We only use the plastics if for some reason we had trouble getting the Live Smelts. I like the XPS SQUIDS 5", or the Cabellas Livin' Eye Green swim bait. May I add that all of the legals caught at the tournaments were caught with Live Smelt. Take a look at "Terry's Tips" he caught 84 legals last year and already has 13 or more this year including a 20 lber. He uses his homemade "Stealth sinkers" while floattubing so you won't get snagged on anything. If you do it is most likely to be a Halibut!! Check out his directions on how to make it and catch them butts.