Lure characteristics that define the sight and sound choices available to bass anglers....Part 2

[SENKOSAM]

As lure crafter and homebody inventors, we are more apt to look at lure design more closely than the average consumer angler. To me, a top factor of lure design is that it stands out from the underwater environment it's used in. Part 1 demonstrated lure action as a key attractant when comparing different lures of similar design. I observe how fast or how slow a lure can be worked and still initiate a strike. Speed matters!

Here are two frogs. Both are surface (or near surface lures) lures, but each has specific design properties different from the the other.

The one on the left (not sure of the brand) is meant to be worked fast like a buzz frog or the legs don't do anything because the plastic is harder and the legs thicker than the Lake Fork Frog pictured on the right.

The Lake Fork Frog, on the other hand, can be worked very slowly with the legs flailing with slight rod twitches. Salt impregnation gives the bait a grainy texture and adds to it's slow fall rate - something an angler needs when fish are blowing surface baits out of the water. The angulation of the thin legs also contributes to the unique action that really gets a fish into a surface or subsurface feeding mood.

For me, realistic finishes don't impress nor matching a species of local forage. Uniqueness of lure action  catch fish. For example, Roland Martin's #7 willow leaf blade spinnerbait did well for me the first year it was sold and I copied and used it. In the waters I fish bass and pickerel had never seen a such fast, more flashy bait and it was a huge hit in shallow water. Remember when bubble gum and other florescent colored soft plastics first hit the market, mostly used as a floating worm rig during the spawn? Soon after, everyone could get them in many styles that could be used anytime of year.

Thanks for reading,

FrankM

[Jim45498]

SENKOSAM you hit the nail on the head.

A very good and educational read.

Through my years of fishing I have found that nice colors attract fishermen. Great action attracts fish.

I am not so much into color of a worm or lizard. The person holding the rod is responsible for making the lure attractive.

Some crankbaits get more attention from bass than other crankbaits of the same size and color.

Therefore the process of making the crankbait is where the catching factor comes in.

I will always believe some baits have that special movement or viberation that stands out and draws attention.

[Skeeterman225]

Just to back up the "color" theory, go buy 10 crankbaits, same brand, same size, same color. ONE of those ten will outfish ALL the other nine.....

[SENKOSAM]

Thanks guys!    This encourage me to write Part 3.

I couldn't agree more and lurecrafters that make some baits for their own use understand factors of lure appeal.

[Vodkaman]

Great read. Looking forward to part three.

Dave