Yamamoto Hard Baits?

[CTGalloway21]

I noticed Dicks Sporting Goods already has these in stock.  Anybody tried them yet?  I am interested in the popper and walk-the-dog lures.  Might have to grab a few of each to try out to see if they are worth using.  

[Hogsticker]

Thank You!! I've been waiting! These and the new Yo-Zuri 3D hard baits caught my eye. I'll report back after I order a few. Later!!! Off to Dicks

[MO_LMB]

I have used both the popper and the wtd lure. They are OK. The paint jobs on them are very nice, the hooks are great, but I still find myself reaching for the Super Spook Jr. instead. I'm sure they could work just as well, but I kind of feel like if it ain't broke why fix it.

[Tyfisher]

I've used the wtd lure and have had good success with it. As MO_LMB said, each lure looks really nice in and out of the water and they have Owner hooks on them (which is nice considering the sorry state of many hardbait hooks out of the box). 

 

The one thing that stands out to me is the lack of rattle in any of these lures, they are all "silent". 

[AK-Jax86]

I have the Tate pencil in green frog. I only used it twice and caught one. I was actually at dicks the day they put them out.

[DirtyDeuceGoose]

The crankbait has a rattle. I have the small/squarebill version. Haven't had a chance to throw it yet, will let you all know after I get it out this weekend.

[Tartan34]

The popper looks great, but I like a feathered tail....so I passed.  

[Bass Junkie]

I picked up the Tate the day they came out, and I was really wanting to be impressed. I really enjoy throwing topwater, and with fall now upon us I was expecting great things. The baits come packaged well, similar in concept to Sebile lures. The only discrepancy I have with the packaging is the lack of information. The packaging simply lists the bait's name, the fact that it is a floating topwater, and "Size 100". It does not list the bait's length (other than a reference to a metric size in the size description) or weight. Out of the box, it's somewhat impressive, no more so than any other bait in it's price range however. The lure does feature very good Mustad Triple Grip hooks, as well as good quality split rings, including one on the line tie, something I can not remember seeing on a stock walking lure. The cosmetics are all internally housed from what I can tell, with the "Holographic Interior Chamber" flashing and sparkling through the clear plastic of the lure, and the paint on the back either very durable or somehow incorporated into the baits construction. The lure does feature a couple of intriguing aspects in the head region of the bait. First, the mouth is flat, where many of the Sammy style baits on the market feature a cupped mouth like the original Lucky Craft. Second, the lure features "eyelids", small plastic protrusions over the eyes. The overall affect of these is negligible, although they might slightly reduce the walking ability of the bait. Third, the eyes themselves feature a holographic red base with the Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits logo in holographic silver printed over it. It's a thoughtful addition to the bait, and kind of cool. The lure does not have a weight transfer system, and tends to display this deficiency by sailing off during the cast. It takes some thumb adjustment to cast this bait consistently. When one does begin to work the lure, it does not redeem itself. It is a harder bait to talk than either of it's two most popular competitors, the Lucky Craft Sammy 100 and the Heddon Super Spook Jr. I did garner some strikes on the bait, and caught fish on it, but the number of fish to strike the lure versus the number that actually ate it was lower than average. Even more unsettling was the fact that the fish seemed to have a much easier time throwing this bait than any others. Over all, for the price I would be much more satisfied buying a Spook and adding the trebles myself. 

[mod479]

My team trail partner swears by the yamamoto popper. He buys them anytime he sees them for sale. Have seen him catch some nice bass on a transparent green back pattern on numerous trips.  

[DirtyDeuceGoose]

Used the square bill. Not all that impressed. Took a while to tune it and when I tried to burn it it went off course anyway. The hooks and finish are the best parts about this bait. It's one for the fisherman more than the fish IMO