Originally Posted by
wicklundrh
Jimmy,
Your best bet is to have a combination of different baits. Some days, one will outshine another. Last weekend was the first time this year that DDHJ lures outperformed flicker minnows. The sizes and action of the baits are different. For me, I like the size 9 flicker minnows. They actually dive deaper than the newer 11's with less line out. They produce a different action than the DDHJ. DDHJ's have a lazy type of wobble where the flickers are more erratic. Word of caution, you do need to tune the flickers out of the box as they don't run right. Also, keep a good supply of replacment hooks and snap ring pliers. The hooks are junk. You can get a couple of trips out of them before they dull and you cannot sharpen them due to the chemical sharpening process. Although the hooks hold really nice, they are tough to get out of some fish and are prone to breaking. I've broken a ton of them.
Although we do have the shad as well, we have found them to not be as productive as the minnows. They do not dive as deep but, they do work in the right conditions. I am currently testing a few theories with the size 5 shad running shallow overtop of weeds and in really shallow water conditions.
Key colors for flicker minnows:
Slick Green alewife
Slick blue alewife
Slick Smelt
Lime Chrome
Pink Lemonade
Prime Time
Slick Black Pearl
Slick Green Pearl
For DDHJ's, you can get lost in the shuffle of all of the custom colors. For starters, ensure you have the standard colors: Clown, gold, silver blue, purple clown, yellow perch, and pink clown.
For custom colors, ensure you have some pearl style colors... Barbie is very common (purple head) along with wonderbread (orange or chartreuse head). Rugburn, Pink Squirrel, Purple Salamander. These are from Warrior Lures.
From Jann's, Crippler, Gangsta Paradise, Prison Break, Reel Naughty
ALWAYS buy two!
There are other cranks, and we have tested them. All have their days and times we use them. Reef runners are common and have some great action. I carry these as they tend to run deeper with less line out. Matzuo Kinchu size 11 if another one that dives quick and has some action. I tend to stay away from the Smithwick Perfect 10's and 20's. They just don't dive deep enough for me and frankly, I can get the same colors in other baits that I like better.
Walmart online usually has baits pretty cheap compared to others. Frank's has about any custom you could ever want and Northwood's has Rapala standard colors for as cheap as you will find them.
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