FITT River Darter Smallmouth

[WI_Angler1989]

Who has experience with the FITT River Darter? I was recommended them by someone on a Smallmouth Facebook page and thought I'd see what you all think. 

They look really good, and sound good, but companies always SAY theirs is the best lol. 

They only have 2 colors too, which seemed weird. 4 counting dipped tails.

[Dreveal]

I used these when they were made buy a guy named Al Winco. He sold the company a couple years ago. They are a good fluke bait. Heavier than most and designed to be nose hooked when fished. A little more durable than others as well. Back in the day you had call Al to place an order. The man loved to talk. Always a solid 30 minute conversation but it was a lot of fun to talk to him. He was passionate about fishing and the baits he made. Their buzzbaits have been my favorite smallmouth buzzbaits for a long time. I still have some of the darters and will order more when I run out.

[WI_Angler1989]

@Dreveal thank you for the info. I had no idea the River Darters used to be a Winco plastic! I've seen numerous videos and articles featuring Al's products that show how deadly they are.

 

It makes me curious about the baits knowing that FITT is the new owner. Has quality changed? Plastic blend? I guess there's no way for me to know, since I've never used the originals.

[heavyduty]

I have their darters to fish this year so can't speak to them yet. The Chillie Willie and predator craws are deadly cold water smallies plastics. Also their stone catties are on the mark. Great guys, quality plastics. You won't go wrong buying from them. 

Look up Reel River Adventures. Chris Gorsuch uses a lot of their baits and shares info on his FB page.

[WI_Angler1989]

18 hours ago, heavyduty said:

I have their darters to fish this year so can't speak to them yet. The Chillie Willie and predator craws are deadly cold water smallies plastics. Also their stone catties are on the mark. Great guys, quality plastics. You won't go wrong buying from them. 

Look up Reel River Adventures. Chris Gorsuch uses a lot of their baits and shares info on his FB page.

 

Nice! I've heard a lot about the Chilie Willie baits especially. A lot of channels that fish the Susquehanna use the in cold months. 

 

I'll check out that show too.

 

[smalliemonger]

the FITT darters are just like the ones Al used to make.  Before Al sold the business I went to his house and bought all the darters he had.  Since then I've had the chance to meet the new owners and check out their product and it's just as nice.  You should also check out the crinkle worm, it is a deadly cold water lure.