Custom Painted Baits

[Jimmy P]

Let’s hear all the opinions on Custom Painted baits as well as on the water tips to tweak your lures to match the forage?

I’m ready to try out these baits I had a friend make for me. You wouldn’t believe the inspiration for this particular pattern. 

[detroit1]

I think that too much detail is for the fisherman and not the fish. Don't get me wrong...I like a beautiful bait just like the next guy, but I don't think it's necessary. A lot of you have great painting skills and I would put them on the wall instead of the lake.

[Jimmy P]

Very valid point. A lot are too pretty to fish. Frankly can become quite expensive. I guess the question becomes, is the couple extra dollars worth it if the bait gives the angler the edge?

[Scott F]

Silhouette and action are much more important than matching the forage exactly. A bait fishes coloration is made to help him blend in to his surroundings. Those who stand out, get eaten first. Not that I am a qualified person to give a valued opinion, but I have never done particularly well with realistically painted baits. As pretty as your baits are, I wouldn’t pay extra to fish with one.

[Jimmy P]

Good point!  I’m going to try a similar colored “Over The Counter” bait equal in size, and action to see if there is, in fact a difference.