Rage Tail. Epic Fail.

[brushhoggin]

so when you can't get bit on a RT, what do you switch to that does get you bit? and are you fishing them in the same place?

[T-rig]

Negative threads like this aren't bad, in fact, I love to see them. So many guys think there's only ONE answer to certain situations and bait companies, the fact is, there's hundreds of baits out there. In many cases, 10 different baits will all catch the same fish. It's your choice.

Exactly! Rage Tail baits catch fish but so do other baits.....

Swimbaits are for Cali and Texas lakes it seems like.

Wrong! Swimbaits will catch fish anywhere......

[Captain Obvious]

Negative threads like this aren't bad, in fact, I love to see them.

I love to see them too but the weird thing is that this one is a negative review about one of BassResource.com four sacred things. ;D

St.Croix Avids

Strike King Rage Tail baits

Shimano Reels

GYBC Senkos 

[D4u2s0t]

Like said, it comes down to preference. I have NEVER caught a fish on a fat ika, lipless crank, or a lizard.... so I don't use them. Doesn't mean the bait is not good, just means they're not good for me.

I love the rage lineup, never have issues with them running true, and find them to be very durable. I catch many fish on the same bait without them tearing or not having the same action they have out of the box. If they're not running true, you need to hook them properly. But, the same can be said about majority of baits... if you don't hook a bait properly, it will spin in the water.

As far as castability?? I'm a lil confused... I have the space monkeys, roosters, craws, chunks, lobster, and shad. And they all cast a mile and a half.

I almost always have a rage bait rigged up on one of my poles, and probably use them more than any soft plastic these days. But again, like the op said, it comes down to preference, there is no right or wrong here.

[Big-O]

There is no magic wand for fishing....Each RT is designed to be the best in it's class for specific styles. Like the Rage Shad, to create more noise, action and water movement than others and in the thickest of slop.... The Rage Craw for maximum action at slow fall rates and minimal movement..and so on.

The designs are different from the norm and this is the reason for the available instructions that are provided at every turn via inside packages, websites etc. Also RT has a discussion board or information center to cover any questions and comments on rigging and fishing techniques etc.

http://www.ragetail.com/ragetalk/index.php?board=1.0

In your info you mentioned that you are not a great angler but if you're actually interested or want assistance on learning how to improve, I know several people in the Va. area that are catching loads of quality fish and setting new PB's on RT's, they could possibly help you.

Also there are alot of great folks right here on BR that will be happy to give you advice on a variety fishing techniques that might give you some help or a head start for gaining valuable experience.

I understand your frustration and wishing that the fish could find you instead of you having to find them but this is one of the real challenges and ultimately "The Lure of Fishing".

Are they indestructable, No...A "New Driver" not knowing how to drive a Race Car is going to have a bad day if he or she wants to win the race....they're probably gonna have a wreck for their own lack of experience or knowledge.

I have always tried to be very accessible to everyone here at BR because this is my Home Forum and also the only one where I am a Sponsor.....In fact up until awhile back when this Forum had a hiccup losing all of my PM's, I'm positive that I was 100% for answering all correspondence I had received (and this is no easy feat). This is not intended to be an excuse, but I welcome PM's.

It's obvious that you have a real interest in becoming a better angler or you wouldn't be on this forum or have taken the time and effort to purchase what many believe to be the top products to assist you.

All of this to say, I'm sorry for your lack of success with any products you have tried (whether mine or others)

My first peice of advice to you is start with a T rigged Rage Craw and a 1/4 oz weight....The only time I can't catch fish with it is when I casted it up on the bank ;D

Hope this helps

Big O

www.ragetail.com

[lightsout]

I honestly gave the anaconda, craw, and shad a chance. I  have never got bit. One day was slaying them on the banks on a yum ribbontail, tried an ananconda in a similar color and never got a nibble. switched back to the ribbontail, started getting bit. I went on to throw senkos and flukes that day on the same stretch of bank, the bass were just plain eating whatever for me and my partner, except that anaconda.

Im sure they have their time and place, but I'm happy with other more economical plastics.

[A-Jay]

Last week I realized that I needed a "new Bait". Something (soft plastic) different just to throw a little spark into the day. I decided to try several of the Rage Tail baits. So I put together a solid selection from TW and was just about to place the order. Then, I happened to open up this thread ~ I read the whole thing and now I don't know WHAT to do ! And the bait Monkey is bumming.

A-Jay

[Red]

I have only used the RT Craw.  It is responsible for my PB, in the avatar pic to the left.  I used that whole pack up and caught alot of fish on them.  Then I bought Pacas instead only because of the price.  I caught alot of fish on them as well.  I bought another pack of RT Craws last night and caught a nice bass today(see outing section).  I think the RT craws, for me, catch bigger fish than the Pacas.  I may try some other RT products in the future, the main thing holding me back is the price.  FYI I haven't caught a bass on a senko type bait in at least two years!  And yes I use them!   ;D

[rondef]

Big O, you can count on me and the other members of TEAM RAGETAIL  to help out New Angler. All he has to do is ask and we will be glad to help him out with the baits.

