Expensive Lures - Selection 2024
kudagra reply :
I have a good amount of lucky craft lures - not the most expensive, but not cheap either. So Ive seen that premium lures can be worth it. But, when I am walking the aisles at BPS and looking at stuff $20+ and over, I just dont bother because I don't want to end up with an expensive lure that doesnt work. Do you guys just do research, pick things that match your style, or match colors that have been working?
einscodek reply :
I dont buy anything expensive unless its been touted over and over that it catches fish by a bunch of fishermen all over the internet.
The worst is having an expensive lure (esp a big expensive lure) sit at the bottom of the lure pile with a bunch of more effective cheap soft plastics on top!
Logan S reply :
slimshad reply :
I fought the urge for years. Bought a MB Vision 110 and now I own several of their products. Quality is worth the price. IMO. The older I get the more i like the finer things in life. I kinda feel like I have erned it. Plus if i spend money on stuff and it works, why not!?
gardnerjigman reply :
It's a combination of matching styles/colors etc, and sometimes you just poke and hope. I've bought some expensive duds, and I've also bought some expensive fish catching machines. Same vise versa though, cheap duds and cheap fish producers. I don't feel so bad spending a lot on a hard bait knowing that I can make it last (if I like it) or trade it off (if I don't like it). That bait monkey is one feisty fella!
desmobob reply :
On 8/19/2015 at 2:29 AM, kudagra said:Do you guys just do research, pick things that match your style, or match colors that have been working?
All of the above, with the emphasis on research. I'd hate to spend a bunch of money on a lure that wasn't proven to be effective.
Just know that buying something like one single Megabass bait will invariably lead to more. And more. Once you see the action of a Vision 110, you'll want to try another type of Megabass bait. Then, once you see the molding detail/shape/finish of an XPod, you'll want to get a few more in different finishes, and then maybe try a PopMax or PopX. And on it goes.... ;-)
Tight lines,
Bob
Heron reply :
On 8/19/2015 at 6:36 AM, desmobob said:All of the above, with the emphasis on research. I'd hate to spend a bunch of money on a lure that wasn't proven to be effective.
Just know that buying something like one single Megabass bait will invariably lead to more. And more. Once you see the action of a Vision 110, you'll want to try another type of Megabass bait. Then, once you see the molding detail/shape/finish of an XPod, you'll want to get a few more in different finishes, and then maybe try a PopMax or PopX. And on it goes.... ;-)
Tight lines,
Bob
And that my friend...is called, catching fishermen.
Preytorien reply :
Man i read and read and watch videos, I even work out the ideal scenarios that I'd use it then make an informed decision. I rarely buy a Duo Realis crank without some serious contemplation.
Random Tackle reply :
I like fishing spook type baits a good deal. always used the spook jr or Rebel jumpin minnow. Had read a lot about the Sammy and was skeptical at first. Broke down and bought one in a color I've had success on and it didn't disappoint. I don't even know if 15$ is considered expensive anymore which is funny in and of itself. Also you really have to try to lose a topwater which is a plus....
J Francho reply :
A $3 lure that doesn't work properly is more expensive than a $20 lure that catches over and over. Most lures are more like $8 to $16 though. The ones that are pricey are plastics, with hooks and weights you buy separately, that are only good for a few fish. I have topwaters and cranks that have lira rely caught hundreds of fish each.
Bk4 reply :
Here's my 2 cent .... A old school ugly stick vs something like a dobyns rod. Both can land fish but one is lighter and more sensitive. It's all about what you can appreciate.
buzzed bait reply :
agree with nearly every post thus far. i bought a vision 110 and then ended up with nearly a dozen megabass lures too....
also, i NEVER buy things at full retail. i bought a lot of my MB lures at Dick's Sporting Goods using a $10 off $50 or $20 off $100 or something like that to justify buying them.... Bought some LC pointer 100s for $6 on clearance (bought them all). Found some lipless lucky crafts for $7....
Also, it's a LOT easier to spend that money when you see review after review saying how well the bait performs. And it also makes it easier for me to spend extra $ on the topwater baits that i feel i have very little chance of snagging or losing.
