These things are ridiculous...

[SPEEDBEAD.]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1242961325

There is my contribution for the bluegill, since I dont have the bass yet.

That is the biggest one I have caught, but definitely not the only one.

I will find more, hold on.

Randall talking about the Hardbass...http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1251090576/0#0

Paul. is another member who has tested Matt's lures.

Mrlitetackle is another one who caught fish on the hardgill.

Like we all have stated before:  Someone is either is going to buy it or not.  I will say that this bait is not what most would consider a "beginner" swimbait, although it is very easy to fish.  Most people (I was one of them) will buy a couple cheaper baits and then realize they should have saved their money and bought one quality bait.

One $50 bait that gets bit is better than 5 $10 baits that just sit in the box because they have no confidence to throw them due to lack of success.

[KingBass]

Pure badas$ery!  

[fisher1973]

First, i want to say that i am not an expereinced swimbait fisherman. I am wanting to try it though, i fishmore than a few large ponds in my area that the bass seem to feed on a LOT of crappie. Matt your lures look amazing, and from the ppl who have posted about your lures i believe they wiil work that way also. Do you have plans to make any white and black crappie looking ones? I would definetly buy those, and think there may be a market for them. On quite a few occasions i have caught large (for my area) bass that still had a crappie in their gullet (sp?). Looking forward to your response.  thx   fish

[Dan:]

First, i want to say that i am not an expereinced swimbait fisherman. I am wanting to try it though, i fishmore than a few large ponds in my area that the bass seem to feed on a LOT of crappie. Matt your lures look amazing, and from the ppl who have posted about your lures i believe they wiil work that way also. Do you have plans to make any white and black crappie looking ones? I would definetly buy those, and think there may be a market for them. On quite a few occasions i have caught large (for my area) bass that still had a crappie in their gullet (sp?). Looking forward to your response. thx fish

like these?

[RoLo]

If I selected lures based on what appeals to ME, I'd only carry two or three lures in my box.

But I'm such a terrible judge of fish-appeal, that I need to carry a wide variety of lures :-[Roger

Ah, Roger. I knew you were a sharp guy. You just diagnosed my illness from 2000 miles away. ;D ;D

Now, about the long-term prognosis; is there any hope for a cure?

Ghoti, I'm afraid the long-term prognosis is not too encouraging.

Mainly because most victims of this affliction do not want to be cured ;D

Speaking only for myself, it seems that my best success is with lures that resemble nothing in particular.

When you think about it, the more closely a lure resembles a preexisting creature,

the greater the danger of it appearing unnatural (especially at close range and at slow speeds).

On the other hand, lures that resemble nothing in particular cannot be identified as counterfeit, as they simply exploit

the predator's opportunistic nature. Good examples of stuff we normally don't see in the lake are slug-goes, gitzits and senkos.

Bill Dance was once asked what a spinnerbait is supposed to be, and Bill replied, "I dunno...maybe a Toy Airboat?" ;D ;D

Roger

[fisher1973]

Dan that is exactly what im talking about. Is that a mattlure , if it isnt what brand is it, or is it homemade?

[Dan:]

Dan that is exactly what im talking about. Is that a mattlure , if it isnt what brand is it, or is it homemade?

It's a Mattlures hardgill in a crappie pattern.

[mrlitetackle]

Posted by: SPEEDBEAD.      Posted on: Today at 2:01pm

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1242961325

There is my contribution for the bluegill, since I dont have the bass yet.

That is the biggest one I have caught, but definitely not the only one.

I will find more, hold on.

Randall talking about the Hardbass...http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1251090576/0#0

Paul. is another member who has tested Matt's lures.

Mrlitetackle is another one who caught fish on the hardgill.

Like we all have stated before:  Someone is either is going to buy it or not.  I will say that this bait is not what most would consider a "beginner" swimbait, although it is very easy to fish.  Most people (I was one of them) will buy a couple cheaper baits and then realize they should have saved their money and bought one quality bait.

One $50 bait that gets bit is better than 5 $10 baits that just sit in the box because they have no confidence to throw them due to lack of success.

