LFT Live Baby Shad is all I use any more.
They are the best crappie bait on the market in my opinion.
All my crappie fishing guide trips are done with Live Baby shad and juiced up Baits panfish spray.
As far as the life of the bait. If you are catching crappie then no issues if you get into small bluegill then they might tear a tail off.
My Clients this year in three 6 hour trips have landed 220, 92, 130 and 202 crappie. Three different lakes here in Indiana.
I fish tournaments with them every other weekend and out of four tournaments in 2012 which averaged 38 boats. My partner and I have finished 1st, two 2nds and 3rd. And I promise you all we use if Lake Fork Live Baby Shad and Juiced up Baits panfish spray.
If anyone is on the fence about buying some you need to stop thinking about it and get them. These things flat out catch fish!
Tom Hankins
Lake Fork Trophy Lures
Whisker Seeker Tackle
Moss Back Fish Rack
Cumberland Crappie
G3 Boats