Pool Test: Which creature bait looks best underwater?

[@bradenwebb3675]

The beauty of baits like the Sweet Beaver and the Z Hog is how subtle they are. Fantastic for clear water or cold water finicky fish. They get bit so well yet the didn't get a good rating... Not everything revolves around how much kick or thump a lure has.

[@michael2one]

These underwater videos are the best

[@jakechapman1770]

First time watching you. I really liked your video. You had a lot of really good energy, well some, and very clean edits. Also no BS which is pretty rare with today's KZbin. Thanks man, I appreciate it.

[@colepontzeroutdoors6526]

Great video, definitely love seeing how they act underwater. Hope to see more

[@frankmanuele9787]

Watching the action of a lure underwater is extremely important. Your vid. supports that big time! What a lure 'looks like' to a fish is nonsense because almost no artificial lures are perfect duplicates of anything that lives, so the different actions you demonstrated and which stand out catching bass, can't be stressed enough. Thanks for supporting the concept acknowledging significant design differences which more angler should pay attention to. But one thing I differ: just because a lure moves a certain way doesn't limit its uses or is even one fish wouldn't strike. Only bass can tell us that. IE The Beaver when used as a trailer for a jig or spoon works great; T-rigged, it has it's moments. More action doesn't mean better. Senkosam

[@TheCoonass1988]

Baby brush hog has always been one of my favorites....now I see why!

[@MarshManMasson]

You and me both. It's a great bait!

[@Grogers70426]

I love using the baby brush hog during the spawn. Nice to see a fellow Louisiana angler. I live on the Northshore and generally fish farm ponds or abandoned gravel pits

[@matthewrome1947]

hey i’m from louisiana too

[@crashbomber]

Gotta check out the Berkley Pit Boss. CRAZY paddling action, and they hold up pretty well too.

[@charlespinson6693]

Thank you Brother, this was fabulous! Thank you for taking the time to create this post.

[@takayama1638]

Hey, cast over by that ladder! I saw a big one!

[@czrider3999]

Speed Craw is also really durable. I fish them weightless over and through the grass and trash in Bayou Lacombe. Green with the orange claws. Nice video 3M.

[@koroba01]

CZRider ...my grandfather (Ralph Bird) used to fly fish in Bayou Lacombe back in the 50’s and 60’s. I’m from Slidell (now in Boise, ID).

[@FishyAngler]

Zoom Z-Craw one of my favorites.

[@MarshManMasson]

Gotta agree with you.

[@gilbertrobles1374]

Really enjoying the pool videos. It's a great idea. Surprised no one has thought of it by now.👍 you're on to something.😁

[@RockyTopSplash]

There is literally about 200 under water pool videos ….

[@richardhenderson8870]

Very informative and helpful. Speaks well for the video. I agree about store bought tomatoes. Worth while watching.

[@anthonylawson7073]

Best way to rig any strike king creature bait is screwlock hooks last a lot longer.Loved the video

[@roxxerface]

The Zoom Speed Craw is second to none! Hands down the best all around soft plastic bait there is.

[@morosso1968]

big help for a newbie like me. you got it covered nice and clear, thank you!

[@ethandaniel1978]

morosso it’s a good vid but the z hog and sweet beaver are punching baits and they shouldn’t have action so definitely don’t pay attention to his opinion on those cause he’s wrong. Check out tactical bassins vids they know everything

[@phdyoutubedegree1939]

Nice. I want to try my baits. Gathering up my baits and headin to the tub.

[@IowaLayoutman]

Almost closed the tab when this started off with a botany/tomato opening....Good work and please keep the content coming......hold off on the tomato updates.

[@mikemason4792]

Excellent review. I subbed. I'll be watch all your videos.

[@smashinthatbass]

Nice video man I've caught a lot of bass off the Strike King rage Menace green pumpkin and watermelon that's a great bait keep up the good work 👍👍👍👊👊👊

[@Shurmash]

That's the twin tail grub correct?

[@cjr4497]

it took me a long time to warm up to beaver style baits due to their lack of action. i love them now and are a go to bait for me. i caught my PB, 9 even, on a d-bomb. i catch more on them than regular craws now.

