Pool test: Which twitch bait is best for speckled trout?

When shrimp have vacated the marshes, hungry speckled trout key in on baitfish, making subsurface twitch baits exceptionally productive this time of year. To find out how some of the most popular look underwater, Marsh Man Masson went back to his neighborhood swimming pool and worked them in front of a GoPro.
The results were eye-opening.
Order your favorites here:
Rapala Twitchin' Minnow: amzn.to/2HZd9bd
Paul Brown's Original: amzn.to/2OY7x1D
Pal Brown's Fat Boy: amzn.to/2uNLJfD
MirrOlure MirrOdine: amzn.to/2UvVQEp
Paul Brown's SoftDine: amzn.to/2I1NrD0
MirrOlure 52M: amzn.to/2K99mtO
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[@noncched6839]

In the future can you do a brief view of how you are working the rod for the different techniques you are using? Great video.

[@wreckanchor]

Just finished fishing Lynnhaven in Va Beach for speckled trout this week and the H2O Softee was AMAZING. Best day of big trout fishing in ten years. Good call Mr Masson thank you.

[@travistraveltramp8833]

I love these pool tests. I'm really going to have to try a couple of these out. Thanks for the insight and tight lines.

[@ReelinTension]

Bend the tail down a little on those Paul brown. Also if not using a loop knot definitely start as it does indeed make a difference. The Paul browns are made to work really slow. That h20 looked really good under the water. Thanks for the video good job

[@erikmcdonald2434]

Great fishing information for the coming winter months.

[@bpvittor]

Yes sir! Another great pool video. I love these videos.

[@media1groupDC]

Another great vid Todd! You and Joel make a great team!

[@jjjacobs7807]

Great video. Eye opening

[@my31and37]

Really enjoying your content...Thanks!

[@dylansassman7486]

Bend the tail on the corky's down to fine tune.

[@pathoffman6537]

Rock on MM.....always informative. I would have like to seen the rod action and knot on the lures. Keep it coming.....

[@HOOKEMINTHEMOUTHKAYAKFISHING]

Nice 👍 video! Great info !

[@buddychaw-chaw3453]

This is how to do it! please do more of these videos!

[@richardhernandez9249]

Wonderful video, heading out at 4 am to wade fish and purchased these baits for trout and redfish. Subscribed!

[@randallpinkfloyd7225]

Great content! Thanks!

[@mathieunguyen4373]

Great video 👍

[@jamesbrownlow8587]

Love the pool test videos. I’ve become more confident in a few bait types because of them. I’ll be trying the X-Rap

[@MarshManMasson]

It'll definitely spend some time tied to the end of my line as well.

[@bobgill4069]

Great video, love these underwater comparisons. Really helps me in deciding what I should spend my hard earned money on. Very glad to see the H2O Xpress lures doing so well against the Mirrolures and Rapalas. The mirrolures and rapala might as well be gold plated and have diamond eyes for what they are charging for them. If you ever do a new one include others like the Sebile Stick Shadd, which is apparently very popular on the east coast, some of the Yo Zuri offerings, and the Sea Striker Got-cha plug that seems to be very popular.

[@KrisHarperShow]

I'll have to check out that Softee and X-Rap. I've had great success with the Soft Dine and both Corkies. They absolutely get hammered!

[@ethansmith7659]

I slightly bend down the tail end of my Paul Browns, I honestly believe you get more action and it’s not as willing to rise to the surface. Great video

[@jeffjohns6529]

love all the vids you make your last pool vid the pool was clean

[@MarshManMasson]

This pool is clean April through October.

[@cmcnair23]

MR17 is my hands down favorite and I do switch out the hooks to inline, but I do miss some bites, but it doesn't make a mess like treble hooks do.

[@ckaz2806]

Great video! I been using the Hover shad for a few years and really love them. Great bait for trout in the Indian River in Florida, and have caught pleanty of stripers in the Chesapeake on them as well.

[@MarshManMasson]

Do you change out the hooks?

[@bpvittor]

Has H2O Started using a hook other than the VMC? That was always one of the greatest draws of their hard lures. They used to come standard with the VMC salt water 4x hooks. I think the softee jr sizes came with cheaper hooks?