[Micro]

The Space Monkey is the most productive bait I've ever used. It casts as well as any plastic its size. It swims at the right depth for my favorite areas and conditions. It has a sweet 3D movement - the legs kick up and down and it has a subtle side to side motion at the hips.

It hasn't produced my personal best. That honor goes to the lowly pre-rigged Creme Worm and Culprit Worm. But I'll give it time. For me, the Space Monkey consistently produces many, and big, bass.

[Big-O]

Big O, you can count on me and the other members of TEAM RAGETAIL to help out New Angler. All he has to do is ask and we will be glad to help him out with the baits.

Thanks Ron, I understand that he lives close to many of you and he likes the Potomac where I'll be next year for the National Wounded Warriors event....Maybe he can make that event with us.

Big O

www.ragetail.com

[Dan:]

NewAngler, you're probably rigging them wrong. Have you read the manual?

[NateFollmer]

I must say, I have only used the Rage Shad and I think it performs great. I cannot speak for any of the other plastics in the Rage line, but I do know that Strike King makes great jigs and hard baits also, so I doubt they would put their name on anything THAT bad.

I did have issues with the Rage Shad flipping through the water, but I went to a 5/0 hook (or if you still want to try a 4/0 get a weighted one, it will still float) and the flipping stopped.

The Rage Shad has all but replaced my buzzbaits. The Smokey Shad makes the smallmouth go crazy in the summertime!

[Raul]

Not every bait works for everybody all the time, I would call buzzbaits of any brand as junk, no matter how much I try I just can 't catch fish on them, but are buzzbaits "junk" ? well, given the fact that a very large amount of anglers catch fish on buzzbaits I don 't think they are junk. So if it isn 't the bait then it must be me.

The problem is when you think of a bait as a do it all magic wand.

Personally, those Rage craws are great.

[NewAngler]

NewAngler, you're probably rigging them wrong. Have you read the manual?

Yes. Specifically Section 2.4-1 yet I've had zippy success.

Tried the Toad again Saturday night and people were missing fish on frogs left and right.

"I'll prove myself wrong! I'll try my RageToad!"

Nothing.

Tied on my 8" swimbait and got 6 hits in a row in the same spot.

Swimbait, please.

Big- O- thanks for the words of inspiration. I may not count them out completely, but I will keep them in my bag for when I'm just catching too many fish and will try to gain confidence in something else.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

i even Pm'ed Big O about if there was any chance of them making a bigger size but he never even bothered to reply to me , so now i will not ever bother to buy these baits even if they did , nothing like being ignored to make you a negative fan of said products ...........

Jeez...

IIRC, you did this same BS with Conway Custom Rods on SBN because they didn't get back to you.

Let me be the first to tell you this:  People have lives that don't necessarily revolve around you.

One PM?  That is very kind of you to take time out of your day to send one single PM. How about re-sending it or making a thread with your suggestion.

I have talked to Steve on a few occasions, both on the computer and in person.  In my experience, he makes every effort  to accomodate as many people as possible.  Not everyone will be happy and not everyone will get a reply.  It is not because he is ignoring you, it may simply be that your PM got lost in the shuffle.

Having issues with the baits is one thing.  Making statements such as "didn't even bother to respond" is another issue entirely.

The funny thing is, even with you saying something like this, Steve would be more than likely to help you if you ever asked him a question.

Not that you would "bother."   :

[fishfordollars]

i also don't care to much for the rage tail baits i have tried (shad , anaconda , and the toad) they rip way to easily and i have found cheaper products that in my opinion work better . the bait i found i like the best out of them is the toad , jsut wish it was twice as big , that would be a winner . i even Pm'ed Big O about if there was any chance of them making a bigger size but he never even bothered to reply to me , so now i will not ever bother to buy these baits even if they did , nothing like being ignored to make you a negative fan of said products ...........

What a ridiculous statement.

[roadwarrior]

Hmm...

Anyone who has met Big O walks away with

a smile. He represents the finest aspects of

the sport. A gentleman in every way as well

as a very successful businessman.

8-)   

[Uncle Leo]

NewAngler, you're probably rigging them wrong. Have you read the manual?

Yes. Specifically Section 2.4-1 yet I've had zippy success.

Tried the Toad again Saturday night and people were missing fish on frogs left and right.

"I'll prove myself wrong! I'll try my RageToad!"

Nothing.

Tied on my 8" swimbait and got 6 hits in a row in the same spot.

Swimbait, please.

Big- O- thanks for the words of inspiration. I may not count them out completely, but I will keep them in my bag for when I'm just catching too many fish and will try to gain confidence in something else.

Josh,

You just have to try a Craw T-Rigged with 1/4 oz tungsten and 4/0 Gammie EWG. I telling you my friend it is the bomb when the bite is tough.

Good job with the swimbaits.

[.dsaavedra.]

i can't stand the hype about them and i don't use them for that reason alone.

[tyrius.]

In summary:

Not every bait/line of baits will perform for everyone.  The saying "You can't please all of the people all the time." seems rather fitting here. 