[@Shurmash]

So even with a lack of action it catches fish?

[@toxic1698]

@@Shurmash thinking about it most people fish them in heavy cover so they probably have a lot more action when there bouncing off of sticks and stuff.

[@bassintheburgh]

Blue Rage menace on a black and blue jig just slays for me!!! Ive used them as swim jig trailers also. Love it

[@timb8970]

great video, keep coming back to it. very useful.

[@Med1cintraining]

The more subtle presentation baits shouldnt have gotten such low ratings, here in the Midwest in the early spring we dont want super high action baits like the speed craw or matrix craw or paca craw, things still need time to warm up so we like the slower, subtle, low action baits.

[@justinshaw8594]

Yes absolutely, the sweet beaver is a superb winter jig trailer.

[@onthemoney7260]

Lol I was rigging my speed craws with the "head" first rather than tail first. I really thought it would be tail first based on action but didn't want to reinvent the wheel. Learned something today. Thank you

[@rogerrosendale3369]

Love the pool videos. You can break the little front legs on the brushhogs and get more action.

[@petecampa]

I even split/cut the tails in half for more action...

[@controlavirus9839]

Roger Rosendale exactly. Thought that was pretty much a mandatory thing (though not talked about) that everyone did

[@dannywelch9492]

@@controlavirus9839 yup yup. can snip or split the D section to make great action or even snip and melt to make it do all kinds of crazy things. I also like to half and use the end on jigs over rocks

[@perrycorbett6846]

Great video, love seeing what the baits are actually doing underwater🤙🤙

[@54climbing]

Great job on the video with the creature baits. Always look forward to your pool videos that really give a good look at how the baits really retrieve. Ive come across a few from the video that I thought were good but alas they were not as good as I thought. Keep up the good work. I know it takes away from your fishing so thanks again for your time and effort.

[@cnault2]

Good video - thanks for putting in the time for us. I spent 18 years stationed at Barksdale AFB. Loved every minute of fishin the cypress lakes in the Sportsmans Paradise. One suggestion to you and the other folks who have done pool tests on soft plastics - please let the bait rest for 2-3 seconds in between a couple of the hops. Your slo-mo is the closest I've seen so far to doing that. Most flippers/pitchers care what the baits do at rest - for me it's especially important in the Winter. Thanks again! Subscribing now...

[@jeffreylunday928]

What time frame were you there? I was stationed there '92-'96 @ 2nd SPS. Second to none.

[@humblelifeoutdoors4299]

Can’t thank you enough bro 🙌🏽 Epic video 🎣💪🏽🙌🏽✊🏽

[@truesouthernadventures7740]

Great info loved watching it and took some good notes! Keep up the great videos!

[@aaronsalmon5564]

Had to come to the comments to see if anyone else was surprised by his shock with beaver baits. That’s what they do. Nothing.

[@jackiesmith7502]

The beaver baits drop threw the grass mats in Florida way better then the craw baits for some reason

[@the_toxicbadger2547]

jackie smith what they’re mostly meant for-

[@roadhouse8604]

Yeah they do nothing. But catch the crap out of bass. Lol.

[@fatstrat64]

When you flip them it’s the action on the fall.

[@FishingPleasures]

I'm a big creature/body bait guy when it comes to flipping and pitching in and around docks or other structures. One of my favorites is the KVD Rodent. I'll typically fish it weightless, but once in awhile on a jig. I'm going to pick up some of those Zoom Speed Craws though, great action from the looks of this video.

[@rodneyjohnston6280]

Thank you thank you thank you you are the Very 1st angler that made a video That I like and I really understand

[@MaximilianTheBassFisherman]

I was surprised that the sweet beaver didn’t place higher but there’s also a time and place to fish it which is more flipping into brush or pads and not really hopping back to the boat

[@jamestobin2529]

Those big tails hardly move and it's designed to do that. Sometimes they want something slower.

[@levihobbs3606]

Rage meace -shakey head and jig trailer Zoom z Craw- shakey head jig trailer flipping Sweet beaver- texas rig or wintertime jig tailer

[@Dss-bm3rz]

I've always wanted to do this but id probably get kicked out of my neighborhood if I tried fishing in the clubhouse pool. Great video, now to do some online shopping

[@DavidEButler]

Great video! Thanks! Would have loved to see a summary ranking of totals of each lure at the end.