[@ckaz2806]

I have changed out all of my treble hooks to in line VMC coastal black hooks.@@MarshManMasson

[@emmanuelwatkins890]

This man is the trout guru I swear👌🏾🙌🏾

[@jimbobakabrutus1230]

I know an old man here in SE NC that could catch a trout in the middle of a highway... some got it, some don't.

[@Big88Country]

Like you, the 52 series didn't look that impressive, but I have caught A LOT of big trout on these lures up here in North Carolina as well. Thanks Marsh Man!

[@kayakjoe]

Very Useful video- particularly interesting is one can hear you talking above the water when recording under water. I will definitely be more quiet on the water from now on

[@TheMass33]

Nice 👍

[@davidserna5192]

Awesome video 👍🏽.MMM can you do a video on the trout support lure

[@mrnotsoperfect2190]

I do a good amount of fishing but your pool Test videos are responsible for me spending about $200 already

[@Billy-zr4xk]

Hey, I got a question. So a couple weeks ago I bought two of those mirrolures and I realized one has a popping sound and the another has a rattling sound. Would they have different results and are they different models?

[@lnomolas3427]

I have been pleasantly surprised at the Academy brand lures (H2O Express), they work well, appear to be well constructed and the price is hard to beat. My only complaint is that I know they are all made in China, which is not ideal. Personally, I would prefer to pay a bit more for made in the USA.

[@thebayoudiaries8389]

Me too. One of my favorite lures is a H2O Express lipless crank. Good action and came with VMC hooks.

[@kikstand2011]

I have been straight killing the trout on the h20 suspending jerkbait in tomato. Like....100 fish days. They don't see the thin, bass style jerkbaits often.

[@truthsower4560]

A lot of stuff that are made in China are a lot better than the stuff made in USA these days! I bought a St Croix rod six years ago, since everybody was bragging about how great St Croix rods are, but the very first fish that the rod has caught a fish with the rod tip broke! I called their customer service, but they never answered the phone and they never respond to the voicemails that I left for them. Never again would I ever pay $200 again for a rod simply because it has a "Made in USA" sticker on it! I have eight "Made in China" rods and they are all awesome rods, one made by a Chinese company, three made by Japanese companies, and the rest are made by American companies. Three of those rods I have had them since I was in middle school -- going back 30 years ago!

[@jesussavesrick]

I use braid to fluorocarbon leader for all fishing techniques, except twitch or jerk style baits. I run straight mono which stretches and adds another lifelike dimension to the bait action. Higher than 8 is too thick and it doesn't stretch/twitch as well.

[@Bulfwyne]

"That rake is tooo Strong sir, we're gonna have to copywright that rake for special ops purposes ... i mean ... for "Vacations" ... (sarcasm) ... LOL love the Rake inginuity :D

[@bvoisin]

Did you tie a loop knot on that MirrOdine? I always use a loop knot on anything that doesn't have a split ring. It really frees up the bait to become erratic. Great channel. Keep up the great work.

[@davidcantu1594]

Any update? How has that H2O done vs 52MR? And how about just a straight comparison on just twitching and one on sub surface walk the dog... there are some colors and techniques that look good to us, but fish might want something else... just want to see what's been working best for you.

[@BamaRockstar85]

I think the x rap twitchin was the best looking. I like how it tends to stay more in that upper column of the water opposed to like the mirrodines that wanna chug deaper

[@twinfish2061]

Dang triple M don't tell to many folks about the H20 it's my go to lure all year long!

[@joejohnston1776]

Can you do one on which live shrimp is the best.

[@LouisianaHookNShoot]

Todd what knot do use use to attach the lure? Loop?

[@TideBaller]

I hate your videos because I'll stay up all night watching them!

[@MarshManMasson]

Yes, but they give you such sweet dreams ...

[@TideBaller]

It's education at it's finest. Keep up the good work!@@MarshManMasson

[@ricks9263]

Great video. I have very little to no experience throwing these type baits. What would trigger you to select any of these baits over a jig/Matrix shad? Is it weather or water conditions? I rarely use any baits with treble hooks; the Rapala with single looks interesting. I guess I am stuck on stupid, but nothing that I am currently aware of would make me think to break one of these baits out. I'm asking sincerely; I want to know why and when I should be thinking about these type baits. Thanks.

