These Lures Have The “IT” Factor about Them!

[@LoopKnot]

You have the IT factor, It's something about the way you present , deliver, the tone of your voice, that make us viewers continue to watch your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@joncornell8880]

I agree.... by far one of the best youtuber

[@MattStefanFishing]

I appreciate that!

[@mikebottorff1909]

That's the same thing I was going to comment. I love all the content and no drama! Thanks Matt

[@Southwest.Angling]

I wish I could say what my go To is 😂 it’s not anything top secret but something about its profile never lets me down ( what you said about moving water ) and I think because it smells like old Chinese food 😅 Iykyk You are right about the max scent general. I often flip it into pockets in the pads and just wait and I’ll watch and see the pads shuffle around as a bass comes to pick it up. You actually turned me onto using a stick bait more and then I was unstoppable with it 😅 Okay here’s my list : The scum frog launch frog The swamplord Especially the popping version Of course a keitech The xzone swammer Zman palmetto bug The crush city bronco bug ( they hit that thing like they’re mad at it) A trick worm And lastly a magdraft And the berkely cullshad

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good baits!

[@markcohen6784]

Hey Matt, Have you done a video about modifying baits? Maybe making that bait having the " IT" factor! 😎😎😎

[@MattStefanFishing]

I have done lots of modification videos

[@raymondbradford4086]

The Dean Rojas Big Bite baits Fighting Frog has the It.. especially in tidal water along with a discontinued bait in the US .. is the Jackall Super Eruption Spinnerbait...😊

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@yoursoulmatters9600]

I said it before but the Yozuri Pin Minnow has the it factor. Both sizes but I have 50 times as much time with the smaller one. It's tiny but catches fish. I have seen dying or injured minnows that try to swim and end up on their side. And the IT factor of this bait does that. I miss the old FLW soft plastic baits as well, the green lizard put many of fish into my canoe. It was a green translucent and worked great in the lakes around me. North Eastern Indiana. I have also landed a number of big fish on the Purpleish Red Fleck Lizard from Berkley and have a lot of confidence in Powerbait worms. Their motor oil type translucent colors replaced my go to greens. I like worms that change color with lighting. I remember arguing with the friend over the color of a bait I was like are you color blind lol but it ended up of how you were looking at it. .

[@MattStefanFishing]

it is a good bait

[@RonJones-fi7en]

I wish they never stop the production of the original colors of chugbug’s. They have the perfect buoyancy & rattles.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed

[@itllkeal]

I found a bait that works better than a stick of dynamite during the wintertime. It's 2 sticks. They have the oh ..it factor. Great video. Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

two is better than one haha

[@fishinginkayaks]

would also have to say the chug bug and the 5 inch bang-o-lure, catch so many bass on these 2 lures all season long and also the blue and chrome rattle trap, have won large fish tournaments with this rattle trap, always have one tied on year around, the rattle trap is my best search bait for finding fish fast.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@dan5danPT]

Live Target made a 0-1 footer in their craw lineup that I can’t leave home without when fishing shallow weedy rivers!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I’ll have to try that one!

[@stevemetz115]

Not sure if you remember this one, but it was called Hanks Worm from Mann’s Bait Company. This was a killer soft plastic worm. I feel a lot of it had to do with the action it presented due to its tail. What an awesome fish catcher.

[@duanewitzlib9903]

There is a topwater called the zip n ziggy. Bought it because of the name but it's awesome for clear water smallies. You are welcome.

[@MattStefanFishing]

oh yeah! Good one!

[@mikebowen71]

Matt, Excellent video. When I fished tournaments I would only use those proven "IT" factor crankbaits. You are correct on saying two baits the same one will out fish the other. My "IT" crankbait would be a Lucky Craft: Fat CB DR Wide Wobble. Worm: Rogers Sneaky Snake 8" (og).

[@MattStefanFishing]

Those are great choices!

