Hi everyone,
If you have a question that you would like to ask the Lucky Craft Pro Staff just click on the “Register” link on the lower right hand side of the page. Create a username and password (which is quick and free) and then post your question in the comments section of this post.
I will select questions at random and have one of our pro staffers answer your question. If your question is selected we will send you a free lucky craft lure in the mail.
If your question is for a specific pro, please make sure you note that in your question.
I look forward to reading your questions.
Doug Cox
I know that I asked a question earlier in the year, but I have another one. Every year it seems like a new color scheme comes out that evolves from a bait that all the pros use to a bait that everyone in the fishing industry knows about. Lucky Craft has made many fantastic colors, which I’m able to use in a variety of conditions. My question is, what new Lucky Craft color will take the industry by storm and why? If my question is accepted could I, possibly, get a crankbait or topwater in one of these colors? If that can’t be arranged any of the great Lucky Craft lures would be aight. Roll Tide
Thanks RollTide! Your the first one to post a question, so thank you for that!! We’ll see how many questions we get next week and then get some answers. Thanks again for participating. Let your friends know about The Daily Crank.
It’s hard to say any one color is a solution to all fishing conditions. That is why LuckyCraft has so many great colors to fit many of the conditions we face on the water. Knowing water clarity and the natural food sources in your area would help in that decision. I try to match the hatch or go against the grain when selecting lure colors. For Example: this summer my home lake had an over abundance of threadfin shad. How do you compete against thousands and thousands of natural food source – I went to bluegill patterns and was very successful. But back to your question I’m really excited about the new Ghost Chartreuse Shad for the clear water lakes and I like the Crack and Gun Metal Shad. These are some new bait painting styles that I think will give the fish something new to see.
Doug Vahrenberg
LuckyCraft Regional Pro-Staff – Missouri
What type of knot would you recommend to tie when using a splashtail or a sammy. Some knots that I have used cause the bait to swim on its side. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hi dbfisher, I posed this question to Lucky Craft pro staffer Marty Stone. Here is his response:
“I use a palomar knot on all my topwater lucky craft baits. Some use a loop knot and this one will work as well. I like the palomar knot because it has more strength when casting the Sammy 128. Also this knot allows me to drive the hooks home on a big fish when it hits at the end of a long cast. The only thing I watch is to make the knot does not slip down on the line tie. Make sure it is tied in the middle or up. Hope this helps!”
Marty Stone
The best way that I have found to rig a Sammy(of any size) is to tie a palomar knot to a rounded end snap that I then clip onto the bait. Snaps have value because they allow your bait to swing freely back and forth enabling the bait to walk the dog much easier. The same effect can be achieved by using a loop knot, but a loop knot has characteristics that can eventually lead to your line breaking. Due to inertia on the cast, your plug can cause the line in the loop to kink with the momentum of the cast. Usually you hear of anglers slinging a bait off in mid air and this is one of the main reasons for this. It also happens when a fish is hooked and moves abruptly causing the small area of line in the loop to wrench against itself. The palomar knot is one of the strongest/tightest knots you can tie if done correctly, so you wn’t have to worry about that issue.
Every Sammy in my box already has a snap prerigged onto it, which leads me to another point. Regardless of what knot you tie, you still need to retie often. That is the biggest mistake anglers make when using snaps. They assume that the snap is there to make their lives easier enabling them to change out baits quicker. Cover, line tension, bass teeth, etc. can all lead to abrasions in the line in front of the bait. Retying often is one of the easiest ways to eliminate excuses for losing fish.
After reading over my earlier post, I realized I should have mentioned how I tie on the Lucky Craft G-Splash. I simply tie a palomar knot straight to the eye in the cupped mouth. That is the no brainer part, but with a little bit of knot manipulation, you can get a lot more out this bait than the simple “bloop bloop” that you are limited to with the other branded poppers/chuggers on the market today.
I figured out a long time ago that the G-Splash reacts differently when you slide the knot into a downward facing position. When the bait is twitched it has a subtle gurgling action that looks more realistic in the water like a baitfish loafing around the surface. It also enables you to tightly walk the dog with the bait in a more natural way than a wide gated Sammy or Gunfish. I like the subtleness around cover, whereas the wider chop of the bigger baits seems to work better in open water situations. Most of the time I have the knot straight out where I can work it aggressively making it spit or throw water, but as soon as I come upon a piece of wood or a grass clump I quickly pull the knot downward and I’m ready to go.
