Are cheap Bass lures worth it? - group test

I’ve been wanting to compare Cheap lures v expensive for bass for some time now and with the emergence of sights like lures for bass based in Cornwall lure fishing need not be too expensive.
May I ask something of you that I rarely do and that is to share this video share it Im sure there are Anglers out there that might benefit.
Mega bass sleeper 3.8 amzn.to/3Xxpibk V Sansoak amzn.to/3NBIWhQ
Kokomo 2 amzn.to/448lsYI V. Momo wake 90 110 amzn.to/3JEDtp5
Patchinko originals 100 amzn.to/3NQbTaX
Patchinko v momo momo mouth 105f amzn.to/3XqfKid
Mega bass zonk amzn.to/3XrZpJG. V. Momo zodiac heat sardine . amzn.to/448lWy0
Do live Sticks sticks shorturl.at/oquJW V Momo lures version amzn.to/3pqQBHy
Momo z path amzn.to/3NME0I1 v Whiplash Factory Spitting wire www.chesilbaitntackle.co.uk/w...
Cornwall Bass lures shorturl.at/CF123 v duo tide minnow
Veals zonks.
The gear I use here; mattlingard02.wixsite.com/sal... I’ve included in this list my recommended treble hooks too . As replacements the VMC ones are great.
I may get a small affiliate fee from some recommendations but my motivation is to make sure I only recommend stuff of value.
Link to my catch report template; www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C6C626SD
As always thanks for watching and please comment on the Video I will do my best to get back to you

[@jamesduffy5019]

I’ve got both Patchinko, and Axia, they have one thing in common……both caught me f**k all!!😂 Great vid Matt.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Nice one! I won’t use surface lures till august myself

[@johnhighland2260]

Having bought both expensive and cheap bass lures over the last 20 yrs , I've caught 100s on the cheapest €1.20 lure and still do (changed hooks to single strong) a go to lure every where,and I've had great fishing with the more expensive. I think a starting selection is the best way and trial and error. I've also got boxes full of both types that dont work but caught me .

[@markypatt8340]

Great vid as usual im sitting in my hospital bed after a spinal op and this has cheered me up no end cant wait to get back out on the beach but i wont be able to rotate to cast for 5 months so come on the autumn bass

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Sorry to hear that , At least the bass will be fattening up.

[@henrydunne3051]

In my experience the cheap ones are more worth it, the only negatives is the hooks can sometimes be dodgy, and the finish isnt as nice as on the brand ones sometimes, but I'm not buying lures just because they look nice... and at the end of the day you can have a great lure and you will still lose it in a snag eventually... I'd much rather have 3 imitations for the price of 1 brand one

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes I like that point about three for one - seems to be the right sort of difference.

[@Wastingtime689]

One issue I tend to find with the cheap ones is that their qc isn't reliable. I've purchased lures marketed as sinking that actually float. Then, you'll get one every once in a while that sinks. Vice versa too. I guess if I can return them, it's fine, but, if I have to get 12 and return 11 to find one that has good action, I'm not sure the extra effort is worth it.

[@simonhumphreys6746]

Excellent video Mat thank you. Keep em coming👍

[@brianpask8955]

Superb video Matt. Loads of work went in to this and it is appreciated mate.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for noticing , hopefully it answers some of the most asked beginners questions 😊

[@michaelward-ht2ro]

A very honest review I enjoyed that, cheers

[@Fishingbug]

Thanks Matt been looking forward to this. Congratulations on the 30k 👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hello mate - as it stands 29990! So don’t in subscribe ! I think there’s some real good ones in the list

[@martinmeasures829]

Great video Matt, thanks, I'm just getting back into fishing after 40+ years away, I've watched a lot of your videos and this one has given me confidence in the cheaper lures that I've bought, my first outing with lures is in a few weeks time on the Isle of Mull, I've done a fair bit of research and there seems to be quite a few good bass marks so I hoping for some good sessions, especially now I have all your advice. Great channel. Thanks again. Martin. 🦈🎣🦈🎣🦈

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hi Martin , years ago people used to think bass stopped swimming at the wash and north wales! Now though they are established in Scotland, great stuff and will be keen to hear how you get on

[@Hagar934]

Great video very informative I'm a newbie to lure fishing and starting to get a collection together great content on your vids keep up the good work 👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Welcome aboard! I always think a few soft plastics shad types with weighted heads, unweighted sticks and a rapala j13 are a great start - thanks for saying hello 👋

[@ManicFishing]

Just watched it that was good matt and thanks for letting me help out I learnt a few things that day too I’m thinking of having a go with surface lures and it’s got me thinking 🤔🤔🎣

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Appreciate your help I think we agreed on most points and was good having an extra pair of eyes. Looking back on the footage the only thing we missed was the difference in the action between Zonks . Thanks again

[@TheGhs1]

Fantastic review and great advice 👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks will see how the cheapies last long term

[@kristofrugi5051]

Fantastic guide thank you for sharing 🎉🎉

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks hope it helps save some money and catch More Bass!

