Observation about "saving money" 2024
bass wrangler569 reply :
There are always threads popping up about whether lures in the $15-20 range are worth the money. Many people say yes, they are indeed worth the money, while others say that they save money by buying cheaper $4-5 lures.
Here's my observation:
I have about three dozen lucky crafts in a few productive colors. As far as most of my fishing goes, that's all I need. Most guys who fish lucky craft (or another high dollar company) that I've met are similar.They have a few dozen lures in good colors that they know produce. However, a lot of guys who tell me that they "save money" by buying $4-5 lures have box after box filled with cheap lures in every color under the sun. Because of this, I have begun to think that a lot of people who buy cheaper lures spend just as much as those who buy more expensive lures, and instead of buying a few quality lures, they buy a larger quantity of cheaper lures and they really aren't saving money at all. Obviously this is not the case for everyone. Some people who fish expensive lures have cases full, and some people who buy cheaper lures have a more modest collection, however, I think a lot of the time this holds quality vs. quantity theory holds true. What do you guys think?
CRFisher reply :
somewhat true, as I have a bunch of cheap lures that I never throw filling up my tackle bag and a few key baits that I keep replacing.
Grey Wolf reply :
The smart people buy what works whether it cost 4.00 or 24.00.
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
QuoteThe smart people buy what works whether it cost 4.00 or 24.00.
YUP my $5 rapalas do all i need and if they aint doin it then my manns worms will .I will say this though RAGE TAILS are absolutely worth every penny
CWB reply :
QuoteQuoteThe smart people buy what works whether it cost 4.00 or 24.00.YUP my $5 rapalas do all i need and if they aint doin it then my manns worms will .I will say this though RAGE TAILS are absolutely worth every penny
Well put both of you. X2 on the Rage Tails. Nearly double what some other plastics cost but worth it!
Forever in Big-O's debt.
(now that might be a shameless plug, Burley)
Hammer 4 reply :
I have 1 Spro swimbait, and 2 crank's..all the rest are spinner's and soft plastic's..go figure..LOL
burleytog reply :
Quantity over quality, right?
Tackle box filler? :
roadwarrior reply :
For some guys, like me, the easiest way to save money would
be to fish all the brand new, five year old stuff we've collected.
I'd bet the identical lures I don't fish would work just as well as
those I do!
8-)
CRFisher reply :
I have just decided to fish every lure in my tackle box over my next few outings. Started this am with using a popper and a white buzzbait I've used maybe once since I got them. Will move onto all of my jigs, minnows, spoons, etc. Once I've fished everything I'm getting rid of half of them and going shopping.
bigtimfish reply :
I use those "cheap" lures. and basically i use 4 colors. on a rogue i use Clown. on Xrap i use Hot Steel and Black/Gold and on thundersticks i use a regular ol shad pattern. And yes i do believe I "save money" by using those brands. IMHO a x rap will catch just as many as a LC. Because rogues dont cost $20 does that mean they are cheap junk? Because it was to my knowledge that they are PROVEN tourney winners. :-? I would be willing to bet if you put just as much time in on a rogue or x rap they would produce the same as your $15-$20 LC's.
roadwarrior reply :
I have a fairly substantial collection of Rogues. Although I fished
them successfully for several years, I rarely (never) use them
anymore. There are several reasons why other jerkbaits are a
better investment.
First of all, Rogues are built poorly. I have spoken with a Smithwick
representative about this. Bottomline is, they're cheap to produce
and the company is always willing to exchange one for another. There
is no incentive to improve the lure. (However, for $2 more you can now
buy Rogues with Gamakatsu hooks).
Second, many of the lures are defective right out of the box and
some of the others "go bad" over time. The most common problem
is failure to suspend. Lots of guys use suspending dots to correct this
problem, but it's still an issue. Another common feature after awhile,
some of the lures lose buoyancy and sink.
Third, balance and weight are awful. This really comes into play if
you fish at night. We call it "foot in mouth", the correct term is foul
hooked. This is very common when casting a Rogue, but almost
unheard of casting a Lucky Craft or X-Rap.
Finally, when casting distance is important, Smithwick Rogues finish
dead solid last.
So, in my opinion, buying Rogues is not an option. Money "saved" is
just less money wasted.
bigtimfish reply :
Now RW im not trying to offend you but.QuoteI have a fairly substantial collection of Rogues. Although I fishedthem successfully for several years, I rarely (never) use them
anymore. There are several reasons why other jerkbaits are a
better investment.