I have gone so far as to modify a few of the G-Splashes in my box by tying knots and trimming them off so they remain tight on the top and front of the eyelet. By having a few existing knots already tied to the bait I can then attach my line to the underside of the eye where it will stay because the old knots will not allow it to slide upward.
Clark Reehm
Bassmaster Elite Series Pro
That’s great and useful information Clark! Thanks for the post!
Doug
I have a question to ask the pro’s.We all know that you all are first to try out and use new baits before they go into production.I was just wondering if you have lures made specific for your needs that are not available to the fishing public.For example,does Marty Stone have his BDS Marty built with rattles,or with a one knocker, to go along with his factory baits without rattles?. Or maybe change the color scheme slightly so that everyone is not throwing the same thing?Thank you in advance for whoever answer’s this.
njnitrobasser
Hey njnitrobasser – thanks for the comment and question. My name is April, and I work for Lucky Craft as well, with Doug. I was able to chat with Lucky Craft pro Marty Stone about your question. Here is his answer for you:
“We usually get three versions of a bait. We test all three baits and pick the one we like best. Then Lucky Craft will send us four to six baits in the available “public colors” for us to use. Then the baits go into full production which takes six to eight months. During that production stage, Lucky Craft promotes the baits and orders come in. Once all orders are initially filled to the dealers, we usually get all sizes and all colors of that particular bait.”
Hope this helps njnitrobasser. Thanks so much …
-April
Marty Stone,
Thank you for your response.I use the B.D.S. 1.2 alot.It helped me cash my first check on the potomac this year in a BFL tournament.There are times where I would like to throw back to areas with the same bait,but with rattles.Just to change things up a little.Which is why I asked my question.It seems like the thing to do.Anyway,I would have to say that if lucky craft sent you multiple baits to choose from,you picked a food one,it is a fish catcher.Again,thanks for the response and good fishing……
Justin Hatton
njnitrobasser
I have a lure, my last one. I believe it to be a LUCKY CRAFT, I think I bought these 4 0r 5 years ago. It has on the bottom of it printed WANDER, 3 1/4 long, no lip. I really believe it to be a Lucky craft. Cant find them anywhere. Am I wacko or is this a Lucky craft and where can I find them.
Hey there,
Yes, it is called a Wander. Lucky Craft used to sell it in the US and I believe it is now available only in Japan. They have two sizes a 80 and 95. I did a quick google search and found some links that might be helpful. It looked like some sites still have them in stock. Hope this helps. Thanks -
Doug
http://www.landbigfish.com/tacklestore/showcase.cfm?PID=5069
http://www.bassbuckandduck.com/wander_80.htm
http://www.bassdozer.com/articles/pr-lucky-craft.shtml
http://www.probass.net/protips/MBucca/mbucca1.php
I have a question about the other side of professional bass fishing, more on financial side of it. I would like to ask those of you that have made it to the tour what did you do before you went pro and got sponsers and all because I don’t believe you could live off just your tournament winnings from the BFLs and such? What kind of work could I get into that gets enough time off so I can fish tournaments and pays just well enough so I can afford tournament entry fees, gas, tackle, and food, housing, clothing, etc? I am planning on going to college and getting into college bass fishing and see what I can do and then when I’m out I am gunna get into a bass club or start fishing the BFLs and try to work my way up but I am not sure of how I will support all of this? What kind of field in college would I need to major in that will help me some with bass fishing and that will get me a decent job that perhaps if worst comes to worst, I can fall back on if I can’t break through to the tour level? As of right now I have been thinking of going to work for the DNR and getting a degree in something like fisheries or aquatic sciences that would help me with understanding bass and their prey’s habits and habitat and maybe a degree in marketing which would help me get sponsors and sell and promote their product. I know this is kind of a long question and maybe a difficult one to answer but I would appreciate any information that yall could give me. Thanks.