[@MarshManMasson]

For me, these baits have a couple of applications, but this time of year, I like them over flats, particularly in the afternoon during rising tides. Would a soft-plastic work in those situations? Probably, but these baits shine when fish are a little sluggish and they can't resist something that suspends in front of them and then darts off. You can't really mimic that with a soft-plastic on a jighead.

[@michaelbradshaw9066]

How were they tied on? Loop knot or something else?

[@jimelmore9728]

I’ve been fishing with 52mr11’s 18’s 21’s and 24’s all my life and never twitched them. Slow retrieval with the rod tip down. Caught thousands of Speckled Trout.

[@Legend-fk1jv]

what’s the reel used in this video

[@jimrussell1246]

People also need to remember that the fall rate will be slower in saltwater.

[@captoscar.estringel]

You need to tune both the Paul Brown Lures. Much better action

[@geraldlewis8536]

I’m thoroughly shocked by the mirrodine and the 52. I fish almost exclusively with Mirrolres and have had success with them. I’m thinking I could be doing better, though.

[@johnkarges8829]

I think it would have been better to throw the MirrOLure 51M or 51MR against the other twitch models, since it’s also a nose-tie instead of top of the head and therefore runs shallower.

[@matthewbowie8906]

Great video, I caught 8 today off Soft-Dine, lost a big girl. Had the H2O soft plastic same color but didn’t through it. By looking at the action under water, I will be putting it to use next time. How about doing the soft and hard bodies shrimp.

[@MarshManMasson]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpO0YqFjlrWigas

[@matthewbowie8906]

Thanks, the Hover shrimp is the bait I wanted to see. I wasn’t impressed with it either. The soft part under the shrimp separated from the hard plastic after a couple of cast. Thanks again!

[@ZS-rt8xi]

You have to bend the nose and tail down a bit on the corkys. That’s what helps to keep them down. Are you sure you even fish?

[@captainstevecrowder1571]

Here in Jacksonville, the Mirrolure stuff is pretty popular. I don't like any of them. Ive been fishing Rapala Xraps for years. Vastly superior baits.

[@jamesbarron1202]

I won 3 MirrOlures yesterday. I dont fish the salt. Have you ever bass fished with them? Im thinking of putting lighter wire hooks on them to slow the fall and try them alongside my jerkbaits.

[@MarshManMasson]

Which style of MirrOlures are they?

[@jamesbarron1202]

@@MarshManMasson MirrOdine, MirrOminnow, Catch 2000 and a YoZuri brand twitch bait

[@MarshManMasson]

Bass will hit all of the above. I've used the MirrOlip a bunch in fresh water.

[@mrnotsoperfect2190]

That first bait really reminded me of a ripstop

[@joncarter8524]

I've been wanting to try the Versamaxx corks after watching all your videos, but want you to get get credit for sending me over. How do I do so!?

[@noncched6839]

You wont be disappointed with the...... contact Steve Kisse on FB and tell him you saw him supporting Marsh Man Masson and your like to support him. He takes orders over the phone.

[@MarshManMasson]

I really appreciate that, Jon. You can either go the route mentioned above, or simply order at Versamaxx.com. I fish the Bolt for one reason: It's the best cork out there.

[@KillItandGrillIt]

Pearl white jerk shads have been tearing up Trout for me on Highland Bayou in Bayou Vista Texas.

[@KillItandGrillIt]

Natural VUDU shrimps have worked the last few days as well.

[@calebcrochet5896]

The H2O bait surprised me , looks good underwater, as did the X rap.

[@MarshManMasson]

Both H2O Express Hover Shads surprised me as well, although I'll probably change the hooks out. The stock ones aren't the best.

[@allentufts8799]

@@MarshManMasson First thing I do with them is replace the hooks and they work well in the marsh.

[@twinfish2061]

The hooks are VMC I've had good luck with them, of course they will wear out and get fatigue after countless fish..

[@mypronounismaster4450]

Now I want to buy a rake.

[@Delprete2]

Bummer cant find the H20 anywhere.