First of all, Rogues are built poorly. I have spoken with a Smithwick
representative about this. Bottomline is, they're cheap to produce
and the company is always willing to exchange one for another. There
is no incentive to improve the lure. (However, for $2 more you can now
buy Rogues with Gamakatsu hooks).
Second, many of the lures are defective right out of the box and
some of the others "go bad" over time. The most common problem
is failure to suspend. Lots of guys use suspending dots to correct this
problem, but it's still an issue. Another common feature after awhile,
some of the lures lose buoyancy and sink.
Third, balance and weight are awful. This really comes into play if
you fish at night. We call it "foot in mouth", the correct term is foul
hooked. This is very common when casting a Rogue, but almost
unheard of casting a Lucky Craft or X-Rap.
Finally, when casting distance is important, Smithwick Rogues finish
dead solid last.
So, in my opinion, buying Rogues is not an option. Money "saved" is
just less money wasted.
I must have picked the perfect ones EVERY time i have purchased a rogue. i have NEVER had one "go bad", had a problem with suspending or had one that was bad out of the box. Casting distance can be taken care of with a small twist of a brake .I think smithwick is a good brand. i also fish the devils horse no problems with those either. of course there is no incentive to change the lure. THEY CATCH FISH. And they have been for years. why change what works. if you want to down talk a PROVEN fish catching bait so you can justify yourself for paying too much for a jerkbait thats your business. But im not buying it.
dman reply :
QuoteThere are always threads popping up about whether lures in the $15-20 range are worth the money. Many people say yes, they are indeed worth the money, while others say that they save money by buying cheaper $4-5 lures.Here's my observation:
I have about three dozen lucky crafts in a few productive colors. As far as most of my fishing goes, that's all I need. Most guys who fish lucky craft (or another high dollar company) that I've met are similar.They have a few dozen lures in good colors that they know produce. However, a lot of guys who tell me that they "save money" by buying $4-5 lures have box after box filled with cheap lures in every color under the sun. Because of this, I have begun to think that a lot of people who buy cheaper lures spend just as much as those who buy more expensive lures, and instead of buying a few quality lures, they buy a larger quantity of cheaper lures and they really aren't saving money at all. Obviously this is not the case for everyone. Some people who fish expensive lures have cases full, and some people who buy cheaper lures have a more modest collection, however, I think a lot of the time this holds quality vs. quantity theory holds true. What do you guys think?
Lucky for me i cant catch Bass on cranks and don't buy neither....Lipless cranks work for me though and i stick to the $7 Xcaiburs
bass wrangler569 reply :
QuoteI use those "cheap" lures. and basically i use 4 colors. on a rogue i use Clown. on Xrap i use Hot Steel and Black/Gold and on thundersticks i use a regular ol shad pattern. And yes i do believe I "save money" by using those brands. IMHO a x rap will catch just as many as a LC. Because rogues dont cost $20 does that mean they are cheap junk? Because it was to my knowledge that they are PROVEN tourney winners. :-? I would be willing to bet if you put just as much time in on a rogue or x rap they would produce the same as your $15-$20 LC's.
First of all, I'm not trying to criticize anybody for how much money the spend on lures and I'm not criticizing people for buying "cheap" lures. All I'm saying is that many times it might be a better use of your money if you buy 2 $15 lures that are high quality instead of buying 6 $5 lures that aren't as high quality.
Secondly, I have put in a good bit of time fishing rogues before I started using LC and in my experience they do not produce as well as lucky crafts or x-raps. And if you haven't fished LC before how on earth would you possibly know that they don't produce any better than rogues?
jasonl reply :
try out different colos in the cheap brans. then when u find the ones that work for u, buy the better brand.
SirSnookalot reply :
I've been buying a lure for the past year called the blaze minnow for 2.99 and I catch as many fish on them as any other lure regardless of price. I also use saltwater plastics that seem to out perform zoom or bass assassins flukes.
I'm not saying that I out catch anyone but I have caught many hundreds of bass this year(quite a few over 5#)on them and I'm not even a bass fisherman, I'm looking for peacocks.
I have an unlimited budget
Muddy reply :
....
DINK WHISPERER reply :
QuoteThe smart people buy what works whether it cost 4.00 or 24.00.
Truer words have never been spoken!!!!!!!