[@MarshManMasson]

Good point. Probably should have included that. Here's the final standings: Speed Craw - 27, Z-Craw - 25, Baby Brush Hog - 25, Rage Menace - 22, Matrix Craw - 21, Brush Hog - 20, Sweet Beaver - 11, Z-Hog - 9.

[@DavidEButler]

You ROCK!

[@Lear356045]

Love ur vid!! gives me now a better knowing the action the Reaction beaver does!! not impress and I was using it a lot. The Rage menace I started using them during the 2018 summer and I LOVE IT. Seeing your video I know why!!! thanks for your greta work.

[@heathmartin3706]

Great video, Marsh Man. I have enjoyed both pool fishing videos, keep up the great work. Not too supersized with the results. I have fished most of the lures tested and my personal experience reflect your results. I hate to say this (wink-wink) but the super speed craw is even better. Now I'm on my way to pickup a few bags of Z-craws (color, top secret). Tight lines!

[@MarshManMasson]

The Z-craw was probably the biggest revelation. I haven't fished it all that much, but definitely will in the future. Thanks for the feedback!

[@anyanjr]

Very glad I found this video. Have been using the two worst ones predominantly and that will change!!!

[@larrywilliams6402]

I've found that what I think about how a creature bait looks don't make a lot of difference to a bass! They will let you know what they want- don't decide that at a pool. These things are rarely used in such conditions as we see here. Good job with the video!

[@timg2088]

I went out and bought some baby brush hogs as after seeing this! Fantastic video, and being from Louisiana is just a bonus!

[@Robjmar7]

Excellent video. Learned a lot. You saved me a lot of time trying to pick baits. Thank you so much. Going with the Zoom Baby Brush Hog creature bait, and the Zoom Z-Craw, Zoom Speed Craw, and Strike King Rage Tail Menace crawfish baits.

[@elonmust7470]

Yes! a person who dosen't switch hands every cast to reel a right hand retrieve! Subscribed.

[@ggwildlife]

excellent test loving the pool tests.

[@larrymlynch9608]

Nice video and techniques to observe lure action underwater. Good work! I subbed!

[@brandonthompson8413]

The baits with less action are FANTASTIC for punching super heavy cover. Doesn't matter what type of year. The Sweet Beaver is designed for almost no action.

[@Imbatmanmf]

You earned yourself a lifetime subscriber in the first minute

[@funkymojo111]

New sub! Thanks for the vid. Agreed with your observations.

[@5krunningdad769]

awesome pool videos. baby brush hog is my favorite

[@0017Bulldog]

First time viewer and now a sub! Good job man!!

[@MarshManMasson]

Welcome to the team! Thanks for watching

[@codyjohnson4116]

This past summer I caught 8 smallmouth bass on one Texas rigged menece grub, I believe they hold up pretty well

[@stephenholland132]

Just started using this in the UK for perch and pike. Great video footage, gives me a good idea of which baits to avoid. Been using mainly crazy flappers and they certainly bring out the bigger perch. Not yet had a pike, maybe a larger bait is needed. Thanks for a very insightful video. Tight lines.

[@bowhunter63sm]

Love the Z craw

[@bottomlinebassin2001]

I tell ya Mason the Z Craw is one of my favorites, jig trailer or flipping I just always catch fish with it. Good work brother!

[@rayadouno7811]

Best video on lures I have come across so far (I am new but been watching at least 100 videos so far) I like it, I can clearly see the motion and because of this video, I am shuffling my lures which i just got yesterday. So I can return some and get better choices too. Thanks for the hard work on your video! Only thing i will suggest is, do a demo of the technique on the rod, I guess this ir oriented for experienced people, but that would have been the complete package for a newby like me. Thanks again! Much Apprecciated! A question that came to my mind was, is it possible that those lures that didn't show much action or any at all, a different technique should be implemented for presentation?