[@KerbsideClassics]

great video thanks for the info very helpful pal

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Great well thanks for watching

[@clintsmith1720]

Great video keep them coming 👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

More to come!

[@SandrasSpicySpanishSalami]

We can all be tackle tarts now and then and thats fine, in my experience I have found that if you change out the hardware to better rings and hooks I do just as well with Scamazon specials as the £10-20 impulse purchases that I "keep for best". You would be surprised how easy it is to modify the cheapos for better weighting, action and rattle. A few tools and additions: A dremel, UV Resin, fine (#9) lead shot, holographic ribbon, glass pill rattles, etc...

[@leoncox2405]

Great info can’t wait to get out

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Go get em!

[@nicholascavie2464]

Awesome again Matt found cheap lures r ok just change hooks & bit of tweaking, bought 2 cheap electronic lures did quite well catching flathead. Happy catching from AUSTRALIA Nick

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hi. Nick, nice one , those electronic lures are bonkers right!

[@andrewsmall1746]

Great video. I like using the originals as they give me confidence. I rarely lose lures unless I'm bouncing minnows so a £30 surface lure will last me years. You can spend more on bait for a day's fishing.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Confidence is so important your spot on. I also like your comparison to bait a good way to consider the cost

[@danharvey7717]

Great vid Matt. Thanks. Good to see the underwater actions and how they vary. Like others I sometimes buy cheaper versions and change the rings & hooks. Recently lost a S/Gear sand eel pencil £10 but it still hurts ! And infuriates 😡😕Last year had quite a good run of catches (mostly schoolies) on a really cheap set of 5 for £17 or so!! But you can see the finish coming off where they’ve been gill struck. Thanks for this vid, always interesting. Keep ‘em coming. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hi Dan, yea I feel your pain! I don’t worry too much about finish and like you say it does show you can catch on your cheapys

[@jimmycburfield5997]

Very interesting and really helpful

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Glad you think so! Its helped me gather my thoughts on where to spend my money for sure

[@PilzE.]

GREAT idea for a video, Matt! As a married man, with a family, bills, etc, I REALLY just cannot justify £30 for a lure I will, inevitably, lose. I am guilty of copy luring on a regular. Dare I say, I have numerous Ali Express replica's in my boxes!!! Don't hate me, carpenter wages are fooking phenomenal in your twenties, thirties, but once you hit the ceiling of earnings, they just don't lead to comfort in your forties, fifties. At least they don't when you partied so damned hard in those early years!!! 🤪

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Ha yes I think there’s a lot of us in the same boat !

[@frenchyadamson]

What is the typical 'ceiling' as a day rate for a carpenter?

[@PilzE.]

@@frenchyadamson These days, I'm not even sure, brother. Back when I was CIS, subbing, it varied on the work, £130 - £200 was about right. I got paid £200 a day to be taught how to fit trussed roofs, which was kinda sweet! These days I'm all comfy, contract and everything, doing social housing repairs. Wage is £34000 a year, company van, power tools, uniform, fuel card, etc, and it's recession proof. Kinda job you retire from, at least that's the plan. Had I not spunked so much through my 20s and 30s, I'd probs be sitting pretty, but hedonism came way before future planning back in the day! 🤩

[@wetkneehouston6293]

Momo version of a patchinko is a very nice lure once the hooks and rings are changed. I like the hole through the nose

[@lesliecrowther7004]

Yet again another good video and some surprising results, will have to get some do-live sticks though as I do not have any yet. On the rod side, having seen you use the Colbolt is was quite imprest with it, so I bought one, now I always wipe it off after a session on the beach but, the the rod rings have still gone green ( (corrosion ) and of them actually split and the centre fell out, luckily found it and super glued it back in, hopefully it will hold but not to imprest. Keep them coming. Cheers Les.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hi Les , yes it’s not a perfect rod but it really is great value - well done on refunding the rings once I loose those they are never seen again

[@lesliecrowther7004]

@SaltwaterAngler was considering getting it re-whiped with slightly larger rings? ( used to do all that myself back in the day when my buddies had a tackle shop, I used to do most of the repairs and rebuilds) Getting on a bit now and yeh maybe a bit lazy ( 70 ) now. Have just bought a Daiwa 3000 size to use on it, as been using Shimano ultigra 4000 ,little bit on the heavy side though. Cheers Les.

