Old techniques vs. New tactics

[Krispy]

Originally Posted by Joe

I'm not sure soft plastics are a good example of a hype product. Because it ain't hype. I'd say its more of an evolution.
They weigh at close to 2oz - so a moderate plug rod can throw one -most people have a rod with a 2oz sweet spot.
You don't need any special reel.
They come in a host of different colors and patterns.
They don't stink, or rot, or die. So you can stick them in your pocket and not have to worry about forgetting them and ruining a wading coat.
Their cheap enough to throw in boulder field.
You can present them with a lot of action.
The baitshop does not need to be open and you don't have to worry about looking into a tank full of shoestrings.
In the hands of someone who knows what they are doing, they will outfish almost anything.

Thats more about convenience, than anything else Joe. I dont find eels much trouble to keep either.
And other than some "nice bass" I personally havent heard of any genuine cows taken on that style plastics.
Maybe the Storm plastics have really changed how some fishing styles are done in the canal or spring fisheries, but again I havent heard anything regarding size.
What about topwater spook type plugs? Its been popular in the salt for a few years and catches some fish, but how is it comparatively to other large bodied plugs that proved themselves through previous generations.

[Krispy]

Eben, if your seriously suggesting rubber eels outfish the real thing, ya need to get yer head outta the oven

[Nebe]

there is no question eels are better, but i just dont feel right killing something that could possibly go on the endangered species list. Also, i dont fish them enough to really feel confident with them. I hate keeping them alive, and i hate it when they die on me. call me a tree hugger i guess.

every fish over 30 lbs i have caught has come off of needlefish... this season, should be interesting to see which item works better for me. I'll share my results, as i dont play the 'bait and switch' with what plug i catch on...

[Joe]

You know who just bought a bunch of tin squid heads off me to use with plastics?
Al Benson.

[Krispy]

not the same Benson?

[piemma]

Al benson, for those who don't know him, is one of the "old guard" from the SoCo area. he had 4 fish over 50 in one night last year. YES!!!! 4 Bass over 50 lbs in one night in May I believe last year

[Sea Dangles]

Originally Posted by Krispy

not the same Benson?

You're firing on all cylinders Krispy.

[Rappin Mikey]

Dace and Big Pond shiners worked for me today. Felt nice using the old live well again.

[zacs]

Originally Posted by Krispy

And other than some "nice bass" I personally havent heard of any genuine cows taken on that style plastics.

Didn't Leo win the MV derby last year with a sluggo?

[Joe]

Eeek I spelled Al's last name wrong...It's Bentsen
Sorry Al....
This is from Secrets Of Surfcasting At Night

Most people consider Al the best rigged eel fisherman to date...

[CANAL RAT]

plugs,rubbah and wood work well but live or fresh dead bait will always be best.

[Krispy]

Musta been a bad joke.. I know who Al Bensten is and his accomplishments. I follow his rigged eel article.
But mentioning his name in this thread in regard to rubber eel supplies harkens back to the great "blue needlefish hysteria" of '03, all hype

[cheferson]

Originally Posted by Krispy

Musta been a bad joke.. I know who Al Bensten is and his accomplishments. I follow his rigged eel article.
But mentioning his name in this thread in regard to rubber eel supplies harkens back to the great "blue needlefish hysteria" of '03, all hype

a quote from AL on another site

"To me the best and most inovative lure during the past 50 years was Mickey Chirenza Tri-in eel. It is a tube lure and those that used it hammered big bass both day and night. What made it unique was the shape of the head which gave it it's name tri-fin and its action.

This lure came in different sizes and they all worked. It came along when the Alou plastic eel did and it outfished it. But it never got the noterity that the Alou eel did.

I beleive it's being resurrected by a company in R.I."

[RIJIMMY]

Interesting thread, seems like there is some real passion out there that I can’t really relate to. I had a good idea for an article for one of the mags and since I will never get around to write it, I’ll throw out so maybe someone will run with it. The gist of the article is “When are saltwater striper fisherman going to catch up with freshwater largemouth fisherman?”
Look at the evolution of the tactics – Bait – wood lures – jigs – rubber . Largemouth fisherman have been using rubber for YEARS. In my experience the two best lures for BIG largemouths are jigs and rubber worms.
To Joe’s point, I think that rubber (eben’s eel and Slugs) are just a natural evolution. I don’t think these appeal to bass as eel, but just as slimy, worm/eel things that will be an easy meal.
My Dad, who targeted big bass, swore by mister twister sassy shads. The Storm concept is not new, just a little fancier.
I like fishing with eels and believe live bait is best, but if I want to work a lot of area quickly, lures work best for me and the rubber is a great compromise. Also, the convenience is a major factor.
I find working eels, needlefish or plugs very slowly for hours is more tiring that working a sluggo quickly.