Seems to me everyday is a new day. I've had days when the YM outfished everything else my partners fished. I've also had days where he fished a Chug Bug and outfished me 2 to 1 out of the back of my boat, with bigger fish too. There are other days when neither bait worked as well as a buzzbait or a walking type bait. It's best to have several varieties and if one isn't getting bit yet you "know" the conditions are right, change and try something else. Just like changing the cadence slower, faster or even dead sticking can mean the difference between catching a few or loading the boat.

I have fished with the YM for years and also fished with the LFT Magic popper for over a year (did testing and modification suggestions). To me they are pretty close to each other so now you have to decide what price point fits your budget.

6th sense Wake baits. Just started using them this last year and they are awesome.

It's all good to be excited and motivated but try not to step on your dangle in the process.

Chug bug black/red does the trick for me for shallow bass

This is probably the most accurate post in this thread, including mine!

I have never found a better popper or any topwater that out fishes a Yellow Magic. LFT popper or a sammy are my next 2 biggest fish producers.

Some great info on this thread. I learned that there are more than enough top water baits that people have confidence in. I now have plenty of suggestions for new top waters to try. For me personally, I've had the most success on a Yellow Magic. I stopped by a local tackle shop here in town and picked up two yesterday. I think they were 15.99 each or close to that. Then, I went to Tackle Warehouse and placed this order:

Lucky Craft Gunfish 95 Chartreuse Shad 1 1 15.99 15.99
Megabass Pop Max Ozark Shad 1 1 19.99 19.99
Megabass Pop X M Threadfin Shad 1 1 17.99 17.99

So, I have 5 new top water baits and I'm out $86.00.

I remember the very first time I saw a Yellow Magic. It was in the Lake Fork Tackle store in Emory. I told the guy I wanted one of those baits, so he threw it in the pile of stuff I had. When he gave me the total for the order, I knew something was wrong. I asked how much that bait was and he said 13.99 (I think). I about had a heart attack. That was the first time I had ever paid more than 4 or 5 bucks for a lure.

I'd take a Megabass Pop X or a Rico over all the other ones any day. The Lucky Craft Gunfish is a great bait as well. I also like the Lucky Craft waketail. However, sometimes you just can't beat a Zara Spook.

[quote=scott01]Seems to me everyday is a new day. I've had days when the YM outfished everything else my partners fished. I've also had days where he fished a Chug Bug and outfished me 2 to 1 out of the back of my boat, with bigger fish too. There are other days when neither bait worked as well as a buzzbait or a walking type bait. It's best to have several varieties and if one isn't getting bit yet you "know" the conditions are right, change and try something else. Just like changing the cadence slower, faster or even dead sticking can mean the difference between catching a few or loading the boat.


Your just talking crazy now Scott.

Back when I was guiding a client gave me a YM & a Splash it
both produce.I've had fun messing with other poppers trying
to make them spit like them.

yellow magic,then clear chug bug

Rico may not be better but every bit as good!

which is more productive, a hammer or a screwdriver...?