[@Podster133]

Thanks for your video. 👍👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Glad you watched thanks 🙏

[@letswetaline]

Great video, Thank you, Also I have just taken delivery of your fishing catch report log book :)

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Brilliant 🤩 yes I’ve found them useful over the years. Thanks for that hope you get to write up a load. Looking back I have learnt from blanks equally too

[@Alexxx---101]

I buy unpainted lures and paint and epoxy them myself which works out cheap as the epoxy lasts for ages. I also like buying the really old second hand lures and revamping them with new eyes and paint and epoxy ect and then testing their effectiveness.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Beautiful ! 👍💪

[@parraparra9896]

May I know how many layers of epoxy you use? With epoxy I found that after a few strikes it tends to come off and eventually ruin my self-painted lure. I tried layers of clear paint and epoxy so far but with both I have this issue. My next step is some sort of boat material to dip the lure in and let it harden out. Any help is appreciated :)

[@sdwmnc4733]

​@@parraparra9896 You can try with the nail top coat, they work pretty well.

[@bob58393]

Good video!

[@Cornsnakefreak]

A little tip to stop rust on your favourite lures on your rod eyes paint the risk areas with clear nail pollish

[@SaltwaterAngler]

👍💅

[@davidburgess2354]

Superb video Matt as always. Could you clarify your preferred fluorocarbon because on the video you show a Korda super soft and yet in your email preamble you mention you are using the Korda hard. Also what length fluorocarbon would you recommend?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

The soft is working for me at the moment . But it is quite firm still !

[@SteveLofthouse_]

I'm new to bass fishing coming from freshwater background. I was shying away from bright coloured braid, but then noticed what you and others use. However, there's one of your clips in this vid where you comment about the visibility of the braid. Surely a more subdued colour such as green would be better? Thanks for making the vids, learned loads from them👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes green for me ! Especially since seeing that flashing I think it’s the fast movement of shallow water braid catching the light that’s the problem.less so in deeper water.thanks for watching, don’t underestimate your freshwater skills and applying them to the saltwater will really help. We can can really learn a lot from our freshwater anglers here in the sea !

[@Desaura]

Great videos. getting a good collection of lures together (cheaper ones) soft, hard, top water and so on. my problem is, i live in Belfast, N.I. and no one will say where theres good bass marks over here. i know that down south has good marks but its a 5 hour trip.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yep I understand that problem. To give you some optimism there is a great benefit in finding the sort of ground bass feed on and then catching. Have a look on Google earth at your closest coastal area.As you say a trip 5 hours to your south west puts you in a bass Mecca of surf beaches and strands.

[@Desaura]

@@SaltwaterAngler thanks for the reply. Keep the videos and great info coming. Me, I think next year I'll have to bite the bullet and go where the bass plentiful (Co Kerry) if I'm looking to catch my first 😊

[@stevehedge]

Great video mate, well balanced then ehh, so i think cheaper copies within reason but then upgrade the hooks to more top end, what trebles would you recommend? I have no issues buying expensive but its just going to really rag me off as where i fish we have so much bladderwack, seawead & areas to get snagged.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

mattlingard02.wixsite.com/saltwater/post/sea-fishing-tackle-i-use the VMC ones here

[@hazzardoutdoors]

Thanks for the advice, this is perfect, very important question, is it better to fish high tide or low...

[@SaltwaterAngler]

You won’t like my answer …..

[@SaltwaterAngler]

It depends- on the height of tide and very venue specific. Also depends what the fish are focused in on. Bait fish at high tide possibly but it’s an unanswerable question without the other metrics. Still a good thing to ask though

[@hazzardoutdoors]

@SaltwaterAngler I thank your answer regardless. I'll Try both at my mark

[@trevortray541]

Caught so many bass on the copy of pachinco including a couple of seagulls

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Ha those Herring gulls love a surface lure !

[@shuggiemcg1]

A brilliant video Matt thanks for sharing I was wondering if there was much difference, ps you left me a message other day about winning a give away I wasn't sure if it was a genuine message from yourself or an imposter, if so just thought Id let you know someone was copying you if it was you let me know please lol

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hi Mate, thanks for watching. Message was genuine and from me ! Thanks for checking.

