Hard baits for redears/gills

I recently saw a video of Bill Dance catching some huge gills and redears on some sort of hard bait or plug. It appeared to be something like a very small crawfish bait or some sort of insect. He kept calling it a bug but I'm thinking that may be a generic term. The bait appeared to have one small treble hook. Anybody have any ideas what the bait was and where they might be purchased? I don't cherish the thought of throwing $5 baits at panfish and losing them often but it would be worth it if one could target some trophy redears or gills.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mrdux

Anybody have any ideas what the bait was and where they might be purchased?

---

It was probably one of the little Rebel plugs. I've seen him use them for gills on other shows. They are mentioned several times in this thread:


http://www.crappie.com/crappie/panfi...orked-you.html

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mrdux

I don't cherish the thought of throwing $5 baits at panfish and losing them often but it would be worth it if one could target some trophy redears or gills.

---

The cost is definitely a bummer, but I am going to experiment with them this year.

After I posted this thread, I got on Bass Pro's web site and went thru their entire inventory of hard baits. They have some Uncle Buck's model ultra-light baits in crawfish and grasshopper like the Rebels for 1/2 the price. I ordered enough to be able to give them a legitimate try. Bill Dance was fishing his on the video with a large split shot about 18 inches above the bait. I think taking the front treble off would be a good idea also.

Any more comments or input are very welcome.

I do know that a long stretch of the Little Juniata River in PA is home of a ton of tiny countdown Rapalas that I lost trout and smallmouth fishing when I was in taxidermy school.

Also check out the Tadfry and snap beans. Very good size for the gills and redears.

Mr Twister Biggie Small is a posability - not sure about the spelling....

UG

and if your looking for more try here Strike King Lure Company - #1 in Fishing Lures they have a whole bunch of mini lures for crappie and gills.

Wal Mart has a line of the small crank bait. It has a short square bill. You can cast them up in the trees and they will come back. if you toss it to the proper location the red ear will jump all over it. They will hit it on top or cranking. Crappie will hit them also. There is not a lot in the water that wont jump on them.

i've had success with something like this

Rebel Crickhopper/ Bighopper

I have had success with the smallest Rapala in gold and black color. I think it was the 3 or 4 inch model. They also work good on crappie.:D
Here is a link to the lure I am talking about. Go to it and click on the gold box and that is the one I use.
http://www.rapala.com/products/lures...lt=Both&live=1

them small crawfish crankbaits made by rebel work great on crappie large gills and bullies

Bullies = Bullheads?

I use the Stirke King Mini baits and BPS does have some on their shelves called something like pond baits or something like that. They are basically really small (3/4" - 1") crankbaits. I use them as well and have prety good success as it is something that they don't usually see in the environment in a size that they can easily eat.