.

 

When I first joined last year, it was Strike King or go home. Everything else was not worth your coin, was what I took from it. I tried several other products and would not purchase anything Strike King because of the general crappy attitude towards other brands here.

 

That was last year. I decided to buy a few SK products. I was very impressed with it all. Then I came across several threads by Big O, who is Steve Parks, one of the lead designers from SK. The guy is on here all the time. Answering questions, helping people out and giving his opinions. He talks to you like a friend, not a know it all jerk, like some big names I've talked with.

 

Then came the first time I had an issue with one of their products about 8 months ago. One call to Mark Copley and the problem was fixed super fast. Mark talked to me like a friend not a customer. He didn't bend over backwards and kiss my butt, but rather treated me like a friend. That goes a long way with me.

 

Fast forward to last month. Another small issue with a crank bait. The way I was treated by Steve and Mark was great again.

 

I have the same type of deal with North Star Custom Baits. Both Chris and Vinny have helped me time and time again with questions and help. Chris has treated me like hes known me for years.

 

I work in Customer Service. Have so all my life. Being treated like I treat people will go miles with me and that tends to bring people to absolute loyalty. I will never buy another jig in my life that doesn't come from North Star. Are there better jigs out there, maybe, but for me, its different. Same goes for SK. If they make what I want, I will never go with anyone else. 

[Ima Bass Ninja]

I have been looking for a alternative to the mighty bug for fishing river smallies. I use the mighty bug because the bream eat the claws off all other craw baits ( including Rage tail) and the thicker claws of the mighty bug are the only ones that will stand up to them.

In your opinion how do you think the claws of these would do? I like the thicker ends but my question concerns the actual junction to the body.

Also it doesn't give a size . How long are they?

[OkeechobeeAngler]

I prefer Reaction Innovations, 

[SENKOSAM]

As far as durability, I caught two nice size pike and two bass today on the same jig and trailer.

The craw is about 3.5" long but two other size molds are also sold - one larger, one smaller.

Earlier this week II started using a 1/4 oz. jig with silicone skirt and then changed to a 3/8 jig with round rubber I tied on this morning. The flare and bulk of the rubber skirt didn't affect the tail action at all and I prefer it to the black silicone which doesn't have much action like other silicone colors and patterns. Too soft I think.

 

Zoom Speed Craw is another I highly recommend. Haven't had any experience using my Paca Craws as trailers.

Anyone?

[Traveler2586]

IMHO, the name on the package is of less importance than going through the learning curve necessary with any new bait to gain a true confidence in that bait.  I find that if I truly have confidence in a bait, I’ll spend more time with it and learn how to best work the tool in multiple situations.  If I can’t tell a marked difference in the look and feel of the bait, hard or soft, I’ll call them the same; and the next test is price.

 

Just MHO....

[K_Mac]

I think the record shows that when it comes to inexpensive alternatives in tackle choices I am an advocate. I also understand that inexpensive is not always good value. We all make value judgments based on income, personality, experience, testosterone levels, whatever. For some of us there is great satisfaction in saving a buck, especially if a little creativity is involved. For others the thought of using a cheaper substitute for a proven product is silly with fishing time such a very limited resource. I think Big-O has earned respect and if some are loyal beyond what others like that's OK with me. I have given RW and others grief about their unwavering loyalty to some products but I respect their reasons and commitment. Independent thinking shows itself in many ways. Senkosam whether your craw is a perfect substitute for anything or not, if it works for you, enjoy.

[fishking247]

i tried rage trailers once. they are the worst as far as durability is concerned. caught some fish on them, but i cant say they are better than any of the other trailers i have used (netbait paca chunk and craw)

[fishking247]

senkosam, what type of jig is that in the first pic?