MN_Bassin reply :
In Minnesota, there's no way that I'd get away with throwing an expensive bait. Too many pike, especially the little buggers, that'll cut your line without you feeling a thing.
SirSnookalot reply :
My max in freshwater is probably an xrap.
In the long run plastics may cost more, but any lure can be lost from cut off or snag on the very first cast. I catch a lot of fish on DOA 5.5" jerkshads and Strike King jig heads, it adds up. I do no better than the people using a Zoom fluke on a Walmart jig head.
Dogmatic reply :
Gotta be a proven fish catcher, before I shell out the "big bucks".
stkbassn reply :
I definitely do some research and watch a lot of videos. I read tons of reviews as well. I don't have a ton of money so when I spend $20 plus on a bait I need to be pretty confident that it's a proven fish catcher and also something my gear will handle if it's a swimbait. I also consider if it's something I will use enough to justify the cost.
roadwarrior reply :
My #1 suggestion would be the Megabass PopMax.
buzzed bait reply :
On 8/21/2015 at 10:46 PM, roadwarrior said:My #1 suggestion would be the Megabass PopMax.
you'll never feel so good about spending $20 on a lure as you will with the popmax (or even popx)
best part for me is that it's a topwater bait so i'm so much less likely to lose it, thus makes parting with that $20 that much easier. the craftsmanship on the megabass lures is unreal.
bigbill reply :
Well I broke open my piggy bank.
Lucky Strike
High Roller
And those crankbaits about two years ago were the new rave in bass fishing. Baitball? And the other new crankbaits. Never again. Ill make them Christmas ornaments.
My old discontinued bomber FAT A still out fished them.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
after throwing swimbaits for a good while and spending a lot of money on them then losing them , buying $20 crankbaits that float and are retrievable(after they seperate from your line) that are quality fish catchers in the right situations , it gets easier to justify the purchase .
blckshirt98 reply :
When I first started bass fishing I saw people talking about Huddleston's doing so well and saw they were $20-25 per bait and thought those people were the hardcore of hardcore bass fisherman. Even Luckycrafts at $15 and up I thought were madness. But with time I've fallen into the "most lures catch fisherman and not fish" and have gotten my fair share of expensive baits, though I'm always timid about throwing them being a shore guy. Now I read up on what's working according to forum posts and tournament results, and also what has good action in the water by watching YouTube videos, and will usually buy it to try it at some point.
But really it comes down to lack of discipline. Like I mentioned in another post a local pro on the FLW has caught almost all of his fish off of dirt cheap Zoom trick worms, and uses S-Wavers which is on the cheaper end of glidebaits, and he does just fine.
Big C reply :
On 8/20/2015 at 9:59 AM, MN_Bassin said:In Minnesota, there's no way that I'd get away with throwing an expensive bait. Too many pike, especially the little buggers, that'll cut your line without you feeling a thing.
It's funny you say that. On TW there is a review for the Roman made Mother Swimbait, which is a $439 swimbait. The guy says he throws it for muskie. Now I know you can use steel leader and everything, but come on that seems a little crazy to me.
Master Bait'r reply :
It's a slippery slope, that's for sure.
I think my first expensive bait was a MB Pop-X.
Now I have a whole slew of 110s, deep-x's, knuckles and man... The glide baits now- let's just say between MB, Gan Craft and Deps I could probably have a sweet yak upgrade.
Where I've been concentrating my efforts lately though is hoarding certain JDM frogs. They're expensive but man do they work above and beyond... I don't care that they cost more. I have bought all of them I could find on fleabay and I'm eyeballing them on foreign sites for after I buy ski passes for the family. It just never stops.
Master Bait'r reply :
On 8/25/2015 at 6:03 AM, Big C said:It's funny you say that. On TW there is a review for the Roman made Mother Swimbait, which is a $439 swimbait. The guy says he throws it for muskie. Now I know you can use steel leader and everything, but come on that seems a little crazy to me.
Most Muskie guys use 100# flouro leaders, as metal is less durable than you'd think.
MarkH024 reply :
On 8/25/2015 at 8:48 AM, Master Bait said:Most Muskie guys use 100# flouro leaders, as metal is less durable than you'd think.