Muddy reply :
What people do with their money is not my business. I am beyond a frugal fisherman I am cheap!!!!!! I catch some fish , I have a whole lotta fun and am blessed with many friends to share the water with. Bruce, the other half of 2 MOOKS IN A BOAT, is the best friend anyone could ask to fish with. Total Cost of this :::ZIPPO!!!!!!!!!!
bass wrangler569 reply :
Okay, I'm going to try to explain this again because it seems like some people don't understand my point. I am not saying that cheap baits don't catch fish, I am not even saying that cheap baits don't catch a lot of fish. I'm also not telling anybody to spend beyond their budget. I am simply making the observation that some people spend $100 dollars on 20 lures in a 20 different colors, 15 of which will probably never see the water and they think they are saving money by buying cheaper lures. I'm am saying that it might be wiser to spend $100 on 6 or 7 lures in productive colors that you know you will actually use. I'm not telling anybody how to spend their money because its not my place and frankly I could care less what people do with their money. I am simply making an observation based on my experience with the people that I have met and fished with. Take it or leave it. I'm not trying to step on anybodies toes. Bass-Brat summed it up best, buy what works.
Chris reply :
Most people are more dazzled by the sparkle and shine then the meat and potatoes. The exception to this is when you have a lure that does something different then your run of the mill lures. RW also consider that water temp effects what weight a lure will suspend at. The denser the water (colder the water) the more weight is needed to make it suspend. Many lures are still using the old 70's style lure molds and weight systems that is why they tumble on a cast. Tail weighted lures and weight transfer lures solve that problem but many of the old tried and true lures are still using the old system because they fail to spend the money to fix the problem.
Muddy reply :
Hey Chris: Even with a slight problem, why change something like the Original Floating Rapala or a Jitterbug, which has worked fine and sold one for years/ Why not have their offerings side by side with the new technology, and leave fisherman to make the choice? Which is why a lot of old, tried and true lures still produce and work.
CODbasser reply :
I agree...buy what works...i have yet to find a jerkbait that will out fish a lucky craft..well worth the money...
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
QuoteI agree...buy what works...i have yet to find a jerkbait that will out fish a lucky craft..well worth the money...
I have yet to find a jerk bait(x-rap) that needs to be replaced with a LC
Chris reply :
If you want to pay high dollar for a brand name for the status symbol of I wanna be like them.. waste your money they are more than happy to make your wallet lighter. Your paying for a name and because it takes some skill to locate the china company you pay the price they ask. They pay about $0.70 to buy it and have it packaged with logo per lure (called OEM or private branding) you pay that high price $14. Most people just say look that chinese is copying lure company xyz which isn't the case xyz just put their name on that china company's lure. the funny part is people will buy the name brand over an unknown name even though it is the exact same lure made from the same company. they will down grade the lower cost product and feel happy that they didn't waste money on the cheap imitation of the name brand they fell in love with. Janns netcraft has pointers cheap yet if you don't have lucky craft on the belly "it is just a crap copy" same lure same manufacture different private brand. :
bilgerat reply :
Pick most any product (doesn't have to be fishing related) and there are only X number of facilities that are capable of producing them. There are way more brands of anti freeze, chewing gum, etc. than the factories that produce them. A lot of name brands are just that, a name. The name, especially an old established one, is a powerful marketing tool. The original creator of the product could be decades out of the picture, but the name lives on because customers are comfortable with it. It's possible that the Lucky Craft brand could be sold off, and the new owners decide to cut costs (corners?) while still selling it under the Lucky Craft name. Happens all of the time.
After fishing for a while, you'll figure out what to stay away from. There's plenty of crap out there, but a lot of hidden gems also.
My point is that the more educated you are, the better choices you can make. If a .99 cent bag of clearance bin worms catches you fish, you scored an excellent deal. Run back and get more before they're gone. It's only fishing, no one gets hurt. People that buy $20 baits shouldn't worry about people that don't and that works the opposite way also.
Triton21 reply :
QuoteI have a fairly substantial collection of Rogues. Although I fishedthem successfully for several years, I rarely (never) use them
anymore. There are several reasons why other jerkbaits are a
better investment.
First of all, Rogues are built poorly. I have spoken with a Smithwick
representative about this. Bottomline is, they're cheap to produce
and the company is always willing to exchange one for another. There
is no incentive to improve the lure. (However, for $2 more you can now
buy Rogues with Gamakatsu hooks).