[@travisperry4515]

From what I understand those corkys are intended to be worked painfully slow.

[@steveholidayworld2346]

Travis Perry cold water on drop offs

[@dubttv-dill-pickle7051]

Make a video with Matrix top water and shallow water drivers.

[@bentleyfatheree1616]

You did not bend the Corky's tail down, or the fat boy tail down. I fish with all those baits and hands down I catch more fish on a Corky's

[@germican8084]

You should of added a yozuri 3ds

[@bobsmoot2392]

Interesting. I used to test lures in my pool, but... I don't see any trout in the pool. Let's check with them, to see what they like.

[@davidhanlon1158]

How about a catch 5 from mirrolure

[@barrywuthrich8530]

What if more erratic = more misses?

[@conraywest]

Why a 1 for price on h20 express??

[@joeblerone]

Needed yozuri. Great test though.

[@tarpontime7562]

The Louisiana boys don’t use Yo Zuri. Lol.

[@erniski]

you should check out the unfair lures rip and slash. You ever heard of it or use it?

[@MarshManMasson]

I haven't used it. You like the topwater or the suspending bait?

[@bpvittor]

I second that! Slow suspending rip-n-slash is by far my favorite. Followed by the natural mullet H2O hovershad. I’ve had some of my best days on the water with those baits. Build quality on the mirrodine is disappointing. They quickly fill with water and the rattles go silent. To me this is a case where the knock off (h2o) is the superior option.

[@erniski]

Marsh Man Masson the suspending bait. The 70 mm rip-n-slash and I like their jerk baits. I also wonder if their shrimp would work under a cork.

[@bijiaz3168]

Please do a video on soft plastic jerk baits！

[@tobystephens5499]

Caught some fat trout the other day on the jerk bait, definitely the lure for winter!

[@MarshManMasson]

What kind of jerkbait?

[@timsmith259]

why couldn't you catch any leaves in your pool

[@stealthwalker007]

Different depths, the aggression of fish each of them baits work. Some times fish dont want to chase a erratic bait

[@MarshManMasson]

Oh, OK. I guess they're all equally good.

[@raybees72]

No Matrix Minnow??

[@MarshManMasson]

We'll do lipped jerkbaits in a coming pool test.

[@hokuinsai4299]

Matrix Mullets are great 😎🤙🏾

[@ETuss713]

The irony or watching this and the comments about "never fished a softdine" after ypur recent video with Chris.

[@wfdjmcgee125]

Probably get better walking the dog results with flouro. And also you’d probably see your 52MR perform better and wouldn’t have to fish it as slow since the flouro doesn’t float like mono. You probably know all of this but 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@franciscocruz2910]

you miss : rapala tiwchin rap , glidin rap , xrap subwalk Yozu ri : 3D twich inshore Livetarget : twichin mullet

[@agave1314]

🐸✝️

[@raybees72]

Never heard of walking the dog underwater before. That a thing?

[@MarshManMasson]

It's not my preferred method, but it's how many anglers fish them.

[@tarpontime7562]

@RayPoboy DaCook. Yes sir. Walk the dog with a catch 2000 when there short striking at top water. They’ll knock the 💩 out of it!!!!

[@Hardballleather]

The best bait is the one they're hitting that day.

[@mischief1023]

I hope the pool boy doesn't watch these videos.. Haha hehe lolol

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

I vote MirrOlure ole school 52MR, so trout can clack their teeth on it and MISS all three trebles aNd NOT catch them......😢😢😢😢😢 I'll just use a shrimp. LIVE.

[@demetriusdougar4129]

Soft dine is deadly for us in Texas. And check out the heavy dine.

[@MarshManMasson]

Soft-Dine definitely performed well. I was impressed with it.

[@greenemann3869]

Inline hooks are a disaster. They'll reduce hookup rates drastically.

[@dr.bowdoin3067]

You got to bend the nose and tail

[@rgvcaster]

A more scientific process would be doing the same at bass pro shop.

[@usamedicine]

Great video, however, whatever looks good to you may not look as good to a fish.

[@MarshManMasson]

Well, obviously. But no angler is going to fish something he doesn't have confidence in.