**New Buying Guides and Gear Comparison Charts**

Gear Buying Guides Gear Comparison Charts

  ** HFG Gear Picks**
Hunting Clothes  Hunting Bows  Trail Cameras  Rifle Scopes  Tree Stands
Cross Bows  Hunting Boots  Bow Sights  GPS Units  Hunting Coats

---

Regional Lures Turn Followers Into Leaders

Fishing Gear - Regional Fishing Lures

---

Fishing Gear - Some anglers have found that at times it's better to be a follower than a leader. How many times have fishermen visited a particular body of water that is known for its spectacular fishing only to strike out after a couple of days of saturating the water with every bait in their tackle box? These exasperated fishermen will see another angler, wondering if he's having the same poor luck, and ask the inevitable question.Some anglers have found that at times it's better to be a follower than a leader.

And, just as inevitably, he'll say he's having a banner day. He'll also usually add that he's catching them on a secret bait that all of the locals have been throwing. It's a lure with a special color, and of course, the out of luck fishermen doesn't have any. More often than not this secret lure has regional appeal but hasn't garnered much national attention.

"As long as there are anglers fishing there will be lures that are better suited for certain bodies of water," said Curt Samo, a highly successful bass tournament angler from Rochelle, Ill. "For example, on Table Rock Lake in Missouri, the Smithwick Rogue has been the hot bait for years. This is due to the fact that Table Rock is a clear lake and Rogues are always a great lure in clear water. More specifically, the Rogue to use is commonly known as the Table Rock Special - or the Purple Darter as it is listed in Smithwick's catalog."

This bait, with a purple back and chartreuse sides, has won numerous tournaments over the years and continually out produces most jerkbaits on the lake. Every bait shop around Table Rock has ample supplies of this lure on hand.

So what makes a lure the "hot bait" in a certain area? The primary factor is the available forage that is indigenous to a body of water. A case in point is the crawdad. There are over 300 different species across the United States. Knowing the color of the crawdad that is native to a specific area would explain the success of a particular colored lure. Other variables that might come into play are the color of water and its clarity. Lure size, color, and presentation are all determined by the type of water being fished.

"Savvy anglers have learned to always stop in at the local tackle shop before hitting new water," Samo said. "Most bait stores will post pictures and information about recent catches. For example, Bass Pro Shops has a 'Braggin' Board' posted near their tackle department. Each picture has a short description of where and how the fish was caught. A quick survey of this valuable information can be a great head start to a successful day on the water."

Samo said these anglers also walk the aisles looking for a large number of particular baits or a specialized color. This would indicate the popularity of that lure for the area, as the store will always want to be in good supply of a local hot bait. They aren't afraid to ask questions of the retail staff - they are privy to a good deal of information about their local fishing.

They also find regional baits by locating tournament results on the Internet or in fishing magazines. These articles will usually give an indication as to how the winning stringer was caught. Often a color or particular lure will consistently appear in a given area.

Some tackle companies are beginning to take notice of regional baits and colors. Cotton Cordell has begun to target areas with custom baits that have proven effective for the region. One of those baits is a 1/2 ounce Cordell Super Spot in a color called "Royal Shad." This lure mimics the color of baitfish found in Lake Guntersville, Ala., a simple match that has caused it to become the local hot bait.

Cotton Cordell has also taken notice of a trend that is occurring in the upper Midwest. The Cotton Cordell Big O has been one of the local favorites in this area for quite some time. However, there is a specific custom colored Big O that is the key to success in this area.

"Most crawdads in the northern states have an olive green and orange combination," Samo said. "Therefore, the hot color consists of an olive green back, dull chartreuse sides (for flash) and a tangerine colored belly. The particular color of this bait is called the 'Pepin Craw.' The Pepin Craw Big O and Royal Shad Super Spot are currently only available on www.lurenet.com. In most cases, anglers don't know about these lures unless they've asked local experts in the areas these lures are hot."

Savvy anglers like Samo have learned a keen eye and open mind will lead to more success when visiting new waters. And, they've discovered there's no shame in following instead of leading when it comes to fishing new water.

And, just as inevitably, he'll say he's having a banner day. He'll also usually add that he's catching them on a secret bait that all of the locals have been throwing. It's a lure with a special color, and of course, the out of luck fishermen doesn't have any. More often than not this secret lure has regional appeal but hasn't garnered much national attention.

"As long as there are anglers fishing there will be lures that are better suited for certain bodies of water," said Curt Samo, a highly successful bass tournament angler from Rochelle, Ill. "For example, on Table Rock Lake in Missouri, the Smithwick Rogue has been the hot bait for years. This is due to the fact that Table Rock is a clear lake and Rogues are always a great lure in clear water. More specifically, the Rogue to use is commonly known as the Table Rock Special - or the Purple Darter as it is listed in Smithwick's catalog."

This bait, with a purple back and chartreuse sides, has won numerous tournaments over the years and continually out produces most jerkbaits on the lake. Every bait shop around Table Rock has ample supplies of this lure on hand.

So what makes a lure the "hot bait" in a certain area? The primary factor is the available forage that is indigenous to a body of water. A case in point is the crawdad. There are over 300 different species across the United States. Knowing the color of the crawdad that is native to a specific area would explain the success of a particular colored lure. Other variables that might come into play are the color of water and its clarity. Lure size, color, and presentation are all determined by the type of water being fished.

"Savvy anglers have learned to always stop in at the local tackle shop before hitting new water," Samo said. "Most bait stores will post pictures and information about recent catches. For example, Bass Pro Shops has a 'Braggin' Board' posted near their tackle department. Each picture has a short description of where and how the fish was caught. A quick survey of this valuable information can be a great head start to a successful day on the water."

Samo said these anglers also walk the aisles looking for a large number of particular baits or a specialized color. This would indicate the popularity of that lure for the area, as the store will always want to be in good supply of a local hot bait. They aren't afraid to ask questions of the retail staff - they are privy to a good deal of information about their local fishing.

They also find regional baits by locating tournament results on the Internet or in fishing magazines. These articles will usually give an indication as to how the winning stringer was caught. Often a color or particular lure will consistently appear in a given area.

Some tackle companies are beginning to take notice of regional baits and colors. Cotton Cordell has begun to target areas with custom baits that have proven effective for the region. One of those baits is a 1/2 ounce Cordell Super Spot in a color called "Royal Shad." This lure mimics the color of baitfish found in Lake Guntersville, Ala., a simple match that has caused it to become the local hot bait.

Cotton Cordell has also taken notice of a trend that is occurring in the upper Midwest. The Cotton Cordell Big O has been one of the local favorites in this area for quite some time. However, there is a specific custom colored Big O that is the key to success in this area.

"Most crawdads in the northern states have an olive green and orange combination," Samo said. "Therefore, the hot color consists of an olive green back, dull chartreuse sides (for flash) and a tangerine colored belly. The particular color of this bait is called the 'Pepin Craw.' The Pepin Craw Big O and Royal Shad Super Spot are currently only available on www.lurenet.com. In most cases, anglers don't know about these lures unless they've asked local experts in the areas these lures are hot."

Savvy anglers like Samo have learned a keen eye and open mind will lead to more success when visiting new waters. And, they've discovered there's no shame in following instead of leading when it comes to fishing new water.

www.lurent.com