Second, many of the lures are defective right out of the box and
some of the others "go bad" over time. The most common problem
is failure to suspend. Lots of guys use suspending dots to correct this
problem, but it's still an issue. Another common feature after awhile,
some of the lures lose buoyancy and sink.
Third, balance and weight are awful. This really comes into play if
you fish at night. We call it "foot in mouth", the correct term is foul
hooked. This is very common when casting a Rogue, but almost
unheard of casting a Lucky Craft or X-Rap.
Finally, when casting distance is important, Smithwick Rogues finish
dead solid last.
So, in my opinion, buying Rogues is not an option. Money "saved" is
just less money wasted.
Send the Rouges to me RW, I will make good use of them.
Kelleey
CODbasser reply :
QuoteIf you want to pay high dollar for a brand name for the status symbol of I wanna be like them.. waste your money they are more than happy to make your wallet lighter. Your paying for a name and because it takes some skill to locate the china company you pay the price they ask. They pay about $0.70 to buy it and have it packaged with logo per lure (called OEM or private branding) you pay that high price $14. Most people just say look that chinese is copying lure company xyz which isn't the case xyz just put their name on that china company's lure. the funny part is people will buy the name brand over an unknown name even though it is the exact same lure made from the same company. they will down grade the lower cost product and feel happy that they didn't waste money on the cheap imitation of the name brand they fell in love with. Janns netcraft has pointers cheap yet if you don't have lucky craft on the belly "it is just a crap copy" same lure same manufacture different private brand. :
i dont pay for a name...i pay for what works...you show me a 5$ lure that is the same as a lucky craft and i will buy 100 of em...i dont care about the name...i care about what works...paying 15 bucks for a lure isnt gonna hurt my wallet...especially not if it wins me a few hundred..
cut a pointer 78 in half and cut the janns springer 78 in half and tell me if you still think its the same bait...
Bassn Blvd reply :
If you have to ask "how much it cost" then you probably can't afford it.
Primus reply :
I try to buy what works period. As an example with regard to suspended jerkbaits. I have fished the last few years with a guy that fishes only Husky Jerks & X raps. There are times when he does well with these baits, and I will often throw these as well. However, there are times when I'm outfishing him 10 to 1 when the fish seem to prefer my Megabass Trick Darter, Ima Flit, Jackall Squad Minnow or Pointers. Also Rapala which I think is an outstanding lure company doesn't offer their jerk baits in tranluscent colors like Ghost Minnow, there are times it seems to make a big difference. Same thing with crankbaits & topwaters. Some of the best baits are your typical 5-8$ baits like your Baby 1 minus, Spooks, DD22 etc. Also some of the best baits are your 15$ Lucky Craft Sammy topwaters, RC Cranks. Yellow Magic poppers etc. I'm fortuneate to have all these great baits to use, however if you prefer not to spend money on expensive japanese baits you can still be a productive fisherman with a lot of the standard 5-8$ lures. That said, I've seen times when these japanese baits have that little something extra that at times will give you an edge.
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
QuoteI try to buy what works period. As an example with regard to suspended jerkbaits. I have fished the last few years with a guy that fishes only Husky Jerks & X raps. There are times when he does well with these baits, and I will often throw these as well. However, there are times when I'm outfishing him 10 to 1 when the fish seem to prefer my Megabass Trick Darter, Ima Flit, Jackall Squad Minnow or Pointers. Also Rapala which I think is an outstanding lure company doesn't offer their jerk baits in tranluscent colors like Ghost Minnow, there are times it seems to make a big difference. Same thing with crankbaits & topwaters. Some of the best baits are your typical 5-8$ baits like your Baby 1 minus, Spooks, DD22 etc. Also some of the best baits are your 15$ Lucky Craft Sammy topwaters, RC Cranks. Yellow Magic poppers etc. I'm fortuneate to have all these great baits to use, however if you prefer not to spend money on expensive japanese baits you can still be a productive fisherman with a lot of the standard 5-8$ lures. That said, I've seen times when these japanese baits have that little something extra that at times will give you an edge.
I have seen times when a manns augertail at roughly 10 cents outfishes my x rap ..so in actuallity the edge dont have to be more then what your using money wise
fathom reply :
i'll say it again.........if it works, it's worth it.
if it don't, it ain't.
Stringjam reply :
I know some fishermen who roll their eyes at my expensive crankbaits - and then they spend over $100 a month on beer.
I just like to spend my money on stuff that works, and the cheapest flatsided crankbaits that are worth a darn start at $15.
