Old techniques vs. New tactics

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by Krispy

Rigged Sluggos are good example.
A newer product, that uses new tactics, that can use specialized rods that one wouldnt normally use with older techniques. Has had moderate cow success in the surf to date.
VS.
Live eels or rigged eels that have caught countless trophy bass over the decades.
Where/why would you invest time/$ in one over the other?

I don't know if the Sluggo thing is "hype" but it's for damn sure it's an example of good marketing. I can't tell you how many times people walk into the shop, say they just saw the Steve McKenna OTW, and then rip black sluggos and all the accessories off the walls in the shop. How 'bout Butterfly jigs? People are simply nuts about them.

If I'm asked if I fish them, I tell them my opinion. A couple of expensive hooks, a expensive piece of rubber, time spent rigging and then a bluefish cuts the ass end off of it, right up to the hook. It drives me nuts. They work VERY well yes, for me it's just too frustrating. I'd fish an eel before that. It's cheaper. I don't question plastic's effectiveness, other then the lack of a true cow being caught on them. That will almost certainly change this year simply due to how many people will be fishing them. I also think the love affair will fade a bit if the coast is littered with 2 pound bluefish this year.

And yeah, I also made sure when taking the famous "Iron Mike 60# photo" plastered every where that the needlefish was in plain sight. No one can ever tell me people don't buy into hype or marketing. I'd discuss the bone over orange plugs on everyone's websites these days too, but people might not believe me.

I also think in the case of Sluggos, needlefish, Spooks, and almost all plugs for that matter the guy driving is the most important thing. Some people are just better at making any plug look alive with the way they make it work in their hands. Those who catch large regularly could do it on anything, they just have their preferences. Referencing the Ironman again, we have a 63 on a skin plug, a 60 on a 3.5 ounce blue/white Habs, a 53 (I think) on a blue/white Danny, and another 50 on a blurple Habs. That's definitely spreading the love around, not counting the repeat hits on the Habs. Steve McKenna could have caught that 40 in the OTW vid on anything, imo. He had the idea to be in that place at that time and is simply better then most at making any plug look alive.

I'm a traditionalist for the most part; give me plugs, bucktails, tins, and a few plastics in blue over white, black, white, and bunker (for my Storms) and I'm happy.

As always, in many cases people will catch the most on what they fish the most. I do my damage with Dannys closely followed by needles simply because those are the plugs I prefer to fish.