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The Killers: 112 Can't-Miss Lures of Today's Top Guides
Here are 112 battle-tested lures that North America’s top guides tie on when they absolutely have to catch fish. Make room in your tackle box
One of pike guide Steve Scepaniak's Suick Thriller jerkbaits shows the battle scars accrued after fooling over 1,000 trophy northerns and muskies. The lure had nearly a 20-year run before Scepaniak retired it. The Suick Thriller remains his go-to jerkbait.
Ask fishing guides to name their favorite lures and most sigh, then grumble, then inevitably utter some variation on the words, “That’s tough, because it all depends on the conditions.” But deep down, all guides—regardless of sponsorships, endorsements, or free lures showered on them by manufacturers—know the patterns that will get them hooked up on their home waters anytime. They all have standbys that get it done come rain, wind, or dirty water. So we found and grilled 28 top guides throughout the United States and Canada and got them to reveal their absolute favorite lures in four categories for seven species—and even tell us how they use them. It’s a lot of info, and it’s all here. Read it, then check your gear—and we’ll see you at the tackle shop. Click on a species below.
 Largemouth Bass |
 Walleye |
 Crappie |
 Striped Bass |
 Northern Pike |
 Smallmouth Bass |
 Trout |
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Comments (8)
Lately I have tried to keep my mouth shut but at this point I need to say something. I have been reading Field and Stream since I started getting haircuts at the barber shop in NJ 30 years ago. I have had an active subscription for at least the last 3 or 4 years of my own now and have noticed a distinct change in the last year or 2. I look forward to the middle of the month when my copy comes but am let down when I see the main article title “#### of the greatest [fill in the blank with your favorite hunting or fishing equipment category] of all time!” I mean, I look to this magazine as much for the great writing as for the information and since you already have a gear guide in every edition with the best 3 or this or 4 of that, can’t we go back to writing full articles, using full sentences and paragraphs and building a story one can read rather than a list of bullet points I could get off a PowerPoint slide at work?
Sorry to complain but I get sick of lists, I want some depth and content.
s-kfry, I see your point but i have to disagree with you. Magazines are meant to be quick reads, timely and informative. If I want to read stories with depth and content i will pick up a Hemingway novel, not a periodical.
During these tough economic times, it would be cool to see what the best gear is out there for a good price. Not just one spinning combo, or flyfishing combo, but a few to pick from. Or similar lures that you could find at Walmart, etc...
great selection
I'm sure these lures work for some people but not me. I think they should do an article on scented or fake bait.
Great article and it covered most all the god lures. Everyone has their favories. As an avid Trout fisherman just a mention of Al's goldfish would have been nice they catch the Trout. Keep um' coming a good read
Andy
the one for the smallmouth bass is amazing
i bought the top 5 lures for lg and sm mouth bass after reading. they work great. catching real nice bass now. last year i couldnt even get any keepers. i meant to buy the 4 inch zara spook but accidentally got the 2 inch version with a spinner on the back. it is the best money ive ever spent on fishing. catches bass, crappie, and bluegill.
Post a Comment
Lately I have tried to keep my mouth shut but at this point I need to say something. I have been reading Field and Stream since I started getting haircuts at the barber shop in NJ 30 years ago. I have had an active subscription for at least the last 3 or 4 years of my own now and have noticed a distinct change in the last year or 2. I look forward to the middle of the month when my copy comes but am let down when I see the main article title “#### of the greatest [fill in the blank with your favorite hunting or fishing equipment category] of all time!” I mean, I look to this magazine as much for the great writing as for the information and since you already have a gear guide in every edition with the best 3 or this or 4 of that, can’t we go back to writing full articles, using full sentences and paragraphs and building a story one can read rather than a list of bullet points I could get off a PowerPoint slide at work?
Sorry to complain but I get sick of lists, I want some depth and content.
During these tough economic times, it would be cool to see what the best gear is out there for a good price. Not just one spinning combo, or flyfishing combo, but a few to pick from. Or similar lures that you could find at Walmart, etc...
s-kfry, I see your point but i have to disagree with you. Magazines are meant to be quick reads, timely and informative. If I want to read stories with depth and content i will pick up a Hemingway novel, not a periodical.
great selection
I'm sure these lures work for some people but not me. I think they should do an article on scented or fake bait.
Great article and it covered most all the god lures. Everyone has their favories. As an avid Trout fisherman just a mention of Al's goldfish would have been nice they catch the Trout. Keep um' coming a good read
Andy
the one for the smallmouth bass is amazing
i bought the top 5 lures for lg and sm mouth bass after reading. they work great. catching real nice bass now. last year i couldnt even get any keepers. i meant to buy the 4 inch zara spook but accidentally got the 2 inch version with a spinner on the back. it is the best money ive ever spent on fishing. catches bass, crappie, and bluegill.
Post a Comment