Greetings!
Welcome to the latest edition of the TTF Lucky 7! The purpose of this short letter is to inform the TTF nation of the Top 7 baits that are producing for our customers and pro-staffers throughout the Gulf Coast.
We combine sales figures from our retailers and online store with reports from the field to come up with our 'Lucky 7' list. It always helps to know what's 'hot' in your local waters, and we hope this helps you when you're stocking your tackle box for your next outing in the salt.
Here's what's been hot lately...
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1. Red Killer: #271 WHO DAT
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The Red Killer is one of the classic baits in the TTF lineup that's seeing a major resurgence as of late.
One reason for this bait's comeback is that more and more anglers are experimenting with new types of retrieves with this mullet imitation soft-plastic.
When fishing the Red Killer, don't simply cast it out and reel it in like you would a normal paddle-tail bait. Instead, try fishing this bait on a yo-yo retrieve for maximum results. Let the bait flutter down on a semi-tight line, and then slowly lift your rod tip back up, then repeat. This will give the unique tail design tons of fish-catching action.
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2. Killer Flats Minnow: #272 Phat Tuesday
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It's that time of year when hordes of hungry redfish are gorging on newly hatched, marsh-run shrimp. If you've got plans to hit the skinny water this fall, you'd better have a few packs of Killer Flats Minnows on hand. These baits are the perfect size for mimicking the maturing shrimp from the fall hatch. Try the featured Phat Tuesday color after a front during those high-sun, bluebird days. Go for a darker color like Pumpkinseed or Texas Roach in between fronts when the conditions get gloomy.
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3. BIG MINO: #223 Plum/Chartreuse
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With cold fronts making their way across the coast with increasing frequency, it's about time to start thinking about the cold, blustery, trophy trout-filled days of winter. Unlike fall when gamefish are keyed-in on smaller forage like shrimp and finger mullet, the cold temps of winter force fish to shift their attention to larger, more energy-packed meals. When that happens, you'll want to step up from smaller offerings like that Killer Flats Minnow or Red Killer to our bulky KFMXL. This bait is already seeing an increase in sales as smart anglers are stocking up on large-profile baits in preparation for the winter months.
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4. Hackberry Hustler: #268 Geaux Gleaux
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The Hackberry Hustler is still moving off pegs at a rapid rate, and our Geaux Gleaux color is leading the pack in popularity. If you haven't yet fished the Hustler, you owe it to yourself to give it a shot. It's long, upturned paddle tail and jointed mid-section make it one of the most versatile baits we've ever designed. The Hustler is right at home over shallow shell or grass for redfish, or fished near channels and dropoffs for foraging specks. Check out this video review of the Hustler from Texas kayak angler Jeremy Chavez.
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5. Trout Killer: #237 Bug Juice
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If you target big specks and you don't have a supply of Bug Juice Trout Killers in your tackle bag, you're missing out. This bait may have a funny name, but it's all business when it comes to catching fish. Year after year, this classic bait in this proven color tricks dozens of wall-hanger specks in the 8-pound-plus class. This specific bait and color combination is a favorite amongst guides from Texas, Louisana and beyond. During the fall and winter, die-hard speck seekers rig this bait on a 1/16- or 1/8-ounce jighead and work it slowly over soft bottoms with mixed shell.
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6. Killer Flats Minnow: #270 Opening Night
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If you're looking for the perfect combination of fish-catching appeal and a natural shrimp imitation, look no further than the Killer Flats Minnow in the Opening Night color. The light-purple back and silver metal fleck give this bait just enough flash to draw fish in. Combine the subtle color pattern with the compact size of the KFM and you've got a bait that will catch fish in just about any condition.
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7. Trout Klller: #271 WHO DAT
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The WHO DAT color makes another appearance in our Lucky 7 this month-this time in the Trout Killer shape. WHO DAT is a versatile color, but it's especially effective on sunny days. The gold back, chartreuse tail and contrast of the black and gold flecks make this bait an eye-catcher in both clear and off-colored conditions. TTF pro-staffers have been combining the WHO DAT Trout Killer with our new premium Mondo Eye jigheads in chartreuse to complete the package.
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Quick Tip
| Do you have any bad habits when it relates to fishing?
Check out this article to read about what some of Texas' top guides like Capt. Mike McBride, Les Cobb and others say are the biggest mistakes and bad habits they see their clients make.
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