....just have to chime in again,

and certainly dont want to be involved in any debates....

but what i can say is that,

mattlures hardgills are simply amazing, with no detail overlooked!

quite simply, that is why i own 2 of them....

and trust me... they not only look great, they do produce!

so, i am not hesitant in any way, shape, or form to purchase the bass series.

.... in fact,

i cant wait.

after owning his baits, and subsequently testing them, i expect nothing less than the best money can offer.

and though i dont own the bass series yet, i am completely confident in the fact that it is an outstanding lure that will get results.

[Mattlures]

Mr Rolo I agree with you 100%

In Matt's theory of realism its kinda all or nothing. If a swimbait looks correct and by correct I mean extremly detailed with accurate colors and detailing and It swims right it will get bit. Now there are two ways of swimming right. #1 is that it looks natural. and #2 it may look unatural but in a good way, like its injured or vonerable. This is where I feel swimbaits differ from other baits. I think the most realistic in aperance and action is the best possible recipe for fooling the biggest bass. Now here is wher I agree with you.

When you take a bait like a plastic worm, crankbait,spinnerbait, or jig and add detail to it I feel it actualy hurts its overall apeal to the fish. It just doesnt look right. I mean the color pattern might be perfect but everything els might look wrong. I dont like jigs with eyes on them. I dont like crankbaits or other hardbaits with detail. I like a nice simple pattern like the original Rapalas or Bagley's. If I am picking a spinnerbait, I want it simple. I want good components but I want a simple design and basic colors. If you have a simple design or pattern on one of these Nonrealistic baits you have less unnatural features to make a fish leary. a bqasic plastic worm or jig is extremly effective because nothing looks wrong with them almost no negative ques.

This is what I call all or nothing. I dont like baits in the middle. When I fish swimbaits I use thw most accurate realistic bait that I can in every way. Obviously they arent perfect with bills, visible joints,hanging treble etc but they are close enough especialy when moving or in water that is not super clear. Those things tend to blurr.

But in most cases when a fish realy gets a good chance to look over a wrom or jig I like simple. There just isnt much that looks unnatural, and to be honest I rarley throw a spinnerbait or crank but when I do. I dont like detail.

[fourbizz]

Matt builds badass baits.

A bait of that size and build quality, at that price, is a steal.

I'll be throwing it.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Matt builds badass baits.

A bait of that size and build quality, at that price, is a steal.

I'll be throwing it.

Ah, the swimbait pusher himself.... ;D

Again, my wallet thanks you for all the swimbaits recommended and purchased over the last year and 1/2.

[fourbizz]

Yeah, but I have I ever led you astray?

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Yeah, but I have I ever led you astray?

Negative.  Good point.   ;D

[RoLo]

Mr Rolo I agree with you 100%

In Matt's theory of realism its kinda all or nothing. If a swimbait looks correct and by correct I mean extremly detailed with accurate colors and detailing and It swims right it will get bit. Now there are two ways of swimming right. #1 is that it looks natural. and #2 it may look unatural but in a good way, like its injured or vonerable. This is where I feel swimbaits differ from other baits. I think the most realistic in aperance and action is the best possible recipe for fooling the biggest bass. Now here is wher I agree with you.

When you take a bait like a plastic worm, crankbait,spinnerbait, or jig and add detail to it I feel it actualy hurts its overall apeal to the fish. It just doesnt look right. I mean the color pattern might be perfect but everything els might look wrong. I dont like jigs with eyes on them. I dont like crankbaits or other hardbaits with detail. I like a nice simple pattern like the original Rapalas or Bagley's. If I am picking a spinnerbait, I want it simple. I want good components but I want a simple design and basic colors. If you have a simple design or pattern on one of these Nonrealistic baits you have less unnatural features to make a fish leary. a bqasic plastic worm or jig is extremly effective because nothing looks wrong with them almost no negative ques.

This is what I call all or nothing. I dont like baits in the middle. When I fish swimbaits I use thw most accurate realistic bait that I can in every way. Obviously they arent perfect with bills, visible joints,hanging treble etc but they are close enough especialy when moving or in water that is not super clear. Those things tend to blurr.