[@johnlantz7278]

5 percent lures that catch 90 percent of the fish an not just bass you know when the birds won’t stop chasing your bait the original chug bug white whit a red head ,with the lip filed an the sides thinning wow what a big bass catcher largemouth an small can not say no to speed walking this bait over deep water

[@rogercastle2434]

I modify Chug bugs by filing the bottom lip down. It will jump and become a fleeing baitfish. My it factor bait is an old Bagley’s 4” Bang-O-Lure. I can tease a fish up on that bait. My other it bait would be a Yamamoto Hula grub. I have caught tons of fish on that bait.

[@MattStefanFishing]

very cool ill give it a try

[@rogercastle2434]

@ make sure you use a split ring or a loop knot. Also, an old trick of mine is to take something like chapstick or Carmax and grease about 8” of you line in front of the bait. Fly line dressing works. Too but I usually have lip balm on me. Just rub a little on your finger and run your fingers up and down the line. It will improve any top water

[@scottreece2421]

Mine is a green pumpkin Zoom finesse worm with a dyed chartreuse tail. I can catch fish in my bathtub with it. Throw that thing on a short carolina rig. If I need a keeper or a couple of them, thats what I throw. Its AUTOMATIC. Has been for 20-25 years, maybe 30.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Sounds like you've got a winner there!

[@joeb7508]

Loved this video Matt! I read every comment trying to find that magical bait 😂

[@MattStefanFishing]

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@BenHolliday1]

Definitely the Chug Bug. I crushed them most of the summer on one. Totally agree on the Berkeley General too.

[@MattStefanFishing]

so good!

[@jasonnewport4844]

I took an old chug bug last summer, put some new trebles on it, and I got over 50 smallmouth on it in the 2 first weeks fishing a river local to me. Yep they still work. One of your other videos inspired me to pull some chug bugs out of an old tackle box. Too often we forget how good some of the old classics work. There's something nostalgic about catching a fish on an old classic plug. Brings me back to my youth when I was learning the fundamentals from all the old men whenever I could. Now I'm becoming that old man. Lol

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha i hear ya

[@brib_brib_brib_bri]

I'll add one more "it factor" bait from my experience that is also no longer made. The Yum Mighty Bug (both 3 and 3.75 inch sizes). This was a truly special bait for northern smallmouth, especially in rivers.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharng

[@brib_brib_brib_bri]

Great list. Can we all have a moment of silence for the XR and XRK50? I only have a couple of the originals left and I'm almost afraid to throw them. When I was new to bass fishing those xcaliburs were the very first lipless ever tried, because they were on sale at a fishing show. At first I thought lipless cranks were just awesome in general cuz I did so well on it. Then I later realized that most other brands didn't have that special something. And I agree on the booyahs. They LOOK just like the originals, and I get bites on them, but they don't seem catch them as good as the OGs in my experience.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@texoma_outdoors]

I hate to be that guy but the original chug bugs definitely out perform the current ones and I buy any I find. The newest it bait for me is the frittside, best squarebill out there. So many great baits that aren't around anymore sadly

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good ones!

[@VernAdderley-er2wu]

I have found the same results with 3 old chug bugs that I found on a clearance rack. They don't make these translucent ones anymore and what a gold mine for me. My buddy just goes nuts when I pull one out. They flat out catch more fish over any others I have.

[@MattStefanFishing]

That’s awesome!

[@DanielBoone337]

In my room at the camp I have a few thumbtack boards with pictures that go back to when I was a little kid. I also hang baits on them that I've completely wore out or I've caught really big bags on during tournaments or just fishing with family and baits I've caught some giant bass on. One of those boards has probably 10 or so Chug-Bugs on it they just get bit for some reason. I've got a bunch of Smithwick Rouges and older Wigglewart crankbaits which definitely have the "It factor" to me... I would also throw in the most of the Rapala crankbait for me they get bit when all the other crankbaits don't. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

That's awesome, I love those old lures!