I use fluoro leaders now almost always for musky. they don't kink, and they allow better action. I really would rather not use any leader but I might as well use my wallet as a lure at that point.
Big C reply :
On 8/25/2015 at 8:48 AM, Master Bait said:Most Muskie guys use 100# flouro leaders, as metal is less durable than you'd think.
On 8/25/2015 at 9:02 AM, MarkH024 said:I use fluoro leaders now almost always for musky. they don't kink, and they allow better action. I really would rather not use any leader but I might as well use my wallet as a lure at that point.
I know it would be difficult to lose one, but what about teeth marks?
MarkH024 reply :
Teeth marks on what?
J Francho reply :
Teeth marks are how you which are the "good baits."
MarkH024 reply :
agreedOn 8/26/2015 at 10:16 AM, J Francho said:Teeth marks are how you which are the "good baits."
SirSnookalot reply :
If any one has fished for Kingfish, you would understand what a toothy critter is. You won't have many lures with teeth marks because of the cut offs. They are considered one of the most line shy fish, wire is seldom used for them. Most of what I see is 40-60# mono leaders.
Their little bros., Spanish mackerel have the same kind of toothy mouth, but are a smaller fish, the most prolific way to catch them is a small spoon or crappie jig, on a rattling bobber with about 20# f/c leader. Lures become history real quick because of the cut offs...............I don't fish for them too often.
CrazyFluker reply :
I do have a few Megabass Pop Max. I wouldn't buy their divers but feel top water is safer. I have caught a lot of fish on the pop max so will keep buying them. The hooks are really sweet, it casts nicely and I love the action, it walks nice, has a cool steady retrieve that allows the body to fill up with air and makes a burping type thing releasing the air, as well as makes a good pop.
And I got a Bass Pro gift card for Xmas so bought two of the Jackall Girons. After using a couple times bought a lure retriever to ensure I have the best chance of keeping them. So far the lure retriever has saved a lot of money.
bassarmy7 reply :
On 8/26/2015 at 2:29 PM, SirSnookalot said:If any one has fished for Kingfish, you would understand what a toothy critter is. You won't have many lures with teeth marks because of the cut offs. They are considered one of the most line shy fish, wire is seldom used for them. Most of what I see is 40-60# mono leaders.
Their little bros., Spanish mackerel have the same kind of toothy mouth, but are a smaller fish, the most prolific way to catch them is a small spoon or crappie jig, on a rattling bobber with about 20# f/c leader. Lures become history real quick because of the cut offs...............I don't fish for them too often.
Ehh back home in the panhandle of florida we use 30# jerry brown braid and a 40-60# steel leader with a dead cigar minnow on the end. Never had one that was "line shy". As for spanish, a Gotcha lure slays em when they are runnin
Master Bait'r reply :
On 8/19/2015 at 6:40 AM, Heron said:And that my friend...is called, catching fishermen.
Lol. And that my friend... Is called "transcribing your thought process to someone else just living their own personal dream"
I don't make fun of others for throwing whatever it is that they want to throw, but I do love how some people just think that because people might like buying, having and using nice gear that they're somehow stupid, less of a fisherman or whatever else they'd like to infer- usually to make themselves feel good that they aren't so stupid, don't "need" an expensive lure to catch fish etc. etc. etc.... But it's flawed logic and it's a sad projection. What it is about an expensive lure someone else wants or has that makes some instantly defensive I'll never understand.
I like having nice things and I work really hard to earn them. Whether it's handmade skis, high end fishing gear, really good shop tools or maybe some sweet A/V electronics at home. I don't worry about what other people are doing or how they feel about my choices because the money for their choices doesn't come out of my pocket. Transcribing my own school of thought to someone else has never made sense to me, and I understand that's exactly why there is more than one flavor of ice cream, many kinds of cars and infinite options for fishing... No two men are the same and whether the lure caught the fisherman or the fish, if the end result is a smile of satisfaction on that fisherman's face, then it was worth every penny and then some. I don't care if he even throws the darn thing- it he just wants to hang a Roman Made on his wall good for him. Rock on IMO. 
