Custom Painted Crank Baits, The Wave of Fishing
By Jason Waldschmidt

I spend Hundreds of hours a winter working shows and talking with people about the ways of the sport of bass fishing. The sport is growing every year, and is getting more lucrative. Even regional and local tournaments are paying good money. A big question I get asked a lot is what can I do to help me catch more fish. My answer is to be different.

I have been fishing tournaments for about 17 years and have seen quite a bit in my opinion. I have fished small club level events all the way to high-level events. This past summer I was able to fish along side the elite series pro's in Tennessee at Old Hickory Lake. While this is not the first time I have fished this caliber of tournament I was able to engage in some discussion with a few pros about the things they do on the water. In today's events a fast moving style seams to take victory in most events. I ask some of the guys how they make them self stand out during these type of events. I was told the same thing by all of them. You need to be different and throw different baits. We all know that our lakes are getting more and more pressure each year and if you are one of those pro guys that is your job. As we sat around and talked I took notice to one factor that seamed to stretch from boat to boat. Everybody had wild colors of crank baits, traps, and jerk baits. I began to ask some questions and it seamed as if all the pros are throwing at least most of the time custom painted baits. I knew some guys have done that, heck I even paid $15 for a jerk bait quite a few years ago that was custom painted. However, it seamed as if they all had their own special guarded secret color. It only made sense to me as what better way to catch pressured fish that to show them a color the don't get to see. There are some great advantages to custom baits. One, they look so much better than production run baits and the realism on some is truly amazing. Second, you can come up with some unique colors nobody else has. Last, you can virtually paint any crank bait you currently have or can buy new baits and have them painted. I truly think this is the next big thing in fishing as it is not too costly and has had proven success.

The next time you are going through your crank bait box take a minute and think of some colors you may want and have them painted. Another good tip is to next time you are at your local tackle shop look in those discount bins they always have. I have found baits for one dollar and have painted them the way I want. With tournaments getting bigger and bigger every year I know that I will try to get an edge. Feel free to email me at wally75@maxwire.net and I will get you some info on Rooks Creek Custom Baits!!!

Jason Waldschmidt - Outdoor Writer/Seminar Speaker/Tournament Fisherman
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