[@rodneychandler82]

Absolutely love the Sakamata . For me it has it . Rigged with a light belly weighted hook

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome

[@truthsleuth271]

Try the Yo-Zuri rattlin vibe one knock lipless crank. I have great luck with it and the profile and sound seems nearly identical to the Excalibur. Also love the maxscent general but dang they are so fragile and expensive.

[@MattStefanFishing]

That rattlin vibe is a good one!

[@peterhing3608]

Great video Matt and I totally agree with the Chug Bug! I have the same bull frog colour lure for the past 20 years and it definitely has that "it" factor. I have tried to find the new versions from Storm but they changed the belly to orange vs the bone belly that I have that catches everything! Haha. I would also have to say a tube has that it factor for me. Beennusing for a long time too.

[@MattStefanFishing]

The tube is a classic, and you can’t go wrong with it.

[@farrzmd3038]

I agree about the sakamata shad. I was zoom fluke all the way plus $11 / pack played a part in why i was hesitant to buy. I bought a pack of 4” and 5” when they were on sale and was blown away. I’ve caught crappie, pickeral, snakehead, and bass on the 4”. I’ve used it on a drop shot, core tackle hover rig, ball head jig, and weightless. It draws fish. I can’t wait for late winter early spring to throw the 5”. It’s one of a few baits that I check daily for restocks of. ….. other “it” baits for me are the hybrid hunter, egu chunk, dolive beaver, and yo zuri lipless. They are in my get bit tackle box along with the sakamata shad. …. It’s funny because stick baits are the opposite of an “it” bait for me. I struggle with them. Idk if it’s because at my local spots 95% of anglers show up with only a whopper popper, chatterbait and a senko or what. But I’ve had better luck wacky rigging zoom flukes than stick baits.

[@MattStefanFishing]

That's a great list of baits!

[@josephhillman8831]

I have never seen a poper catch more bass than the chugbug i even use the salt water model to catch stripe bass and huge ones

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@yoursoulmatters9600]

Not sure if this is the right place for this comment, but we have a bait shop by me that is like a pro shop, they told me about the Root Beer crank bait shaped like a fat free shad something like that, but they had a fisherman that would visit the store once a year and buy them out of this bait over and over again. so for him the Root Beer crank had the IT factor.

[@MattStefanFishing]

That sounds like a great bait!

[@johndynneson662]

There. You go!!!! Core Tackle Lipless It’s It. Line 💪💪😀

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha

[@edwardcowan7012]

I received an SOB (Small Okiebug) Spinnerbait when I joined BASS in 1972. It was the bait that won the 1972 Classic and I think most of the Mystery Lake Classics were won with a Spinnerbait. Over the last 50+ years I’ve probably caught more bass on a Spinnerbait than all other baits combined. No specific brand and I make my own, the most productive would be a 3/8oz white/shad color.

[@MattStefanFishing]

very cool!

[@kevinbeaudean704]

Thanx Matt. Manns baby 1 minus (original)., bluefleck powerworn or a redshad culprit worm. New lures I gotta go with the Megabass SV 3.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good choices!

[@danchilds881]

Mine- and I have never seen one youtube video made on them. I love the ZMan PopperShadz! It can be an awesome snag proof top water. You have to use suoer glue from the get go... but worth it!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I'll have to check those out!

[@rickrobinson7032]

I've found the it factor in crankbaits. They look the same but something is different! It's crazy

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@martincaron7709]

Love the Chug Bug up here in Canada!

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@johndrx165]

For me, the Chug Bug, The Storm Subwart and the Bomber FatA 4F. I have caught many fish on these. A new one that I have found and killed them with over the last 3 years is the River2Sea Bubble Popper 65. All 4 are situational, but consistent in their effectiveness. I have caught at least 7 smallies 20+ inches on them in addition to many other fish.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Solid picks!

[@jonzimmerman798]

Great video!! Mine is the river2 sea bullywah frog! Don’t know why but I’ve stuck my biggest frog fish on it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Nice!

[@danchilds881]

Mine- and I have never seen one youtube video made on them. I love the ZMan PopperShadz! It can be an awesome snag proof top water. You have to use super glue from the get go... but worth it!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I'll have to check those out!