J Francho reply :
It's a fear based reaction. They are afraid they aren't good enough. Better to put someone down than carry on about your own business. It's basic human instinct to declare yourself better than the rest. It's how we get the girl, lol.
Preytorien reply :
Had to share this.....went out a couple nights ago went bank fishing at a small pond by my house and was doing really well with a Duo Realis Spinbait 80 G-Fix....one of the more expensive lures I've bought in the past year.
Got it snagged on a particularly resilient little laydown about 10 feet offshore. I wasn't going to let that ruin my day....I stripped down to just my shorts, kicked off my shoes, went for a swim and brought that baby back. 
Anyone else ever do this?
Preytorien reply :
On 8/19/2015 at 9:47 AM, J Francho said:A $3 lure that doesn't work properly is more expensive than a $20 lure that catches over and over. Most lures are more like $8 to $16 though. The ones that are pricey are plastics, with hooks and weights you buy separately, that are only good for a few fish. I have topwaters and cranks that have lira rely caught hundreds of fish each.
I have to say John I've never thought of it that way, and it makes sense. I've shelled out FAR more this past year for flukes and senkos than any other bait. Add those, the hooks, and weights, and that's a pricey little system to just lose the lure after a couple of fish.
Might just use this logic in my next "But honey I NEED that Megabass lure!" arguement....
roadwarrior reply :
On 8/19/2015 at 9:47 AM, J Francho said:The ones that are pricey are plastics, with hooks and weights you buy separately, that are only good for a few fish. I have topwaters and cranks that have lira rely caught hundreds of fish each.
No doubt, soft plastics represent the biggest investment and highest "lost lure" category.
buzzed bait reply :
On 8/27/2015 at 12:50 AM, Preytorien said:Had to share this.....went out a couple nights ago went bank fishing at a small pond by my house and was doing really well with a Duo Realis Spinbait 80 G-Fix....one of the more expensive lures I've bought in the past year.
Got it snagged on a particularly resilient little laydown about 10 feet offshore. I wasn't going to let that ruin my day....I stripped down to just my shorts, kicked off my shoes, went for a swim and brought that baby back.
Anyone else ever do this?
snagged my megabass giant dog x the other night on a log about 40' out from the bank and the line broke off. i spent a while trying to snag it with another lure and gave up..... only to try again a little while later and finally hook up with it and pulled it off the log all the way to my feet!! made me more excited than the two fish i had caught on the thing earlier in the evening!!
SirSnookalot reply :
Fishing a lure away from trouble may curtail the effectiveneess of that particular lure,not much sense in owning it,if afraid to use. I've walked in the water many times to get a $3.00 lure, because it catches lots of fish. I'm not familiar with most lures used today, Walmart don't carry them.
Preytorien reply :
The best scenario is like i found tonight. Went to the local Cabela's that opened a week ago.
Lucky Craft lures, boxes and boxes of them in a sale bin....$5.99 each.
Needless to say I was stoked!
hatrix reply :
On 8/25/2015 at 6:03 AM, Big C said:It's funny you say that. On TW there is a review for the Roman made Mother Swimbait, which is a $439 swimbait. The guy says he throws it for muskie. Now I know you can use steel leader and everything, but come on that seems a little crazy to me.
I am sure a mother really does kill it no matter how crazy it might seem to you or I. It might seem ridiculous at how expensive they are but it wouldn't be that crazy if you had tons of money. If I had millions I would throw them for musky too. Really $400 is nothing in the end.
Heron reply :
On 8/26/2015 at 10:09 PM, Master Bait said:Lol. And that my friend... Is called "transcribing your thought process to someone else just living their own personal dream"
I don't make fun of others for throwing whatever it is that they want to throw, but I do love how some people just think that because people might like buying, having and using nice gear that they're somehow stupid, less of a fisherman or whatever else they'd like to infer- usually to make themselves feel good that they aren't so stupid, don't "need" an expensive lure to catch fish etc. etc. etc.... But it's flawed logic and it's a sad projection. What it is about an expensive lure someone else wants or has that makes some instantly defensive I'll never understand.
