What's the best fluke style bait?

[MarineMichael]

I'm looking for alternatives to the Zoom split tail flukes. Are there any other similar soft plastics that perform better? I was thinking of something like the Basstrix soft jerk bait.

I do most of my fishing for striped bass in the CA Aqueduct system. Depending on if the check gates are flowing and how strong the current is my lure choice varies. Most of the time I use the Zoom salty super fluke on anywhere from 1/2 oz to 1 1/2 oz jig heads when the water is flowing. I was interested in trying something that looks a bit more life like and has better action. After reading a few of the responses it sounds like the softer baits and hand pours might be what I'm looking for.

[David P]

Basstrix can get pricey, but they're good baits. I really like the Dichoso Baits Jerk Minnow. It's 5.25" and has a cut in the body enabling it to have more action, plus they're softer than the mass produced fluke style baits that I've used.

[SeanW]

Gonna have to agree with David. Ive never used that brand, but I agree that softer hand pours are much better. They cast better to because they are heavier.

[Marty]

The 5" Shad Assassins by Bass Assassin are equal to Super Flukes as far as ability to draw strikes. That's my personal experience after using both for the last 10-15 years. They're also more expensive and weigh about 15% more than the Super Flukes.

[soccplayer07]

I'm gonna have to try the Dichoso Baits. That thing looks sweet!!!

[jeb2]

I've had better luck this year on the Strike King Caffeine Shad than the flukes, by far. They have a great action and are very soft, which is the downside to them. They tear up pretty easy. I get the most life out of them by using the cork screw type bait holder hooks.

[Munkin]

Gonna have to agree with David. Ive never used that brand, but I agree that softer hand pours are much better. They cast better to because they are heavier.

Salt or other additives is what makes the bait heavier not the plastic. I have tried pouring Flukes out of super soft plastic and they do not work as well. Zoom are too stiff and do not sink enough for me so I was using some handpours but the guy quit making them.

Allen

[Nick]

Fish all the handpours available, but that Sperfluke with salt in it is the best by far. From Canada to Florida to Texas, the bass agree, (and I have no connection with Zoom whatsoever). Any time the temps get above 60 degrees, it's always one of the top producers when fish are shallow around docks, brush, spawning, or just moving along banks or grass beds. If you're not catching them on this bait, you are probably trying to make it do too much with your retrieve.  Let it fall and glide more on the fall. Less rod snapping is definitely better the majority of the time.

[Raul]

My favorite ----> Bass Assassin 's  Shad Assassin

I 've tried a lot, all pretty much work equally well but I prefer those.

[Sam Bass]

http://www.skippyfish.com/products.php Rigged on a Scrounger head or wieghtless. Or the Zoom Fluke.

[Marty]

My favorite ----> Bass Assassin 's Shad Assassin

I 've tried a lot, all pretty much work equally well but I prefer those.

Great minds think alike.  ;D

[brushhoggin]

g man pours a mean fluke. very soft too.

[s13john]

zoom salty super fluke

[.ghoti.]

After trying just about every version on the market, I now buy and use only two.

Salty Super Fluke and Yum Houdini Shad.

I forgot about the Shad Assassins. I may have to add those back into the mix. An excellent alternative.

[NateFollmer]

http://www.skippyfish.com/products.php Rigged on a Scrounger head or wieghtless. Or the Zoom Fluke.

x2 great action on these. I love the bulk that have too.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Lots of companies make a fluke style bait. Almost all of them will catch fish. Zoom flukes are always a fish catcher. The Gambler fluke works just as well. If you want to try something a little different, the Lake Fork Magic Shad is just plain great to fish. My only complaint about them is that they're not the most durable bait in the world. They do catch fish though.  Weightless, a scrounger type head, or a weighted swimbait hook.  Works almost anyway you want to fish it.

[CWB]

http://www.skippyfish.com/products.php Rigged on a Scrounger head or wieghtless. Or the Zoom Fluke.

These remind me of a jerkbait BPS used to put out a couple years ago. Forgot the name but still have several bags. Love Strike King's Z-Too. Have caught 30 fish on one bait. Caffiene Shad is killer but does tear up pretty easy. Yum Houdidni Shad is cool as it gives you 3 tail options. For a twist, Gamblers Flappin' Shad with it's paddle tail might give fish something they aren't used to seeing.

[bassin is addicting]

hard to beat a lake fork live magic shad... great action and versatile.

[OkobojiEagle]

What... nobody believes in the Sluggo!?

steve

[Raul]

What... nobody believes in the Sluggo!?

steve

I prefer Shad Assassins

[OkobojiEagle]

I have more faith in the fisherman than the bait.

I carry a VERY small selection of lures when fishing. My bag is carried when wade fishing, tube fishing or in my boat, the only difference is the number of rods I bring along. I'm quite confident that I could swap tackle bags with many or most of you for an afternoon of bass fishing and you could out fish me with my meager selection of lures. A few basic lures caught fish 20 years ago and I believe the same few basic lures will catch fish today.   Its all about where you put them and how you work them.

steve

[farmpond1]

It might be helpful to know what characteristics you're looking for first. What is it about the Fluke you want to get away from? There seem to be two versions of the fluke but without opening up the bag, I couldn't tell you how to distinguish them. One is a little less "rubbery" that is more boyant and a softer version which sinks better. I'm partial to the former but it suits my style better.

[RoLo]

I have more faith in the fisherman than the bait.

I carry a VERY small selection of lures when fishing. My bag is carried when wade fishing, tube fishing or in my boat, the only difference is the number of rods I bring along. I'm quite confident that I could swap tackle bags with many or most of you for an afternoon of bass fishing and you could out fish me with my meager selection of lures. A few basic lures caught fish 20 years ago and I believe the same few basic lures will catch fish today. Its all about where you put them and how you work them.

steve

Excellent summation

I'm really surprised that no one mentioned the Berkley 5" Powerbait Jerk Shad,

which glides like a Super Fluke (if properly rigged) but has a more realistic appearance.

http://216.149.215.9/scans/JerkShad.jpg

Roger