[@kyleayscue733]

This bait is definitely no secret, for me it's been the Bandit 200.👍👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

good one!

[@PistolPete3322]

Agreed!!!

[@CraigBauzenberger]

My it factor baits are a 3 inch slim Yamamoto senko on a # straight shank worm hook and 6 lb floro. or a 4 1/2 inch Zoom finesse trick worm on a 1/16 oz. shakey head again on 6 lb floro working slow.

[@MattStefanFishing]

That sounds like a great combination!

[@dclark583]

I agree totally on 3 you mentioned, one I've never used, the chug bug is awesome, that one guy came in second and the other college angler is going to the Bassmaster tournament, we're they fished Tim's Ford Lake 10 minutes from my house, that bait has always played on that lake, the minow I'll have to try!

[@MattStefanFishing]

That chug bug is a real winner!

[@kevingerrish7859]

I have a big collection of xr50s in the box. Its the only lipless I throw. Everything about that bait is great out of the package. What's your favorite color?

[@MattStefanFishing]

ghost

[@JamesBondDZero7Mi6]

I'd say the Heddon River Runt would be my "IT" bait for north-country fishing. It catches everything. The Mepps Black Fury is another confidence bait for me. For a bottom bait it's always the stubby ned rig.

[@MattStefanFishing]

love the old river runts!

[@tagg946]

I wish storm still made the original subwart, I’ve caught so many bass with them, and have had some of the most aggressive sub surface/top water strikes I’ve ever seen.

[@brib_brib_brib_bri]

Oh heck yeah. I forgot about the subwart. That thing was awesome.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good bait

[@cerebraltackle]

I made some cheddar on those Xr50's when they were finally bought out. The Zell Pops flew as well! The Chug Bug doesn't play either!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I like making cheddar

[@rousefire]

I have several discontinued baits that are hard to beat at the right time. Prop baits are great in the spiring . I have a half dozen new in box, Bomber Long A's with the prop on the rear. I kill them every spring with it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Those old Bomber Long A's are classics!

[@maricmario7009]

Hi from Croatia! With lures, big eyes are very important, so huge in fear.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@wdtaut5650]

The original Spence Scout, the wood one with the crazy hardware. The modern plastic ones are a waste of space. At night, I haven't found anything that beats a Jitterbug for topwater.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I love those old Spence Scouts!

[@rooterdaddy6889]

The old Bomber Flat A in the silver color. That is one kickass lure that catches fish when nothing else will.

[@MattStefanFishing]

They’re definitely a classic for a reason.

[@BassmasterSteven]

The strike king rage crawl, zoom speedcraw and zoom white ice fluke are 3 baits I catch fish with year round where I live.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Solid baits

[@frankfarris6485]

Good stuff Matt thank you

[@MattStefanFishing]

You’re welcome!

[@perrycook711]

Like you, I bought every one knocker I could find when they discontinued them. I went store to store

[@MattStefanFishing]

they are so good

[@johnhumphries6116]

The Devil Horse has the (it ) factor !!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Some do for sure

[@pinhookfishingclub]

Great vid!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Appreciate it!

[@paulenglish1741]

I'll tell you a lure that has IT, and that is a Jackall Pompador Jr.

[@MattStefanFishing]

it gets big bites!

[@tranzformedyouthtn]

Chatterbait evo tungsten!!!! Do you replace the hooks on that storm?