I like having nice things and I work really hard to earn them. Whether it's handmade skis, high end fishing gear, really good shop tools or maybe some sweet A/V electronics at home. I don't worry about what other people are doing or how they feel about my choices because the money for their choices doesn't come out of my pocket. Transcribing my own school of thought to someone else has never made sense to me, and I understand that's exactly why there is more than one flavor of ice cream, many kinds of cars and infinite options for fishing... No two men are the same and whether the lure caught the fisherman or the fish, if the end result is a smile of satisfaction on that fisherman's face, then it was worth every penny and then some. I don't care if he even throws the darn thing- it he just wants to hang a Roman Made on his wall good for him. Rock on IMO.
Hah, well.....I learned about "catching fisherman" from these forums.
Sorry you felt so compelled to write such a needlessly long dissertation about this. Do I sense guilt? Perhaps. Because you completely misprojected my use of the phrase in the context that it was used.
Looking back at the post that I responded to, you may notice that the context was very specifically about how the certain qualities and appearances of the bait itself, will lead to more purchases. Well, this is exactly the very definition of "catching fisherman." Which is, nothing more than purchasing baits primarily based on how they appeal to us (regardless of price), more so than how they appeal to the fish.
But, instead you have read it to be a criticism about the buying of high end fishing gear. Well done. My comment would've been no different if the bait in question was a cheap $3 specimen.
So whats up? Who're the ones that are always giving you a lot of crap for your spending? Wife, parents, siblings?
J Francho reply :
I don't think a $400 lure is really relevant to the discussion. I most often notice that $10 as the sticker shock line. I remember buying Rebel cranks for $3 back in the 80s. It seemed expensive, since Acme spoons were less than a buck. I bet that's around $10 or more in today's money. Bust out your parachute pants, crank up the Buggles, and fish your baits - whatever you paid for them.
SirSnookalot reply :
What does the dollar buy today compared to 1980. That $3.00 lure of 1980 may be around 10 bucks today, look at wages now compared to 1980. Certain items can't be calculated using CPI, tobacco and gas because of taxes, state and federal. Last US gas tax hike in 1993, not the same for state and local.
Foreign items have tax and tariffs added in also, not a bad guess the $ 3.00 item of 1980 may have been better quality than something costing more dollars today.
Big C reply :
On 8/29/2015 at 9:15 PM, J Francho said:I don't think a $400 lure is really relevant to the discussion.
It's true, I was just saying I wouldn't trust those toothy beasts with a $400 lure.
On a different note I have learned you get what you pay for when it comes to fishing equipment.
ww2farmer reply :
Expensive is relative.............to some people a $12 lure is cheap, to some it is not. At the end of the day, fish with what you like, and can afford, be happy with it, and don't crap on someone who either can afford or has more expensive stuff or vice versa, cheaper stuff. I'll always bang the drum for bass fishing on a budget because I am saddled with a budget myself, but if I had unlimited funds, you can bet your rear end the stuff in my arsenal would be top shelf, but for now, I do the best I can with what I have to work with, and I am pretty happy with my stuff and the end results.
EvanT123 reply :
I always wonder if I would have caught that fish on a different lure doesn't matter it was 30 cents or 30 dollars. At the end of the day I'm glad I caught that fish. Once it's in my hand the price is irrelevant.
SirSnookalot reply :
On 8/30/2015 at 11:49 AM, EvanT123 said:I always wonder if I would have caught that fish on a different lure doesn't matter it was 30 cents or 30 dollars. At the end of the day I'm glad I caught that fish. Once it's in my hand the price is irrelevant.
I agree, one of my favorite lures does only cost $3.00, 1 senko or jig alone isn't costly. Personally, I would not spend 20 bucks or more for a 5# fish, no bang for my buck.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
There's a mother in a musky's mouth. Lol
slimshad reply :
threw a $25 Megabass jerkbait and got 5 bass and made $250 in my club tourny yesterday. Could a $5 jerkbait do that, probably but I chose to use the Megabass and I think the added confidence helps a great deal.
Heron reply :
On 9/1/2015 at 3:27 AM, slimshad said:threw a $25 Megabass jerkbait and got 5 bass and made $250 in my club tourny yesterday. Could a $5 jerkbait do that, probably but I chose to use the Megabass and I think the added confidence helps a great deal.