Hey JDBrushHog21,
I have an answer to your question from Lucky Craft pro Marty Stone … Here ya go:
“I went to Appalachian State in which I majored in Park and Recreation management (Just in case the fishing did not work out), I also minored in communications (public speaking). After school I got a job framing houses for seven years. I had a gentlemen that I was working for let me fish and come back and work when I could. I traveled local and regional for those seven years. Each time going to a higher level until I got to fish the FLW tour and BASS Elites. The key– DO NOT GO TO THE NEXT LEVEL UNTIL YOU ARE CASHING A CHECK AT A RATE OF 70% OF THE TIME!!!!! DO NOT WORRY ABOUT SPONSORS- IF YOU ARE WINNING THEY WILL FIND YOU!!!!!!!!!! This is how almost all our guys on tour have done it. The biggest misconception is that people were standing in line to give us money when we got started. We had to prove ourself. It took me a total of nine years out of college before I was making over 20,000.00 a year from sponsor income! It can be done, but most are not willing to sacrafice what it takes to be successful!”
Hope this helps you out – Marty always adds great insight and has great advice. Good luck JD!
- From The Daily Crank
Marty Stone,
Thank you very much for your response and good luck to you fishing!
-Jon Dietsch
I’d like to know if there is any thought about adding colors to the Marty 2.2? I’d love to see a few more color selections (Mat Tiger, Sexy Shad, Green Sexy Shad to name a few). Thanks!! Russ Parmer
Hey Russ …. The signature lures, such as the Marty 2.2, come in Lucky Craft’s most popular colors. At this time, I don’t believe there is a plan to increase the color choices for those lures. Thank you for your question!
April thanks, just adding some of new “signature colors” that they are adding to the SkT or GDR would help. Thanks for the answer! Russ
I would like to ask why the craw colored crankbaits have claws on the bill when crawfish swim backwards when retreating and a crankbait runs forward bill first? This seems very unnatural?
-Jon
Where could I find a Lucky Craft Flat CB SR crankbait? I have checked several places like Tackle Warehouse and BassProShops but can’t find a full sized one, I have seen some in the mini version. I heard about them on a Classic Pattern episode with Marty Stone throwing them to shallow cover.
JD,
That was a flat mini sr in original tennessee shad that marty stone was throwing in the video.LC does not make the sr in the full size,only the mr and dr.Hope this helps….
Could you please confirm if there should be a metallic sleeve in the Joe Thomas Pointer 100 in Joe’s Magic Shad. There is one in my Pointer 78 and Sammy 100 but not the Pointer 100. When I viewed the video about the baits I thought he talked about sleeve as a part of his specing the baits…Thank you, Mike
hey, i was wondering if using a snap or a snap swivel was a good idea? does it ruin the action?
oh yeah…im using pointers and staycees
Hey bleachedfan,
I talked with Marty Stone today, and he said not to use snaps. He said just attach directly to the O- rings. Snaps reduce the action of all top water plugs by creating more drag.
Hope this helps, and thanks for your question. Have a great day!
Thanks!
I have a couple questions. Where can the replacement hooks be purchased for the Slender Pointer 112MR? Hook #5 Black 90-HOOK#5BLK1 or Hook #5 Black 90-HOOK#5BLK1
I have almost given up on the 112MR and gone to the 127MR and 128. Which is not a bad thing, but I like to locate fish with the 112.
I spoke with my contact at Lucky Craft this morning. You can purchase the hooks at Northern Bass Supply. The number is 800-227-7032 and you can ask for Sandy for any Lucky Craft order. However, she did inform me that they might be out of #4 through #6 hooks. But you never know, so I wanted to let you know. Even if they’re out, hopefully they can tell you when the next order will be in.
You might also try….
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/descpageHDTTLUCKY-LCRTH.html
Hope that helps
April and Doug,
Been there and done that. No #5 hooks anywhere. I have been looking since the first of the year and have back orders with several online stores that are older than my marriage license.
GNDoty,
Dude, sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, if both of those suggestions are out of stock, I’ve got no other ideas.
Good news, I caught Northern Bass on the right day by phone and received 5 packs of #5 red, but no black. I am still a happy camper. Amistad here I come.
Great Job!!!! Good luck at Amistad! Send us pics if you get some biggins…..
Heading down to Kentucky lake May 16th to the 22nd. Fishing from Cypress to Eagle landing. Changing my Tackle box over to all Lucky craft lures. What are the best cranks to use with the best colors? What colors on the Redemption spinnerbait would you recommend for that time of year also?
Thanks
I would like to ask the pro staff when and why they use a 128 Pointer instead of a 127MR Slender Pointer? Thinking of clear water lakes like Amistad.
I love to fish the gunfish. I have caught several nice fish on it but I have trouble with the front hook hanging on the line all of the time. What can I do to prevent this from happening?
What do you guys use to fish your crankbaits. I am seeming to gravitate more towards spiderwire invisi-braid with my powell fiberglass rod, but i was wondering if i should use flourocarbon instead.I realize that braided line has minimal stretch but I am thinking that my fiberglass rod will compensate for that. It seems that the braid would be much more effective since i am constantly fishing lipless cranks and regular cranks through heavy cover and rocky points. Braid also seems to last a lot longer. Just let me know what you think, is braid worth the effort or should i just stick with regular 10 or 12 lb flourocarbon?
I currently own 5 Lucky Craft rods, the LVR, Fat Mini Magic, Deep Strike, Power Pointer and a Sammy. Looking forward does LC intend to stay in the rod industry? I know when they first hit the U.S. market they were quite expensive and then each rod was lowered by $150, I’m assuming to boost sales which probably worked cause that’s when I started purchasing mine. I just have some doubt as LC might call it quits at least for the U.S market leaving us die hard LC fans without. BTW, I’ve been very impressed with all my LC rods especially the Power Pointer as it makes a great finesse texas/jig rod and couldn’t believe the sensitivity.
Hey Bustoff – Here is an answer to your comment from Lucky Craft’s Cary Bever:
“My favorites are: The D-20 in Chartreuse/Light Blue, Citrus Shad, Rootbeer and Caramel Shad. I also throw the D-12 a lot on top of the ledges when water is being pulled using the same colors. If the water gets off-color, I really like these same cranks in Chartreuse Rootbeer and Rootbeer. I also throw the Flat Mini DR in all of these colors as well. However, at this time the deeper divers are generally better as the fish can be deeper than the 6-8 foot the Mini DRs run. I prefer the 3/8 oz Redemption in Chartreuse Shad. This is a good all-around color everywhere.”
Hope this helps! Thanks so much, and have a great day!
April W.
-The Daily Crank
Hey GNDoty – Cary Bever e-mailed me an answer to your question. Here ya go:
“These are really 2 different lures. The 128 has the wide, erratic wobble and glide of the Pointer Series. It has a larger vertical profile and moves more water. I consider it a better warm water option. By warm water, I mean above 55 degrees. I also like it for big fish and Lake Amistad is certainly big fish water. The Slender Series on the other hand is more of what I call a “straight puller”. When jerked, it tends to have a much tighter glide and this makes it inherently a better cold water option. In cold water, less action is more appealing. I also prefer the Slender when long casts are important, especially in wind and wind usually helps generate a jerkbait bite. The other consideration is that the Slender Series has three hooks which always helps!”
Hope this helps – have a great day and thanks for the question!
-April W.
The Daily Crank
Hey jdeaton1687 – Cary Bever also answered your question … Hope this helps!
“The Gunfish is my favorite topwater lure in the whole world! The only time you will encounter (for the most part) line hooking on the front hook is when you deadstick (leave the lure setting motionless…deadly at times) the lure. If you are not relying on a slow presentation with the Gunfish to draw strikes, maintaining a little quicker pace will prevent this fouling. Also, do not use Flourocarbon line for your topwaters, as it sinks and causes this to happen a lot. It also screws up the action. Topwaters in general perform best with a quality mono like Lucky Craft’s Iron Athelete.”
Thanks so much!
-April W.
The Daily Crank
Hey JZeolla – Brent Ehrler had some great advice for you after he heard your question! Here ya go:
“Good question on what line to use for cranking. I use to be all over the place on what I used. I suffered from it because I lost a lot of fish. I have it narrowed down pretty good now. At least I think I do. Here are my general guidelines.