[@shuggiemcg1]

@@SaltwaterAngler ah fantastic :-)

[@tomouk3346]

I think copier lures are suitable for beginners because lures are easy to lose, and beginners may not have specific preferences for fishing gear. In Japan, lure development involves a testing period of 2 to 5 years to fine-tune and create them. On the other hand, Chinese-made lures are merely copies. It's quite clear which option is better, right? You can view online resources about Japanese lures to understand their actions and how to use them effectively, which can lead to better fishing results. Additionally, when you catch a fish using a specific original lure, you can proudly say which lure you used. However, using a copied lure might make you feel embarrassed to mention it. Furthermore, if you fail to catch fish using a copied lure, you might suspect that it's due to the fact that it's a copy. I understand that beginners may not grasp the finer details, but fishing with lures involves subtle factors that significantly affect your catch. That's the beauty of lure fishing. Personally, if it's a rare lure, I would even purchase a genuine used one. By the way, my favorite lure is the Blooowin 140s by Blue Blue, and I prefer the Chart & Pearl color.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for this input. Many points here, hopefully the more horizontal action on the zonk shows the difference.I agree with what you say about the psychology of using copies and being embarrassed to use them.😊

[@BYF1]

Hi Matt, great video yet again with great filming. I did a long comment earlier but somehow deleted it. I have accumulated 3 lure boxes of hard lures both original and copy, but have caught the most by far on Savage Sandeels, if you buy separate jigheads and tails only a few quid each.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes indeed soft plastics like that work out cheaper

[@BYF1]

@@SaltwaterAngler They do indeed, I'm finding that fishing them on or close to bottom with a slowish straight retrieve is doing the business especially at night. The Bass were shy last time out but managed a 5lber with the above method last week. I'm guessing I will need to change my methods as the season progresses and fish come up nearer the surface layers, time will tell.

[@freemansmith]

More drag on trebles than singles, first thing I do on the cheap ones is change split rings and hooks.

[@Podster133]

Thanks for that info. Just getting into lure fishing, ( beech casting for Donkey's 😂) tight line's 👍

[@oscars4107]

Casting with a shorter line length should make it a bit easier and get more distance.

[@londonviking3801]

Thanks Matt - I think I have way too many bass lures at the moment so need to get out there and donate some to Neptune. Got a trip to Cornwall coming up. NEARLY at 30K subs - If you're reading this and haven't yet subscribed to this excellent channel, please do so.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Appreciate that - Thanks for being a regular commentator always look forward to your input, now I’ll await your Cornish catch report

[@michaeljensen921]

Used a fladen silver minnow from go outdoors caught seven pike in a couple of hours used it off the rocks off berry head loads of mackerel a few pollack but no bass it cost one pound twenty the rapala version cost twelve pound

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Great example

[@vagabondtravels1500]

Hi Matt went out for the first time after purchasing a good set of lures. No luck. What does a bass strike feel like??? I thought I felt a knock. My experience seems to be its alright having a list of what you want but it's a whole different story re what the shops have in Stock. It might be worth doing a follow up video on the Mid range Lures. I picked up a seadra Spitta for £14 supposed to be a patchinko Copy If you were to send a beginner to somewhere on the south coast kent/Sussex without giving away any marks obvs where would you point for a chance of a bass. On Lure

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Brighton marina as a mark to try. Bass normally stole and stay on you could be getting smaller fish nipping . Good idea on the mid range

[@vagabondtravels1500]

Thanks I'll definitely give that a try. I was Fishing at Porchester Castle About two hours before high tide. So your right it maybe smaller fish. There were definitely small shoals of tiny baitfish being hunted as I could see the scatters I've usually seen with perch and pike

[@richardjones2811]

Get a cheap can of spray lacquer from home bargains to help protect the lures from hook rash. Cheap lures do have shit hooks.

[@des632]

I'm just starting out as working on east Devon coast for summer , I do know tide times , checked out estuary mouths at low tide and rocky places and calm water but that's about it Many older people recommend a Dexter's spoon (swear by it) Are they any good as they get snagged so easily!

[@SaltwaterAngler]

There’s always a place for metals like a dexters wedge. I think a lot of the time they are successful is they sink to feeding fish. Useful in deeper water. I always have one or two my lure bag.I prefer a lighter metal though that flutter rather than than just sinks straight down -Enjoy East Devon some great Bass venues there.