But in most cases when a fish realy gets a good chance to look over a wrom or jig I like simple. There just isnt much that looks unnatural, and to be honest I rarley throw a spinnerbait or crank but when I do. I dont like detail.

Matt, point well-made.

Even to a casual observer, it's clear that you take great pride in your work.

In my view, Mattlures are the most realistic swimbaits on the market.

Roger

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Well, got mine in the mail today and I have to say it wasnt what I expected.

It was much, much more than that.  It honestly looks like the thing is wet in the box.

Freakin' awesome Matt, freakin' awesome.  

[Big Bait Fishing]

love your new bait , BUUUUUTTTTTT , are you gonna make a super realistic 8-12'' jointed trout bait , aahhh , i'm dying tryin' to be patient !!!!! i guess i'll have to talk to you at the bass-a-thon  

[Mattlures]

I do plan on doing a trout but I have bad news for you.

There is no bassathon this year. There is talk of another big store putting on a big show but it is not confirmed yet.

[fourbizz]

HAHA. The plight of the swimbait builder.

Cant even get a new bait on the market and everyone wants the next one..... NOW! ;D

That being said, Matt, I want a trout bait too ;D

[Big Bait Fishing]

I do plan on doing a trout but I have bad news for you.

There is no bassathon this year. There is talk of another big store putting on a big show but it is not confirmed yet.

let me know when you find out please !!!! is it gonna be in southern ca. ?????  :-?

[zbigbadaaron]

I think its PERDY!!!!!

[Rebel Angler]

wow they're crazy realistic but $60 is a lil expensive for me. Love to have one though I'm sure they work great!

[J-B]

For those of you that are skeptical of Matt's baits and their prices, here is my 2 cents. I was once right there with you in wondering if it was worth the $50 to purchase one of his swimbaits. After doing research and reading many of the comments about Matt's lures, I finally coughed up the dough and purchased a Male Bluegill Hardgill. I have not been happier with any other bait in my tackle box. The quality and detail is unreal. In the water, nothing looks more like a fish except a real fish. When fishing the hardgill, I have even seen other bluegill swim along side of the bait. Seeing this made me feel good about my purchase. I have caught quite a few bass in the 3-5 lb range with this lure since I started fishing it (still looking for the big ones). In short, do not freak out over the price and instead marvel at the quality. These baits are excellent and they catch fish. I currently own two Mattlure baits and I plan on getting more in the future.

JB

[Big Tom]

I just saw one of these in person yesterday.  

Absolutely phenomenal bait.    

[Brush Hog20]

I understand what rubba is saying in this thread.  I fully admit to being completely ignorant to swimbaits and the thought of spending 50 bucks on a single lure seems execessive.  So I would need to be shown its better than my beloved brushhog that I just stuck a 6.5 lb bass on this last weekend or the seven pound bass I caught on a lizard last year.  As we all the know the goal is to catch fish not how good the bait looks doing it.  I understand the niche market and maybe thats all Matt wants.  I admit I know nothing about em and I don't live in "Monster Bass" country so my perspective is probably askew from the most on this thread.  But I do know that large bass are rare ,at least in my neck of the woods, and I suspect even in greatly famed waters and unless all the swimbaiters are catching 10lbers every other cast its just not worth it...As a side note I think the baits look great and Matt is a true craftsman.  I just will probably never buy one becuase I just don't think for my everyday fishing it adds much comensurate to the cost.  So I am the guy and guys like me rubba was speaking of so I get that.  Its very likely Matt does not care to reach out to my level of fisherman, but I am okay with that.  

[Brush Hog20]

.....not to mention isn't vast majority of the appeal of fishing the ability to skillfully make a presentation of an artificial lure and fooling a fish to bite it??? Thats why I don't fish live bait. So in my mind making lure more lifelike is just the dumbing down of the sport of fishing.  Matt himself adimited he caught fish by doing nothing but holding the rod.  Where is the fun or the pride in your catch in that? I see why Matt has pride in that becaues he crafted the masterpiece that caught the fish.  But where is the enjoyment for those that buy this lure?