This short list fishes every rig in the Guides. Buy the bag, not the single, and pick watermelon or green pumpkin before you pick anything else.
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Fished real days on it We use one our pick in a category we carry Research pick not used yet, doubt stated
Who it's for: everyone. Texas or wacky, year-round, the first bait in the Beginner Kit. Downside: soft, so bass tear through them — buy the 10-pack.
Who it's for: the budget stick bait when Senkos get expensive. Downside: a touch less salt and fall than a Senko; fine for 90% of days.
Who it's for: the summer cover bait — bulk and legs for grass, wood and docks. The whole lizard guide is built on it. Downside: needs a 4/0–5/0 hook and a bit more rod than a stick bait.
Who it's for: the same bait for pressured or clearer water, and a 3/0 hook. Downside: less draw in dirty water than the Magnum.
Who it's for: a floating-tail lizard that stands up on the bottom; the one from Mike's bag on Talkin' Tackle. Downside: house brand — Bass Pro or nowhere.
Who it's for: bulk for wood and docks; a jig trailer that works alone on a Texas rig. Downside: the flappers snag a little more than a stick bait in thick grass.
Who it's for: weightless over grass and around schooling fish in the fall. Downside: hard to cast in wind with no weight; a 4/0 hook and a good twitch cadence take practice.
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