Shallow cranks (BDS 3,4, Skeet Mini SR, RC series, and wake baits) I use mono. I will use 12 to 17 lb for these depending on what kind of cover I’m fishing and the size of the fish. I use 12lb more than anything. I like mono on shallow cranks because of the stretch. I lose more with flouro and braid because I pull it away from the fish. Usually shallow cranks mean short casts and target casting. A lot of the strikes happen close to the boat. Without the stretch, the fish pull off regardless of the rod you use.
Lipless Cranks (LV 500 and the entire LVR Series). On lipless cranks I like Flourocarbon (12 to 16lb). Usually you need less stretch to snap the bait free of grass or any other debris that snags up on the bait. The flouro allows less stretch than mono and more stretch than braid. I will rarely use braid. If the grass is too much to free with flouro, I will as a last resort switch to braid. Florida is just about the only place I will use braid. A very soft glass rod is key for this. The Lucky Craft Fat Mini Medium action rod is perfect for using braid.
Deep Cranks (D-20, D-12, and the flat CB DR). On deep cranks I primarily use flouro (10lb). I like the low stretch qualities but also like the fact that the baits will get deeper. I know some guys will use 8lb braid but I don’t like using braid. It just feels strange to me. I like the feel of flouro and just like that little bit of stretch to help me land fish.”
Hope this helps, and thanks for your question!
-April W.
The Daily Crank
Hey Phippy – Brent Ehrler also had some things to tell you about your rod question …
“Congrats on getting some LC rods. I’ve been very fortunate to have been using them for 4 years now. I absolutely love them. I feel like we will for sure continue to sell the rods. I also think that we might come out with more models in the future. I think that it won’t be long until the LC rods will be a major player in the rod business. We have dedicated a lot of time to getting these rods right for the market. You can’t find a better rod with all the components and quality that they have for the current price. It’s a $300 rod that now sells for $150. I would recommend the pitching rod for texas rigs and a light jig. That is my favorite all around rod. I haven’t tried the power pointer for worms or jigs. It would be tough for me to get rid of that pitching rod. It’s a multi-purpose rod and a must in your arsenal. On your next purchase, take a look at it and see what you think.”
And another thing to add from us at The Daily Crank – I do believe you have a good chance to see Lucky Craft come out with some new rods at this year’s ICAST show in Florida. So definitely don’t count them out of the rod business. Thanks so much – have a great day!
-April W.
The Daily Crank
I’m a big fan of the Lucky Craft RC 1.5 crankbaits. I was wondering what Lucky Craft Cranking rod do any of the pro staffers recommend. Right now I’m using a St. Croix 7 foot glass rod but I am looking for something similar in the LC cranking rod lineup. Is there any dealers around the DFW area (Texas) that carries the Lucky Craft lineup?
sorrychow, I’m not a LC pro staffer but have first hand experience with all three LC crankbait rods, the Fat Mini Magic, BDS and the Deep Strike. For the 1.5 RC the Fat Mini Magic is the rod you should be considering. Be careful here these rods are not as soft as E or S glass rods mostly due to their faster actions. These rods are not light weights either as all three models are right around 6oz though it doesn’t seem to tire me out after a full day of throwing cranks. I have yet to lose a fish with any of my LC cranking rods and love the look of the stealth black blanks on my fishing deck.
Your best bet is TackleWarehouse.com as they have a excellent return policy in case your were disappointed with the rod.
Appreciate the help Phippy!! Going to order my LC rod pretty soon and I was looking at ordering from TackleWarehouse.com since that was where I saw the rods…
Glad I could help. Make sure you inspect the rod thoroughly. I love my LC rods but it seems what ever China shop these are being made their QC needs some improving. Goodluck.
For those interested here’s a review of the Fat Mini Magic……..
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewluckycraft701mf.html
Gentelmen,
Hello, my name is Chuck, I`m a U.S. Army soldier and avid fisherman, starting to fish in tournaments, How can I shop for all the different products produced by Lucky Craft? I am looking for some peticular items but only found one and it was on ebay- no selection for color. Looking for some cymbal vibs at this time but want to be able to see all the different selections and be able to order at will…Can you help me out?
Thanx Sarge
Hi LC pros,
I was wondering if and when we will see a LC twitch bait on the market and by twitch bait i mean a minnow style that will float back up when ripped under the surface? Also is there any plans to venture into the softbait market and or any hollow body frogs?
Thanks Jef C Nelson
http://www.thefrognation.com