Being a bait maker I am always interested in trying other people’s baits. I find it fascinating to see other people’s ideas and innovations all come together.

It is also very fun to take a new bait you have never used before and see what makes it tick, by learning how to fish it best.

I went out with a friend the other day to do some taping of one of my prototype bluegill baits in action. This will be up online very shortly here just as soon as it gets edited together.

Anyway he brought along a couple of The TyLure Kicker Trout baits in the 8” floater and sinking versions.

The first thing I noticed about Tyler’s baits are the paint jobs – or more like 'glitter jobs'. Coming from the world of custom bikes, I can appreciate the Bling, as I have spent many hours spraying glitter onto motorcycle tanks such as this memorial bike for Johnny Chop at Custom Design Studios in Novato (before I left to follow other dreams).

Back to the swimbait: the next thing I noticed was that it was very strongly built, which is a plus in my book. It also has a unique hook-keep for the former treble hook, now a double hook, nestled on the front portion of the bait – interesting, I thought. The rear and bottom fins are made of really strong durable plastic and there is a second eyelet for a second treble on the mid-section of the bait.

To be honest, when I saw the bait I was not immediately sold. I have a habit of picking out everything I see wrong with something before I see the positive aspects (sort of my character I guess).

The floater really came to life when it hit the water. It has amazing action. Not too many baits do this, but even at rest the bait moves just ever so slightly. A good trait I would say. I was also able to make the bait do a number of cool things. I think a lot of people really don't play around with retrieves enough; I like to spice it up.

The slow sinker has a pretty good cadence to it, it can be twitched and paused for some good results or burned down slightly which gives it sort of a subtle action which I would describe as close to an original AC Plug.

I highly recommend getting a hold of one of Tyler’s baits. He not only has the 8” Trout, but a 6” Trout and a 5” Pan Fish series. Check them out: TyLures