[@bignick47331]

Love the rage tail menace works great on a drop shot

[@tysonbaker9702]

Did this remind anyone else of the old school lurkers videos? Lunkers*

[@gilbertgrape9969]

Tyson Baker Yes and I miss those

[@1960HikerDude]

Hey Granny. Jethro is fishin’ in the see-ment pond.

[@VCSportFishing]

Awesome video man thAnks. The beaver baits aren’t supposed to have hardly any action. We like to punch with these. Very few appendages to get caught up. Punch it into a mat give it 2 jigs reel in and onto another spot in the mat. Baits like a brush hog are nice but not great for punching. All those appendages get caught up. Matt Allen from tactical bassin explains the beaver baits vs brush hogs and craws pretty well in his flipping pitching and punching video. Keep up the good work though man. Loved seeing the actual under water action of baits I throw

[@707SonomaComa]

Great video. It's nice to see what the baits actually do underwater. I would definitely be using a bobber stopper to keep the weight next to the hook.

[@MarshManMasson]

I don't peg the weight for two reasons: 1) The fish is less likely to spit the lure if it doesn't feel an unnatural amount of weight, and 2) Throwing the hook during the fight is much less likely when the weight is free-floating.

[@jonboll2066]

Good video.. more pool videos!!

[@zachb5803]

Zcraw for the win not surprised I caught my PB on one as a trailer on a jig

[@jonboll2066]

Speed craw he said won though.. z craw is different one.. I do want to get some zcraws too

[@bobkulick127]

Great Vid!!! More more more!!!!

[@r.barefoot8386]

That Z-craw is also a killer as a buzzbait trailer. Has that nice kick and just enough bulk to provide a good target.

[@MarshManMasson]

I'm betting you're right. I often drag the bait along the surface, like a Ribbit, but have yet to thread it on a buzz bait. Will definitely give it a try!

[@SpookyRedz]

Love the pool videos , appreciate it too

[@bamadondon0495]

Need an angle of the lures falling as they hit the water an falling to see the fall action but over all nice vid.

[@HBeretta]

great video dude! i'm with you on the sweet beaver, felt the same way when i used which is why i switched to berkley's pit boss. that z-craw looked good...gonna try it now.

[@BeyondTheBoundsOutdoors]

Speed craw looks amazing underwater

[@cfbwarzone]

Id like to see some googan baits in there, maybe with some rage craws or other rage baits. Great video though, really nice!

[@pain_weaver]

Googan is trash

[@ricksauvage546]

Great video as always. It basically reinforced my pretty good judgement of different baits just looking at the design. I picked up a pack of the Zoom Z craws a year ago just because it looked like it would be a great compact bait that mash bass would eat. Those fins on the sides slow the fall down and allow you to stay i the zone a hair longer. I picked up the Speed craw based on one of you previous videos and I like it too. Thanks again for sharing.

[@MarshManMasson]

Have you fished the Z-craw a bunch since you bought that first pack?

[@ricksauvage546]

Honestly, I have not. I have great success with Berkley Power worms in the 4" size in particular. It may be mental, but, I believe bass hold onto a bait longer that has scent added. I won't fish any other worm; and the 4" curl tail seems to be the best size for most of the places I fish that have mostly small bass. But I have used the Z craw with success, in particular pitching to wood off the Pearl. I like the ridges on the claws, it makes them flutter more.

[@ricksauvage546]

BTW: Berkley also make a PowerCraw and I have had similar results with them as well. But the claw appendages tear pretty easily. Check em out too.

[@MarshManMasson]

Will do. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@mikegrieshaber169]

Great pool video!

[@jrloutdoors6685]

The sweet beaver is one of my favorite bed baits

[@drumandball]

Great video! Just shared it with a friend of mine.

[@jaijason8150]

anglers should at one point in time see how their baits "flow" underwater. Greatly enhances your connection with the bait.

[@MarshManMasson]

Definitely agree with you. It's eye-opening. It helps you visualize what's going on with your lure when you can't see it, which of course is almost always.

[@alequarichardson9378]

The sweat beaver is one of my fav only because of the distance I can skip it to get waaay back into large docks or into a large and thick overhang with a few inches of clearance

[@vinnyg-men5641]

When do you peg your weights, and when do you not? Great video. I'm like the Missile Destroyer. So much movement. Thanks.