I have plenty of cheap gems in my boxes, too. Wiggle Warts and Cordell Spots come to mind.
More often than not on this board, I've noticed it's the guys who despise high-end lures that do all the bashing of guys who do. "Reverse snobbery" if you will. IMO, if you don't have real-life experience using the lures you're bashing, your opinion really doesn't hold much weight.
Years ago when Pointers first started shipping over here, I was a Rogue user. I remember scoffing, myself.....laughing at the lunacy of a $15 jerkbait and the (in my inexperienced mind) gullibility of the fishermen buying them. Of course, that all changed when I got some ACTUAL EXPERIENCE USING THE BAITS, and now my Rogues are collecting dust.
bass wrangler569 reply :
QuoteI know some fishermen who roll their eyes at my expensive crankbaits - and then they spend over $100 a month on beer.I just like to spend my money on stuff that works, and the cheapest flatsided crankbaits that are worth a darn start at $15.
I have plenty of cheap gems in my boxes, too. Wiggle Warts and Cordell Spots come to mind.
More often than not on this board, I've noticed it's the guys who despise high-end lures that do all the bashing of guys who do. "Reverse snobbery" if you will. IMO, if you don't have real-life experience using the lures you're bashing, your opinion really doesn't hold much weight.
Years ago when Pointers first started shipping over here, I was a Rogue user. I remember scoffing, myself.....laughing at the lunacy of a $15 jerkbait and the (in my inexperienced mind) gullibility of the fishermen buying them. Of course, that all changed when I got some ACTUAL EXPERIENCE USING THE BAITS, and now my Rogues are collecting dust.
X2 Great post!
I have never seen anybody on this forum who uses high end baits berate somebody who doesn't. Its always the opposite, people who hate high end lures criticize those who use them when they haven't even tried them. I can never understand people who give their opinions about things they don't have any experience with. I guarantee that 95% of these people would have different opinions if they actually tried a high-end lure.
CODbasser reply :
QuoteQuoteI know some fishermen who roll their eyes at my expensive crankbaits - and then they spend over $100 a month on beer.I just like to spend my money on stuff that works, and the cheapest flatsided crankbaits that are worth a darn start at $15.
I have plenty of cheap gems in my boxes, too. Wiggle Warts and Cordell Spots come to mind.
More often than not on this board, I've noticed it's the guys who despise high-end lures that do all the bashing of guys who do. "Reverse snobbery" if you will. IMO, if you don't have real-life experience using the lures you're bashing, your opinion really doesn't hold much weight.
Years ago when Pointers first started shipping over here, I was a Rogue user. I remember scoffing, myself.....laughing at the lunacy of a $15 jerkbait and the (in my inexperienced mind) gullibility of the fishermen buying them. Of course, that all changed when I got some ACTUAL EXPERIENCE USING THE BAITS, and now my Rogues are collecting dust.
X2 Great post!
I have never seen anybody on this forum who uses high end baits berate somebody who doesn't. Its always the opposite, people who hate high end lures criticize those who use them when they haven't even tried them. I can never understand people who give their opinions about things they don't have any experience with. I guarantee that 95% of these people would have different opinions if they actually tried a high-end lure.
well said!!!
basspro96 reply :
All I want to know is where are you guys gettin Rapala's for five bucks. In my neck of the woods they are AT LEAST 8 bucks.
Chris reply :
here is an email from a OEM company
1. Thank your message. Please confrim your e-mail adrress for our send the product information to you about freshwater wood lure.
2. Please you introduce your company business ?
Such as: Website ; Trade company ; Whoesales
3. We're company produce the Japan top quanlity wood lure for Japan market. Our produce wood lure with other Japan brand the quanlity is same, such as : Megabass ; Imakatsu ; Gamakatsu.
4. We can provide Japan package with your company trademark for the lure package.
5. Product prices to need according customer order quantity. If order large quantity can give to you special discount about wood lure.
6. When you can receive our message, please contact for us.
We look forward to hearing from you soon. And we wish with your company can establish a long time the business relationship.
Beat Regards,
Mr. Chan Ka Wai (Director)
*my cost is $7.00 per lure your cost as a fishermen $25.00 on up. This is a hand carved high end lures I can also post emails from the plastic lure side but I think you catch what I am saying. Companies are greedy and are charging way to much for tournament quallity lures in my opinion.
