It's NOT Superman

By: Will Whitehead – Professional Angler

"Magic Lure!"… "Banned in tournaments!"… "Out fishes live bait three to one!"… Will catch ANY fish, ANY time, and ANY where!"… "Acts just like live bait!"

These are some of the claims blasted across the airways and in news print by lure companies that claim to have the answer to all of your fishing desires for lots and lots of trophy size fish. Sound too good to be true? Well it IS! If these lures were so GREAT, they wouldn't have to spend millions of dollars producing videotape and leasing airtime. Yes… I have seen the big fish caught on these info-mercials. I have seen all of the testimonials. I have seen them catch all species of fish in many locations. I have also seen Superman FLY on TV… But I don't REALLY think he can. Do YOU? I've seen space creatures, dinosaurs, flying boats, and unicorns on TV… But I don't REALLY believe they exist. Do YOU? Producers, editors, animators and cameramen can make anything LOOK good and real, but that doesn't make it SO. I have worked behind the scenes on some of the most popular fishing shows, featuring some of the best know "pros". The stories I could tell you about fish caught somewhere else and brought in; tying rocks to the end of lines; using divers and a LOT more. If these lures were so GREAT, the pros would be winning tournaments with them. And did you ever notice how fast they come and go? Every month, there is a new one on the market. And the longer it is on the market, the cheaper it gets. And eventually, you can no longer find them at all. SURE… they will catch a few fish, ANY lure will. But I have NOT seen one yet, that will produce anywhere NEAR what the companies claim they will. I have also NOT seen one last for any period of time. All of this SHOULD tell you something!

One of the secrets to my fishing success has been to LIMIT the number of lures that I use. I now have a selection of lures that will cover the water column from top to bottom; can be used in all types, conditions and water temperatures and can be used anywhere in the country. I build good color selections in these lures and learn to fish each one of them WELL. I have used this same selection of lures for many years, and have fished waters from northern Canada to Key West and beyond. Yes… I do have a few "Specialty" lures that I use solely for Northern Pike, Musky, Walleye and a few other species, but basically, I use the same lures wherever I am fishing.

TOP WATER

One of my favorite and most productive methods for catching fish is with top water lures. I LOVE to see a big fish, or any fish, come to the surface and CRASH a top water lure. My heart STILL skips a beat, even after all of these years.

If I had to choose just ONE top water lure to use, it would definitely be a "Zara Spook". This is my NUMBER ONE producer of big fish, especially Northern Pike, Bass and Musky. I use all of the available sizes at one time or another… Standard "Zara Spook", "Excalibur Spook", "Super Spook, Jr.", "Spook Puppy" and "Spook Pooch" models. My favorite is the standard model Zara Spook, with some modification. The original Zara Spook was developed and designed as a salt water lure, so as soon as I purchase a new standard Zara Spook, I first remove the galvanized hooks that come on it. I then add a small split ring to the hook hanger on the lure and attach an "Excalibur" hook to the split ring. These hooks are extremely SHARP and the design helps me to hook, and keep hooked, more fish. The addition of the split ring allows the hook to hang down a little further and allows it to swing free. This modification is not necessary on the other models.

My next favorite top water is the Heddon Torpedo in "Tiny Torpedo" and "Baby Torpedo" series. This lure accounted for the largest Smallmouth Bass of my fishing career and won a lot of tournaments for me in the early days. I use the Rebel "Pop-R" and "Chug-R" extensively, as well as the Excalibur "Spit'n Image".

CRANKBAITS

For shallow running crankbaits, I use the Cordell "Big O" in 2 inch and 3 inch sizes, Bomber BO2A Model "A" and BO2FA Flat "A".

For mid-running crankbaits, I use the Bomber BO6A Model "A", Excalibur BD5F "Fat Free Fingerling", Rebel "Crank-R", Cordell "Super Spot" (which I can fish at ANY depth) and the newly re-introduced, "boy did I miss you", Rebel "Deep Wee-R".

When I want to go deep with a crankbait, I reach for an Excalibur BD7F "Fat Free Shad" or BSD7F "Suspending Fat Free Shad".

MINNOW IMITATORS

My first and usual choice in a minnow type lure is the Smithwick "Rogue Minnow". And I use them ALL… The "Dead Stick" Rogue; "Super Rogue" in floating and suspending models; "Rattlin' Rogue" in 3 ½ inch and 4 ½ inch sizes; And the "Suspending" Rogue in 4 ½ inch and 5 ½ inch models.

These lures have performed well for me, and caught just about every species of fish that swims in fresh water and salt water. They are one versatile, rugged, well put together and reliable bait.

SPECIALTY LURES

I have a few lures that I use in special situations and for certain species of fish in both fresh water and salt water. These lures come into play when I am pursuing very large and aggressive predator fish. These lures are… Creek Chub "Pikie" minnow and "Striper Strike"; Cordell "Red Fin" minnow; Rebel "Jawbreaker" and "Windcheater"; and the Cordell "Pencil Popper".

These are the "hard bodied" lures that I fish MOST of the time. I firmly believe that an angler should choose a small selection of lures that he has confidence in, learn to fish these few lures well and effectively and build good color selections in all of these lures. I feel that color is far more important than how many times or how fast a crankbait wiggles. A crankbait is a crankbait is a crankbait, in my opinion. They all dive and wiggle and most rattle. I know I can beat my Bomber and Rebel crankbaits around in the rocks and cover, and they will continue to run true and CATCH FISH! I have personally never had a situation where this selection of lures will not produce for me, when other lures are producing for other anglers. I have fished these lures so much, and for so many years, that I can feel the slightest change in the lure's action. If a fish LOOKS at one of these lures… I know it!

Whether you follow my advise in lure selection or choose other lures to fulfill you fishing needs, you will become a better and more productive angler if you choose a small selection of lures. Build good color selections, learn to fish these lures effectively and in a variety of ways, and become VERY proficient with these few lures, instead of mediocre with a large selection of lures. Remember… If it looks and sounds too good to be true… It IS!

Until next time… Safe boatin', good fishin', keep your net wet and…………………..

Tight Lines,

Will Whitehead
Professional Angler
World Record Holder
Author