The Allure of the Super Premium Fishing Lure
With some retailing upwards of $20 are they for everyone?
When it comes to fishing lures, realism is what's in. Whether it be on the pro tour or at your local shop, today's premium lures are the hottest baits on the shelf right now and are in high-demand among tournament professionals and weekend amateurs alike.
What is a "Super Premium" lure?
That's open to debate, but the general classification includes crankbaits and swimbaits that retail over $10. There aren't many and quite frankly they clearly stand out on the shelf versus most mass-produced lures. Lucky Craft®, Jackall® and SPRO® are just a few manufacturers that focus on this category.
Today's Generation of Fishing Lure
Within just the last 40 years or so, the crankbait has been improved from a simple wooden stick to the scientifically-engineered marvels of today. While Grandpa had to live with basic hand-painted balsa and Dad got to toss weighted, airbrushed plastics; today's selection of highly detailed, computer-designed and field tested lures offer realistic presentation never available to the average angler before now.
Faultless Build and Construction
There is a special feeling when you first crack one of these lures out of the package. Their construction and attention to detail is noticeably different and this can be felt not only in the palm of your hand, but also on the end of your line.
Scientifically-Engineered Design
Some of the market cost associated with these lures is in their research and design. Each has a subtle signature action that just isn't available in other baits and often times subtlety catches fish. For example there are numerous stickbait/jerkbaits on the market, but there is only one that has a distinctively unique, forward roll on the pause - the Lucky Craft Stacey King jerkbait.
Realistic Body Detail
The introduction of computer-aided screened graphics have raised crankbait color possibility to a whole new level. Perhaps the most extreme and exciting new player is Koppers® with their LiveTarget™ Series fishing lures. When it comes to realism, the attention to the surface detail and skin graphics on the Koppers LiveTarget Pumpkinseed is absolutely stunning.
Paint that Comes Alive
True art is worth every dime. Right out of the package it is plain to see the effort and labor involved with carefully layered and well-thought color patterns. There are thousands of lures on the market with wild paint schemes, but I assure you none come alive like my River Red Rick Clunn 1.5 by Lucky Craft. I could not believe how this lure just popped in the water under hazy-to-overcast conditions. It still amazes me!
Retail Price vs. Value
This is where the rubber meets the road so to speak and these lures aren't cheap. Impeccable construction, attention to detail and custom paint all come at a price and if you are willing to pay it, there is no doubt you will hold in your hand a gem. With proven action and the ability to catch fish, these will soon become your favorites. But what happens when you snag one deep in the rocks or a big Northern Pike takes it clean off the line? That's when value comes into play.
Before purchasing, consider asking yourself a few key questions:
- Do you maintain your line and equipment properly?
- Do the areas you fish have numerous obstructions?
- How experienced are you working around those areas?
- Are you willing to lose a $20 lure?
As we all know, lures come and go. The more experience you have, the less you lose...but we all lose them from time to time. Sometimes it's obstructions, sometimes it's big fish, but whatever the case its always money lost. There is no doubt these premium baits catch fish and when compared side to side with less expensive lures - they win. If you can fish them consistently and safely, you'll quickly have a new set of favorites. If you still get tangled in trees occasionally, continue to practice a little bit more with the $5 variety.
