Giant Baits for Jumbo Speckled Trout texas saltwater fishing, texas fishing, wadefishing, wading, bay fishing, speckled trout, redfish, snook, tarpon, texas redfish, texas speckled trout February signals the month most serious inshore fishermen get dead serious about chasing trophy trout. It is also the time of year when the bait is virtually void of small prey items. As a result, trophy trout are quite accustomed to eating full-grown mullet and pinfish during winter's waning days. In an effort to match their lures as closely as possible to the available forage items, anglers have traditionally utilized `big baits' when chasing big trout in February. However, recent years have seen the introduction of several oversized inshore lures that make traditional `big baits' seem diminutive. Before hitting the flats this February, trophy chasers should consider adding one or more of these `monster baits' to their arsenal. DOA BFL (Big Fish Lure) - The name of this lure says it all - it was created to catch big fish. In fact, lure designer Mark Nichols says it took him a decade to perfect it. Measuring just shy of 8 inches, the BFL certainly qualifies as a `monster lure.' The BFL is a true swim bait. It's soft-plastic body is fit over a through-wire body insert, giving it a realistic `feel.' The jointed body also lends itself to a natural swimming motion. Unlike many other `monster lures,' the BFL sports just a single treble, as it's natural shaped tail makes a rear hook impractical. However, the oversize black nickel treble hook on forward section offers plenty of hooking power. Like several of Nichols' creations, the BFL is designed as a multi-purpose bait. The lure is packaged with 2 different size plastic bills. When cast without a bill, the BFL functions as a dog-walking surface lure. The small bill causes the lure to dive to 3 feet, while the large bill makes it reach 5 feet. The BFL is offered in five colors. Like most `monster baits,' the BFL is substantially pricier than typical lures. But, when it's pinned to the maw of a monster trout, it's $15.99 price tag looks worth every penny. Heddon Magnum Spook - The Magnum Spook is a `monster-size' version of the ever popular Heddon Super Spook. Measuring 7 inches long and weighing in at 2.5 ounces, the Magnum Spook is quite a payload. But, when probing deeper, murkier flats in search of monster trout, casting the Magnum Spook is worth the effort. Anglers should work the Magnum Spook with the same walk-the-dog action as the smaller version. However, a slow cadence works to both preserve the angler and give sluggish fish an opportunity to gather the courage necessary to attack such a beastly bait. The Magnum Spook is actually not the largest Spook in the Heddon lineup. The company also offers an 8-inch, 3 5/8 ounce Super Magnum Spook. Both versions are made of wood, which offers a distinct rattling sound when the bait is walked. The Magnum Spook and Super Magnum Spook are both available in 8 colors. The Magnum Spook retails for $14.94, while the Super Magnum version sells for $17.24. YUM Money Minnow - The YUM Money Minnow made its reputation by producing big catches in professional bass fishing tour events. However, it effectively imitates a number of saltwater baitfish as well. And, during the winter, when the bay is filled with large baitfish, the 6 1/2-inch Money Minnow is an excellent offering for big trout. Throwing over half a foot of soft-plastic actually doesn't require any additional weight. And, most often, Money Minnows earn their keep on shallow flats. When fishing Money Minnows unweighted, use either a black nickel worm hook or a weightless Stanley SwimMax hook. However, if a bit of weight is needed, it is important to realize a standard jig head won't have near the reach to put the hook point where it's needed. Anglers wanting to use an open hook jig head should use a longshank model such as those offered by DOA. Fishermen wanting to keep their Money Minnows weedless should opt for the Stanley SwimMax heads. These heads are offered in a variety of weights and in hook sizes up to 7/0. The 6 1/2-inch Money Minnow comes in 12 colors. The price for a three pack is right around $10. Bomber Magnum Long A - Many Texas saltwater fishermen are familiar with the Long A. However, the Magnum Long A is basically a Long A on steroids. Instead of measuring the 4 1/2-inches that the `standard' (15A) covers, the Magnum Long A stretches a full 7 inches. Like the smaller version, the Magnum Long A floats. It can be retrieved in the traditional twitch-and-pause method or with a slow, steady retrieve. The bait is capable of diving to 3 feet with a steady retrieve. The Magnum Long A comes in both a solid and jointed model. The solid model is offered in 26 colors, while the jointed version comes in 16. The Magnum Long A retails for about $9. As an aside, Bomber also offers a `Heavy Duty' Long A, which measures 6 inches and is also a quality choice for trophy trout. Bomber A-Salt Popper - Although it is technically a popper, the Bomber A-Salt Popper can also be retrieved in a side-to-side walk-the-dog motion. In fact, the tail weighted design of the A-Salt Popper makes walking the dog remarkably easy. The Bomber A-Salt Popper comes in two sizes a 6-inch model and a 7-incher. Both cast mile and cause plenty of commotion when retrieved. The one draw back to this bait is it lands like a bomb detonation on the water's surface. This rules it out for most shallow water duty, but it's right at home in waist- to chest-deep water, particularly if there is some surface chop present. Both the 6- and 7-inch A-Salt Poppers are offered in 8 colors. Several of these colors are good for use on Texas bays, but the silver/chartreuse/pink color scheme is especially productive. The A-Salt Popper retails for around $8. Creek Chub Super Knucklehead - More than just a upsized version of a traditional lure, the Creek Chub Super Knucklehead is a one-of-a-kind lure model. Essentially, the Knucklehead is a jointed popper, with the juncture coming just behind the lure's `head.' Knuckleheads are available in three sizes: 4, 5 and 7 inches. Although all three sizes have a place in Texas bays, for the purpose of `monster' lures, it is the 7 incher that grabs attention. The Knucklehead can be retrieved as a popper or made to swim using a steady retrieve. Either way, the Knucklehead makes lots of noise regardless of how it's retrieved. So, though it may not be the best choice in clear, skinny water, it is a great bait to throw in deep or off-colored water. Essentially, any time you need to “get their attention,” the Super Knucklehead is a good choice. Super Knuckleheads are available in 9 colors. Each comes with a feather-dressed rear hook. The Super Knucklehead retails for right at $20 (the 5-inch standard Knucklehead runs about $12). Cordell Redfin C10 - Cordell Redfins have long been favorites along the Texas coast - among trout fishermen in particular. However, most of these anglers have thrown either the CO9 or CJ9 models - each of which measures 5 inches long. The C10 looks and acts identical, but stretches a full 7 inches, making it a great choice with trout are chasing full-grown mullet. Besides being the lure model most Texas anglers are familiar with, the C10 Redfin is also the lightest of the `monster lures,' weighing in at just an ounce. This can be a benefit or a detriment, depending on the prevailing conditions. When approaching fish on shallow flats during calm conditions, the C10 Redfin is absolutely the best `monster lure' to throw. However, when the wind is gusting near gale force - as it frequently does during February - this bait can be a bit tough to cast for distance. In general, fishermen should use the C10 just as the would the CO9 or CJ9. It can be retrieved with a twitch-and-pause motion or with a steady retrieve. Besides familiarity, the other great thing about the C10 Redfin is the price. At around $5, the C10 is by far the most affordable `monster lure' on the market. Given the price, anglers can afford to buy one in several of the 7 colors it's offered in. All of the baits detailed above should certainly be considered `special use' lures. Their size simply precludes their use in most situations. However, when fish are feeding on big baitfish, it can certainly pay off to throw a big bait. texas saltwater fishing, texas fishing, wadefishing, wading, bay fishing, speckled trout, redfish, snook, tarpon, texas redfish, texas speckled trout