bait vs. plugs

[RIJIMMY]

Since I can remember, eels have been the top "lure" to use for bass. I think the recent resurgance of wooden plugs has actually made plug fishing more popular, eels have always been tops.
To me, using a live eel is not using bait, I know it really is, but its a TON of concentration, feeling every movement of the eel and knowing when you get the hit. For some reason, on this site, eel fishing is regarded as "easy", I dont agree. To me, they are my best chance to catch good bass (to me, good is anything over 15 lbs - my goals are low).
As stated earlier, you need to do what you enjoy, period.
I love using needlefish, mambos and spooks. It all depends on moods, conditions and bait.

[Raven]

eels are the "live" lure

[Flaptail]

I like plugs better than bait, more challenge to me personally. Thisa past Saturday casting a plug I made this winter I had several follows by multiple big fish. On the fourth drift I had three cows follow the thing agin for over 100 feet and after speeding the action and retrieve in the last ten feet from the boat got the biggest of the three to take the plug only fett from the rod tip thouroughly soaking my pal Eric who was watching the whole event at the gunwale.

That mid 30 pound fish, caught and released, was worth more than a bigger fish on bait to me because I had gotten the fish to respond to something I made, I was manipulating and finally got the bass to commit even though the boat and us were plainly now in view. The hit was spectacular withn white water and thrashing right at my feet.

Way better a feeling and experience than a bump, gulp and run in the dark to my way of thinking.

I have done it all and flyfishing and plug fishing may not win a lot of contests or get the results that live eels or pogies or someday herring again but on those rare occasions when everything clicks it's way more satisfying to me.

[BigFish]

Amen Brother Flaptail, Amen! Can I get a Halleluya out there! Welcome to the Church of Surf and Wood!!