[@des632]

@@SaltwaterAngler thanks very much 👌👌, will do

[@imtitsupdickielala12]

Eagerly anticipated. Great vid Matt, The original megabass bib is strange as all mine are the clear plastic, gartride (Hinged) ones too

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes they did three types of lip. Some discolour and I have older ones with the hinge. Think I might just do a ZONK only episode soon

[@allalongthewatchtower_4851]

Is there a certain way to cast hard plastics? I can never seem to cast them very well at all, I’ve tried lots of versions of the pachinko and Samson chad and the enticer both in 30g versions, but can’t cast them nearly as well as 30g metal lures, surf seekers, sprats krill etc

[@SaltwaterAngler]

I go directly over head push pull for a longer cast. Matching the lure weight to rod rating helps too. That said metals always fly !

[@i1bike]

Use spinning reel, not baitcaster. Use daiwa reels, they have lip that helps braid to fly easier from the spool. Use much thinner braid, it flies more. Use only 2m of leader, and dont use weaker leader. Swing like you are swinging a sword. All of this will enhance casting minimally by 30%.

[@tmcmurr1]

Interesting that the hook (and wire?) rusted on the Komomo but not on the cheaper version. Rusted hooks can be replaced but the through wire or anchor can't be. I don't want my £20+ lure to be trashed cos the wire has degraded

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Good points, rust is my fault though not fresh water rinsing them!

[@tmcmurr1]

@@SaltwaterAngler something I'm also far too guilty of

[@johnmaggiorino4493]

👍video

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks 👍

[@leeevans1874]

Tide minnow copy looks like a sasuke copy ?

[@fishingnorfolk]

Ice video. I think with today's technology in 3D printing and manufacturing you are paying for the name and brand as is everything. Yes there may be quality differences hooks finishing etc. But i would rather have 2 or 3 cheaper ones as inevitably you will lose a few.

[@iancairns7398]

I've found Bass lures uk to be made of much more brittle plastic.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Hi Ian I’m not seeing that in the sample I have. They are not fibreglass though like the Tn zonks

[@bv3bv334]

Trebles versus singles should affect the action?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes I think that’s the case but some other tests showing the differences are negligible I’ll report back

[@richardsuch1325]

What do you think of momolures 😊

[@Sir.Fisher]

In my experience if any fishing tackle does not have the word Pro on it the fish show no interest at all.

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Don’t forget MK 2 or XT Definately fish attractors

[@PilzE.]

😁 😆

[@martingillett5792]

Have try fishus lures ?

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Yes , think they make an appearance in the video I mention at the end of this one

[@BigT73]

You can't compare the sasuke to the minnow they are total opposite. I have got the genuine sasukes by the box load and those lads at bass lures in Cornwall do a Stella job at sourcing the best replicas on the market and I've done a fair bit of testing and I really think the only thing is mind over matter if you have a original ima and a copy but I really think they do a equal job 👍 The zonks are the best copy I've seen they look quite impressive £10 is acceptable seen as there's zonks out there at £50 🤦🤦🤦 momolures do a great selection of shimano reps and I've actually started using the reps over the genuine lure as they swim better and are a long caster like the original. What gets me is you pay say £20 for a ima hound like the new mackerel pattern and it's wrecked after a couple of sessions yet the one I got from basslures uk has had some serious stick yet is much harder wearing. Thanks for this segment it's very interesting and new anglers now have a much better option when starting out bass fishing with lures but in years gone past it was much harder to source a good copy so at least now the lures are much more affordable 👍

[@SaltwaterAngler]

Thanks for that 👏

[@nicks2475]

I have bought original ima sasukes, iborns and megabass dark sleepers and aliexpress copies and there is no difference in the lures just the quality of some of paint jobs and have found no difference in the catch rate

[@SaltwaterAngler]

I think some of the footage disagrees and some backs up what your saying. The dark sleepers are so much better than the action on the Amazon plastic blobs ! Thanks for the comment

[@nicks2475]

@@SaltwaterAngler The amazon ones are no good but aliexpress copies are identical, I have had this discussion with other people and they also agree.

[@Cannotcatchfish]

The cheep ones shit dosent look like a bait fish at all 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SaltwaterAngler]

I wondered what to say then just went with what I thought!

[@Cannotcatchfish]

@@SaltwaterAngler yes fair enough some of them don’t at all look like. A bait fish

[@miamiwax5504]

for gods sake even the most expensive realistic lures have 6 hooks hanging off of them. fish aren't that smart.

[@reefnreefer]

Your dolive sticks are rigged upside down