Plastic Tail Styles

In reference to Lake Forks New tail styles on the Live Baby Shad, do you think it really matters? And if so, when would one style be better than another?

Thanks,

Stephen

Well you know how picky crappie can be one day hit anything the next only the one with a funny moving tail. I would say post spawn first part of June when it seems like you really have to finesse them.

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In reference to Lake Forks New tail styles on the Live Baby Shad, do you think it really matters? And if so, when would one style be better than another?

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Like color, sometimes it does. Underwater You Tube videos show many types and lure being attacked by panfish and
you can't help but notice that when fish are turned on or interested, finesse is not very important. When fish are neutral and need to be turned on, finesse is important. There are no better examples of neutral fish than those in freezing water!

For example, I've been ice fishing recently and I've poured a minnow shaped lure that is finesse all the way:
super thin tail that quivers if you breath on it, clear plastic with tiny silver flakes, rigged on a 1/32 oz. jighead. Rod tip action is minimal. Once one fish starts biting, others nearby join in. So far I've caught crappie, bass, sunfish and yellow perch on this 1 1/4" lure.

The lures in the center have done well consistently ice fishing:
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j3...rioussizes.jpg

IMO finesse involves using color, lure action, size and shape that use less as a rule, tail action the most important.
When fish are active, none of the above matters.

I am in favor of a single thin quivering tail or using a tube tail. Either will put crappie in the boat.

I like the tail design and action on the new Mr.Crappie baits by Strike King

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It depends on how you fishing it. If single poling it does not matter as much, but if you are multipoling it does. Especially, longlining. I have different baits I prefer at different speeds, because of tail action. The same when I am casting. I usually use a bait as describe by Ship when vertical jigging or float/fly method. As when dockshooting I prefer feather style baits, usually chenille. Before longliing a bait I check its action at the side of the bot in clear water at different speeds. Most have little action at speeds less than .6 MPH. I always check new baits in a swimming pool to practice presentation. I like to know what my bait is doing and what the fish is seeing. This is important for hardbaits as well. It is a good way to tune crankbaits and not waste time on the water.

If it dont have a paddletail, curlytail, or some kind of tail that moves, I AINT TROLLING IT.

you really want some action try the JETZIT great for long lining and trolling or really any other type of fishing some sick action and the baits are tuff cant hardly tear them apart slab bandit makes them you can go to crazyanglertackle.comAttachment 116582Attachment 116583

Those look kinda cool. Looks like they would be better for jigging than trolling though. I am not sold on the ball ends for trolling. I have been given some before and they worked "ok" at best. A paddletail or curlytail is hard to beat when trolling.

I think curry tail,next paddle tail for trolling at .8 miles or better,but shooting docks and BP and lay downs a stinger tail for all season has no equal,other baits will do good at times but a stinger is for all season.Another thing most people talks about how well the stinger tail wiggle while reeling but it do not wiggle when reeling slow where it is the most deadly even in hot summer. That no wiggle is what gets their curiosity up. Watch one in clear water sometimes