Dear sir:
I am a seller of a fish-bait manufacotry in China, I looked through
your website and took interested in be your supply . We have
confidence enough to guarantee the quality of porducts and delievry
time!
Hetang jefflure manufactory , which located in Pengjiang District,
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our buildup as a experiential designer group and they worked in a
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designning the program as the DAIWA, EG, XPS Bass pro
shops//rein&co.ltd/megabait/river 2 sea/outlink/jackall bros/pro
tackler/coatac/even green... and so on.
Our company is specialy in exploiture and making the kinds of lures,
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Base on the excellent design, we guarantee the high quality on all
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We welcome you come to our company and dicuss with the exploitation
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Enclose some photos of our products to your reference !
* You would be shocked at how cheap lures really are and the price you pay for a name. You can buy the same lure as they do from the same company that makes them. :-?
CODbasser reply :
do you have some links?? i would like to get some of these lures..heck if i can save a couple hundred bucks a year why not...
Chris reply :
We as Americans don't make to many lures or products in general. We have high taxes, high labor rates, and tree huggers. Which kills profits and is why jobs and services are farmed out of country. Many companies turn to china products because they can make huge profits. They profit because they gage what to charge for the product either by US rates to produce a lure or they drop the price giving the customer a break that is passed onto the consumer. Companies are built using virtual employees, virtual capabilities, virtual machines. In other words company (A) is the real manufacture willing to put your name on the product or can build what you want for a low cost. Company ( is just an importer that has a great name and logo and has a great engine behind the company. Everyone says we are in the information age which is more true than you know. For the first time smaller companies have the abilities of larger companies they just neglect to tell you that they are just farming it out. Are they misrepresenting themselves no they just know more about the business than you do and know who can build what while they profit from a companies laziness and lack of information. Most people want the easy way out and would rather go with a franchise so to speak instead of building there own company. When you build a website or company nobody knows how big of a company is behind the website. Many companies slap a name and logo on a product and say look what I made. The reality is that they are just a distributor/ importer that has built a private brand not product and pushing it as their own not to say that the company can't create its own designs. Before the Internet companies had to meet with companies to do business which means it would be hard to see the company behind the company. In the information age with the Internet the world becomes smaller and with some work on your part you can find the company behind the company. You pay what you pay for lures because your not informed because most people still believe that the logo company builds the lure that they sell. (some do most don't)The company you see is the American that has the name that has built the engine that is sticking it to you. The company that makes the lure if they are lucky might make a million the company distributing does make millions. Notice as soon as the Internet took hold there was an explosion of new larger companies that make lures? More people have access to information then before and use it to build companies. I did say companies not lures, lures come after the company takes off and they go back to build their own ideas via china. Ever notice when a company has a good selling idea that everyone has a copy? Either they take the idea to a company to copy it or they find the company that makes it for them and have them make it with their logo. GLCfishing.com would be an example of an importer. alibaba.com has a listing of lures made from all over the world. These are the companies behind the company. It isn't a factor of if I can afford the high priced lures it is more of a factor that you can not afford the bulk buy that is required to buy the high priced lures cheap but there are distributors on that alibaba site that does deal in smaller quantities.
Stringjam reply :
FWIW......90% of the lures I'm spending coin on are made here in in the U.S. by individuals or very small makers.
I believe Chris is talking about high-end Japanese companies - and mostly injection-molded plastic lures. I definitely have some keepers in my box from this category, but it's not really what defines "high end" to me.
Most of what I own and consider truly "high-end" is made by companies/guys like Flat-Shad, JawJacker, Brian's Bees, Big M, Richard Manley, Kelly Lures, Zoom WEC, Nomad (BlackJack), etc....
Don't be fooled into thinking that all "high-end" Asian plastic baits are great performers simply because of the aesthetic. I have a very expensive EverGreen FSR that is one of the biggest disappointments in my flatsided box. Not even in the same league as a Flat-Shad Sonny B, and a high-end Asian balsa plug made by Arcadia Reef that is the most worthless crank I own.
Some of the best baits being made in Japan are by companies like T.H., Woodream, Flutter, Nakamura, FD Custom, and Kaihatsu....the problem is distribution...they're low volume and sell only in Japan.