[@astrophysicistguy]

Original Norman Rat-l-traps, Zara spook, Gambler fat ace, Zoom flukes, Missile D bomb creature bait

[@MattStefanFishing]

good ones

[@johndynneson662]

Doug Stange Has been writing about this topic for years. Started with the paddle tail Swimbait body’s. The waters (( of course you know )). The water not always crystal clear. In all the articles that started writing on this topic. He’d referred it be called. I. Motion it’s the footprint that the fishes body how pushed water vibrations all that He said when he started using these paddles tail body’s on how big walleye bass would have them. Choked. Working with like Berkeley. They figured out that the see its profile follow it get up behind and Iff it Feels!! Right. Eat it. Of course this was way back before any high tech electronics we’ve got now. I’ve watched every video of lures going through the water on pick. How they do just that. !!!! Lot of times just swim off not commit Also me watching fish through the ice for hours. And throwing Muskie baits. Those sure reveal the biggest bass in the lake. It’s all fascinating.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@docbrown9054]

Just got my advanced rod building kit in the mail. Im trying to figure out what the best starting build is... I'm guessing a M spinning rod. I don't know what the best decision is. Everyone says your first rod will suck and just be nostalgic. What rod build is eziest, teaches the most, etc. I just didn't wanna get a $200 Matt Stefan combo and jack it up... am I over thinking this?

[@MattStefanFishing]

its not as hard as you think and you wont screw it up bad enough to not be able to use it. Its usually more cosmetic issues. I actually think doing a 7 ft MH baitcaster is one of the best and simplest builds. Like the MB843.

[@jonathanstewart9838]

My PB came on a Neko rigged General!

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@redboatdave]

Chug- Bug is IT on breaking fish they can’t resist IT

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@kryan318]

love that ole chug bug. lost my last original bug. the new ones are just not are as good

[@MattStefanFishing]

Agreed

[@wolverinex4243]

"It" means a lot of things like you've mentioned in this video. If "It" means catching fish, there is a lot of lures. To me, "It" means top generalizion and can catch fish anytime. Not going to kiss and tell, but some lures do have the "It" factor. Some "It" lures are the ones you've built or mod.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I agree!

[@scottperez2770]

Bill Lewis Rattls

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@wolverinex4243]

I can tell you that Xcalibur lipless is not the greatest. It is a great lure. You can still get them at high prices. Stickbaits? Only go with Senko. Bait to salt ratio is perfect. DrUrability? Not so. Berkley stickbait? I have no experience, but I cannot trust clones. Clones are great for scouting/burning. Once you've find that sticbait bites, go to the original. That way you won't waste money. However, I must say even Yamamoto baits are cheap in price for me. Probbaits of any kind will lose to the "It" topwater. Just gonna leave it at that. I'd be willing to say propbaits don't really have a place in Commiefornia where fishing is hard. I think I know the "IT" factors enough to make top lures. It's a culmination of many things like profile, sound, action, etc. You are right in same lure not catching fish.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing

[@williamknight5142]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@PistolPete3322]

Original wiggle wart.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Winner!

[@cgharden1]

Pop-r and devil horse.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good ones

[@dan5danPT]

P70

[@timbarthel7232]

Unfortunately the man's 1 minus. I've thrown other super shallow cranks that don't get bit. And the rapala floating minnow

[@MattStefanFishing]

thats a good one

[@jddarby007]

Karashi

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@johndynneson662]

Don’t forget the. Vision 110’s 110’ JR’s. +ones.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Good jerkbaits

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺👍🤠.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

I cannot give up my IT factor bait that I have found and been using this past couple years. I have spent so much time to figure it out, not to mention it’s damn near impossible to even get your hands on it. There would be some extremely angry people if I even mention this bait. If you’re fortunate enough to ever figure out what I did your fishing experience will never be the same. Sorry guys 🤫🤫🤫

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha ok

[@Daiwa_Is_King]

⁠@@MattStefanFishing 😂😂 na I’m kidding I’ve done really well on the bass puzzle grass piece with a sakamata shad as a trailer. It’s literally saved days for me when nothing else was working. Thanks for the video Matt

[@patrickcotter945]

Sassy Shad 3 inch

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@patrickcotter945]

@@MattStefanFishing many a time especially on the Roanoke ill throw one at the end of the day to avoid a skunk , my go to bait anywhere .

[@Raider243270]

JACKHAMMER over All others

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@squonto47]

Not sure why you included the Chug Bug. It’s an absolutely terrible lure. Terrible, I say.

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha