I'd like to hear some opinions on why guys like the Lucky Craft LV series v. the good 'ole Rattletrap/Diamond Shad/Cordell Spot type baits. Have you fished both types of lures a lot & do you really think your catch rate improved with the Lucky Crafts? I'd like to see what you guys think, because I am a rattletrap-type bait addict & have tried the Lucky Craft version, but haven't noticed a big jump in either quantity or quality of fish I've been catching. In fact, I haven't noticed any improvement at all, but maybe I haven't thrown it enough. Also, more importantly, I'm a cheapskate & hate to spend $14.99 on a lure when a $2.99 lure will get the same results.

I do think Lucky Craft makes an awesome jerkbait & am sold on the Pointer & Staysee as being the best out there & worth the money.

I'm a cheapskate too, but I have noticed that if I don't religiously sharpen and re-sharpen or change out the Rat-L-Trap hooks I lose too many fish. I haven't bought any of the Lucky-Craft LV's, but I did find one and it worked just as well as a Rat-L-Trap once I changed the rusty hooks. However, it didn't work any better than my Rat-L-Traps, up until I too lost it. If I had dropped $15 on the bait I would have been P/Oed, as it was I was out 2 owner trebles.
I agree 100% on the Pointers and Staysees.
Tight lines,
Wade

Dang, Mr. Parsons, you have to bring this up, huh?!? :o

Well, I can't really say too much about the rattletraps/diamond shads as I never really got into them but since I have started throwing these type of baits, I LOVE the LCs! It obviously helps that I won the Spring Lake tournament on them and have had them help me win a few events but I think there are some distinct differences.

A few of the keys seem to be the action, sound and apperance. If you notice, all the baits have different sounds or even no sound at all. I think what has helped LC gain the popularity they now have is due to much of this (sound, action, apperance). Something different for the fish. The same goes with some of the other brands which are slightly different.

In terms of overall cost/value, what LC brings to the table is primarily in development. They now have many different models which work for different applications. Take for example the LVR D series. This bait works supremely well in shallower water with weeds. It is known as the "weed cutter" series specifically for this. This is also the bait I used for Spring Lake and think it is partially the reason I was able to catch the fish I did. In addition, it has a larger profile than the regular LV series.

Now, the regular LV series (like the LV 500 or 100) is more compact, is slighly louder (IMHO) and gets down quicker. I like it when fishing a little deeper water or need a smaller profile but want to make long casts.

Rattletrap/Diamond Shads are basically the same as they have always been and just have a few minor modifications made to them. In addition, the components tend to be cheaper and you HAVE TO change the hooks. With LC, you don't (although I do...EWG baby!). The lack of real development for their part has left a void LC and other companies are taking advantage of (sounds like the car makers, huh?)

I realize this sounds like an advertisement but think there is a difference and will gladly sell you the rest of my rattle traps!

Thanks for bringing this up and I hope I don't bore anybody!

Todd

Thanks, Todd. I didn't realize LC made a "weed-cutter" version. Heck, I may even break down & buy one.

I've caught so many fish on chrome/blue Rattletraps @ Clear Lake in the fall that it's hard to get off them. And guys have been throwing those for decades now. But, maybe the LC is a better mousetrap. The LC's do have a bulkier look & may present a better target to the fish.

Like Todd said its pretty much about quality(appearance finishes,rattles and the chambers they go into.and design).I still use the old sparkle traps on occasion(open water)but if I had to choose one or the other it would be the LC.Also I`ve been experimenting with another lipless bait made by jackall brothers(lake police)TN 70 series,its another japanese bait with the same high standards as lucky craft,personnally I think these baits are the loudest out there.