I'm only concerned with what works.....not what looks great or has enough hype surrounding it. I'll pay for performance....whether it's $4 for a Wiggle Wart, $15 for a Flat-Shad, or $20+ for a Kelly custom.
paul. reply :
i caught my biggest bass on a srike king denny brauer pro model jig from wal-mart. cost at the time was less than 2 bucks. second biggest bass (avatar) was caught on an oldham's trailer hitch jig which i found on clearance for, believe it or not, 25 cents. several other big bass have fallen victim to a bare hook (a few pennies) with a live bait attached (free). the most "expensive" lure i ever caught a 10+ on was a big rapala x-walk - around 10 bucks if i remember right. i can't remember any of the other biggest fish i've caught falling prey to a bait that cost over 5 bucks. imo, too many people place way too much emphasis on the "what" of fishing (as in what they are throwing). i tend to focus more on the "when" and the "where". interesting thread here.
Stringjam reply :
There's truth in some of your statements Paul, but crankbaits and jerkbaits are a very different world than jigs.
I'm as cheap as I can be - - believe it or not. I pour my own jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, etc....for way less than you can buy them at a store. Saves me a ton of money because I go through jigs like candy with all the craggy rock around here.
Cranks and jerkbaits are a different story, though.....there really is a big difference between the performance of ok cranks and the performance of cranks that really put fish in the boat.
It isn't always characterized by price, but in the case of several categories of design, the expensive bait is completely worth it (to me). It isn't about price, it's about getting a crank that does what you want it to. Some are cheap - - some are not. 
The_Natural reply :
Some expensive Japanese lures work excellently
Some Cheap American baits such as Norman Lures work well also.
I feel just buying one or the other is ignorant.
Also, paying $25.00 for a Chinese made lure is a joke....if you are paying good money for a crankbait and don't look at where it is manufactured...you are an idiot. Lucky Craft, Megabass, and Evergreen cranks are made in Japan, where labor is expensive and precise.
senile1 reply :
QuoteIf you have to ask "how much it cost" then you probably can't afford it.
Not true. Many of us grew up poor and made our way. Now that we have good income we still are frugal, looking for quality at the lowest price in every product we buy. It has nothing to do with what we can afford.
bassin is addicting reply :
so..... Sirsnookalot....
I have an unlimited budget
do you take that "girl" as your fishin' buddy with you often?? 8-)
bassin is addicting reply :
Okay, I'm going to try to explain this again because it seems like some people don't understand my point. I am not saying that cheap baits don't catch fish, I am not even saying that cheap baits don't catch a lot of fish. I'm also not telling anybody to spend beyond their budget. I am simply making the observation that some people spend $100 dollars on 20 lures in a 20 different colors, 15 of which will probably never see the water and they think they are saving money by buying cheaper lures. I'm am saying that it might be wiser to spend $100 on 6 or 7 lures in productive colors that you know you will actually use. I'm not telling anybody how to spend their money because its not my place and frankly I could care less what people do with their money. I am simply making an observation based on my experience with the people that I have met and fished with. Take it or leave it. I'm not trying to step on anybodies toes. Bass-Brat summed it up best, buy what works.
aren't we really talking about the infamous BAIT MONKEY
we all get caught up in it in some form...whether it is the high end or the budget fisherman. i see your point. i tend to buy the "cheap" hardbaits rather than the LC (ok, never bought an LC) but i find myself going 3 or 4 times. and seein' what's on "sale". i would be afraid to use the LC cause i wouldn't want to lose it. but also since the 'ol BAIT MONKEY bites so often, even if i bought the LC's i'm not sure i could keep from buying other "stuff" :-/
bass wrangler569 reply :
If you fish from a boat, you really won't lose them often at all, at least I don't. I've lost maybe three total, two of which were because I was an idiot and was too lazy to retie when I should have, and the third was heartbreaking. I had a 5.5lb+ smallmouth literally slip out of my hand and break it off... Most depressing thing ever... :'( :'( :'(
SirSnookalot reply :
Quoteso..... Sirsnookalot....I have an unlimited budget
do you take that "girl" as your fishin' buddy with you often?? 8-)
HAHA,,,,,,, ;D
You bet!!
cato reply :
OK I've got to chime in on this one. First things first, If you cant afford the more expensive stuff there is no shame in fishing with whatever you can afford. Afford here being the key word! spending $20 on a lure for one person is not as much of a burden as it is for another. I will buy whatever I thinks works. I have some $2 stuff and I have some $20 stuff and I am fortunate enough to have a great job that allows me to try out new lures even if they do cost $20 each but its not something I choose to do often. I gaurantee you that there are people on this board with very limited budgets with the cheapest equipment that will outfish me and lots of you any day of the week.
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