Some people have a strong tendency to use one bait/style of bait, Topwater Charlie comes to mind.  He only fishes one lure.  So basically, why does it matter if one random guy on a message board says that he doesn't have success with a particular bait that you like?  Another saying "To each their own." is another one that fits.

Rage Tail baits perform well for many people, as evidenced by pictures and their many fans. 

Rage Tail baits are a bit more expensive than other soft plastics, but come specially packaged in a clamshell to ensure the integrity of the bait.

Big-O is an invaluable resource here regarding Rage Tail baits and fishing in general.

Can we move on to bigger and better things now?  Like maybe, which brand of senko is the softest/wiggliest/slowest fall/most salt/best color?

[Big-O]

NewAngler, you're probably rigging them wrong. Have you read the manual?

Yes. Specifically Section 2.4-1 yet I've had zippy success.

Tried the Toad again Saturday night and people were missing fish on frogs left and right.

"I'll prove myself wrong! I'll try my RageToad!"

Nothing.

Tied on my 8" swimbait and got 6 hits in a row in the same spot.

Swimbait, please.

Big- O- thanks for the words of inspiration. I may not count them out completely, but I will keep them in my bag for when I'm just catching too many fish and will try to gain confidence in something else.

NewAngler, I am familiar with you and your circle of friends, as I have kept up with many of your posts regarding fishing trips etc. And I can tell that each of you love to fish as much as the rest of us...But I am also aware that you are familiar with several other folks in your area that fish Rage Tail products and they are catching loads of fish and setting new PB's on a regular basis...hopefully this thread topic was not targeted to create controversy due to that groups good fortunes....lifes too short to intentionally initiate strife, enough of that comes our way by accident.

If I am wrong about the controversy factor and I hope that I am, as that seems rediculous and immature...we can focus on becoming the best angler we can be regardless of the baits we choose. If this is your interest, my offer is still open to assist you...

Because I am old and have fished extensively (my wife says excessively ;D) most of my life, I've had the opportunity to teach hundreds of young people like yourself, and many have become top notch tournament anglers as well as guides on a variety of lakes...

Also, the offer for you to be involved with me at the National Wounded Warrior Event on the Potomac next Spring is still open to you and all your friends as well....We all have something valuable to learn from these folks, and something valuable to offer them as well

We can discuss this further via PM's if you like, or we can continue on here

Big O

www.ragetail.com

[rodnreel11]

NewAngler, I am familiar with you and your circle of friends, as I have kept up with many of your posts regarding fishing trips etc. And I can tell that each of you love to fish as much as the rest of us...But I am also aware that you are familiar with several other folks in your area that fish Rage Tail products and they are catching loads of fish and setting new PB's on a regular basis...hopefully this thread topic was not targeted to create controversy due to that groups good fortunes....lifes too short to intentionally initiate strife, enough of that comes our way by accident.

If I am wrong about the controversy factor and I hope that I am, as that seems rediculous and immature...we can focus on becoming the best angler we can be regardless of the baits we choose. If this is your interest, my offer is still open to assist you...

Because I am old and have fished extensively (my wife says excessively ;D) most of my life, I've had the opportunity to teach hundreds of young people like yourself, and many have become top notch tournament anglers as well as guides on a variety of lakes...

Also, the offer for you to be involved with me at the National Wounded Warrior Event on the Potomac next Spring is still open to you and all your friends as well....We all have something valuable to learn from these folks, and something valuable to offer them as well

We can discuss this further via PM's if you like, or we can continue on here

Big O

www.ragetail.com

That's a class act right there. If I were you NewAngler, I wouldn't even think twice about taking him up on that offer...

[SoFlaBassAddict]

NewAngler, you're probably rigging them wrong. Have you read the manual?

Yes. Specifically Section 2.4-1 yet I've had zippy success.

Tried the Toad again Saturday night and people were missing fish on frogs left and right.

"I'll prove myself wrong! I'll try my RageToad!"

Nothing.

Tied on my 8" swimbait and got 6 hits in a row in the same spot.

Swimbait, please.

Big- O- thanks for the words of inspiration. I may not count them out completely, but I will keep them in my bag for when I'm just catching too many fish and will try to gain confidence in something else.

Josh,

You just have to try a Craw T-Rigged with 1/4 oz tungsten and 4/0 Gammie EWG. I telling you my friend it is the bomb when the bite is tough.

Good job with the swimbaits.

Same basic way I rig mine.  Works great.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Because I am old and have fished extensively (my wife says excessively ;D) most of my life, I've had the opportunity to teach hundreds of young people like yourself, and many have become top notch tournament anglers as well as guides on a variety of lakes...

Big O

www.ragetail.com

So um, yeah.  How's about you come down to southern Florida and teach me a trick or six?  HMMMMMM?

Keep at it NewAngler.  Eventually you'll get bit with a Rage product.  Like other people said, it's not a replacement for other plastics.  They flat out work if they're presented in the right place and right time.  Apparently shoestrings do also though......