[@MarshManMasson]

I peg only when I'm punching grass. Otherwise, I want the plastic free from the weight so it feels more natural when a fish sucks it in.

[@danluther1741]

Awesome vid. I might add. What looks "bad" action wise, may excell in colder water temps when subtlety reigns.

[@Mr40tt]

I agree with your opinion about your findings, based on my experience. I have no question your opinion of “which lures would produce a better results”, as it would be based on your experience also. Although on some days, the fish seem to have a different opinion. Thank You for the video!

[@emccloud70]

Thanks for this video. Do you recommend any particular attractant to use with these lures??

[@MarshManMasson]

I like imbedded attractants, but in my view, spray-on attractants wash off after two or three casts.

[@Shurmash]

Rigging the Strike King Rage Menace with the tail vertical is crucial. Moves so much water.

[@gregoryjones6143]

this was a good piece! great job!

[@kyleashbaugh8914]

Check out Netbait Paca Craw. I love the claw action on them, especially as a jig trailer.

[@johncoleman7308]

It’s literally the same as the matrix craw he used in this video. Same mold.

[@joeytaylor8767]

I watch you from Australia. I think you do the best job with home made underwater videos. Have you tested ned rigs?

[@robertrodriguez4587]

Punching the California Delta, the sweet beaver is my go to. The fish love it.

[@anthonysturm358]

I swear by the Berkeley havoc put boss. The cheapest craws you can find but they don’t catch fish under 4 pounds. Extremely durable

[@CallUrDrop]

Anthony Sturm completely agree

[@JD24230]

Pit boss is my go to plastic. Love em

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Yeah the zoom mini Z hog is a great chatter-bait trailer but other than that it’s for jig trailers with no action. Love the Z craw it’s killer on jig!

[@joshholcombe612]

I thought I knew what you meant with the orange cones lol. I use em to look like I’m “working”, park where I want and fish haha

[@jornelindberg5127]

Someone needs to do underwater paddletail comparison

[@pha7le]

Love the havoc pit boss

[@celestineaugustine8363]

nice

[@LowBudgetBassin]

New friend here! Love the content Man👍

[@lukeford2150]

The sweet beaver and the zhog are for flipping heavy cover and for jig trailers. They arent supposed to have alot of action bc when you flip heavy cover you want a compact bait without alot of movement so it can move through the cover better.

[@chadfromtexas5644]

I also prefer Texas rig for flipping (vs a jig or jig head), but I peg the sinker, and I switched to the Trokar flipping hook (you never miss a fish with the flipping hook)

[@Davo2233]

If you’re gonna peg your sinker fish a punching weight that has the little collar under it that has a hole for line and a collar made for a perfect skirt tie the Trokar flipping hook on below the weight and skirt put whatever type beaver or creature bait you prefer and you have the best flipping or punching rig ever it’s a jig with no need for a weed guard and a tungsten bullet weight from 1/2 oz to 2 and 1/2 oz.Try them. You will never fish a Texas rig pegged lead sinker again. Bye the way you hit the nail on the head about that trokar flipping hook! Those things are great. They will put a nice hole in big mommas mouth if you stick one with a flipping stick and braid. The other thing that I resisted forever because of cost that has made me a 100% better Texas rig fisherman was going to tungsten weights and fluorocarbon or braid. You know what everything is your bait hits. Mono and lead is like trying to drive blind.

[@hoxiedog]

one thing I wanted to see was the way I mostly fish a plastic craw, that is dragging it straight along the bottom without lifting the bait...crawfish (live ones) don't hop...they shoot backwards a few feet and stop, and when they stop the claws come up...also, there is a right way and a wrong way to rig a brush hog...slowly drag it across your finger and it will be obvious which side is up when you rig it...my favorite craw is a "standing yabby" by R2SEA...

[@catfishcolt8149]

Great video, I enjoyed it a lot

[@J-Burgerz]

Can we get a focus group of fish to give their ratings on these?

[@sparks2spare782]

Z Craw is my favorite. I’ve used the speed Craw as a chatter bait trailer, on a Ned head. I’ve even Neko Rig them at a pond I go to and catch dink’s. Speed Craw is so versatile!