When I say the the "next big thing", I'm actually talking about the next bait that catches fish like crazy!

There are those standards. The ones that get it done. Like the Rapala, the Berkley Flicker Shad, Salmo, and Northland. I guess I'm really trying to dial it in so we're talking the next big bite on a crankbait. Seems like there's always that one crank that does a better job than anything else.

I remember when it was a big husky jerk I'm talking 12, 14, 16 even 18! There was the Smithwick Rogue Perfect 10! The Reef Runner, the Wally Diver, the Rat-L-Trap and more…I've watched more people on shore fishing with some goofy odd looking thing I've never seen or heard of before catch more fish than me, using what's hot!

Here's a little secret: what's hot is marketing! Don't get me wrong, all of those companies that are marketing the next big thing have done their research! Their pro staff and R & D staffers are working hard to create baits that work. Baits that work better than the last one! That's a good thing and it's good for business! Business is good and it keeps the world spinning.

Last Saturday I walked into my neighbor's cabin and on the kitchen table were a pile of brand new crankbaits still in boxes. I said, "well would you look at that" and he turned around immediately and said "Shhhh. That's a secret, don't tell anyone!" His secret is safe with me but I walked out of his house thinking I don't have any of those! Better get some, they could be the next big thing. But how many and what color? My answer is three and something in white!

Does your tackle box look the same every season or is like mine ever changing?! Does that new secret bait work wonders for me? No. But but at least I have it in my arsenal and that gives me confidence and confidence is key!