Nice, what size fish were they?
slimshad reply :
Big enough for 2nd place lol Had 11.10lbs and first was 11.19lbs..... Had a bass die on me and cost me .20lbs and the win... Hurts a little but 2nd is better than 3rd..
Preytorien reply :
On 8/30/2015 at 10:24 AM, ww2farmer said:Expensive is relative.............to some people a $12 lure is cheap, to some it is not. At the end of the day, fish with what you like, and can afford, be happy with it, and don't crap on someone who either can afford or has more expensive stuff or vice versa, cheaper stuff. I'll always bang the drum for bass fishing on a budget because I am saddled with a budget myself, but if I had unlimited funds, you can bet your rear end the stuff in my arsenal would be top shelf, but for now, I do the best I can with what I have to work with, and I am pretty happy with my stuff and the end results.
Very well said. I think that pretty much sums it up for most the folks who call themselves bass fishermen, and it would do us all good if we would remember it
hatrix reply :
On 9/1/2015 at 3:27 AM, slimshad said:threw a $25 Megabass jerkbait and got 5 bass and made $250 in my club tourny yesterday. Could a $5 jerkbait do that, probably but I chose to use the Megabass and I think the added confidence helps a great deal.
Maybe a cheaper one would do just as good. But in reality and when it comes to jerkbaits probably not. There are a lot of guys who fish very similar baits but save the expensive ones for tournaments. Jerkbaits just seem to be the thing where that really matter. Those pointers or visions costs that for a reason. There is no way some of those people are buying $15-20 cranks but will drop it on jerkbaits no problem and they have boxes full.
slimshad reply :
Pulled the megabass 110 in pro blue out in my Ohio River tourny Sunday. Struggling to find 12" bass allday. I thought, why not try the bait that has worked all year. BOOM, giant bass in this pool. After catching a catfish and a drum, I didnt think this hard pulling fish was a bass. She jumped completely out of the water and my partner and i just looked at each other and said "It is a BASSSSSS". When it jumped I could have swore it was 8-10 pounds. After seeing 8-10 inch fish most of the day anyway. It ended up being 4.5lbs and was the Big Bass of the tourny by far. She sure looked bigger than 4.5 tho. Solid hard pullin river fish!
fisherrw reply :
X2On 8/19/2015 at 2:37 AM, einscodek said:I dont buy anything expensive unless its been touted over and over that it catches fish by a bunch of fishermen all over the internet.
The worst is having an expensive lure (esp a big expensive lure) sit at the bottom of the lure pile with a bunch of more effective cheap soft plastics on top!
thomas15 reply :
Not too long ago I bought an MS Slammer. Prior to that I would wince at paying $8.00 for a lure. Since the Slammer purchase I've kinda decided that paying more might be worth it in the long run. I hate to loose a $3.00 lure but I also hate not using a lure because I'm afraid to lose it.
Sometimes it's hard to keep this pastime in perspective money-wise. My gear and even my boat are modest in comparison to some but still 10 years ago I wouldn't have even considered investing the money I have in my gear now. So now I have several $20.00+ lures and appreciate the workmanship and action. really surprised at the lifelike action of my Spro BBZ-1 which is right at the $20.00 mark. Really love those baits. I guess I don't mind paying more for a good bait if it works.
Primus reply :
thomas15 you will like the BBZ, productive swimbait .
UKCATSBASSER reply :
What color Pop max to start out with? What do you guys think
Ringonu reply :
On 9/18/2015 at 10:44 PM, UKCATSBASSER said:What color Pop max to start out with? What do you guys think
I see GG Bass and white python as most people's choice. Those are the colors that are available the most too so that may play into it. For me it's white python but I have a couple other colors I will be trying out to see if it makes any difference.
buzzed bait reply :
On 9/18/2015 at 10:44 PM, UKCATSBASSER said:What color Pop max to start out with? What do you guys think
white python or black orochi are my 2 most productive. black in really low light conditions, white otherwise.
fisherrw reply :
Sexy shadOn 9/18/2015 at 10:44 PM, UKCATSBASSER said:What color Pop max to start out with? What do you guys think
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