Lucas’ championship bait

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As he is slamming the door to his first Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, Justin Lucas gives us an inside look at the only lure he's weighed fish on at Lake Chatuge.
As he is slamming the door to his first Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, Justin Lucas gives us an inside look at the only lure he’s weighed fish on at Lake Chatuge.
The Berkley Cane Walker is a topwater pencil popper that rattles, flashes and rolls its way over feeding bass.
The Berkley Cane Walker is a topwater pencil popper that rattles, flashes and rolls its way over feeding bass.
He said the colors are fantastic, and the Chatuge spots and largemouth will eat about any one of them.
He said the colors are fantastic, and the Chatuge spots and largemouth will eat about any one of them.
His rig includes 30-pound Berkley X9 braided line, which is critical for making long casts and solid hooksets.
His rig includes 30-pound Berkley X9 braided line, which is critical for making long casts and solid hooksets.
The backbone of his outfit is a 7-foot, 6-inch, medium-heavy Abu Garcia Veritas.
The backbone of his outfit is a 7-foot, 6-inch, medium-heavy Abu Garcia Veritas.
He said a long, powerful rod is important to setting the hook when a fish eats at the end of a long cast.
He said a long, powerful rod is important to setting the hook when a fish eats at the end of a long cast.
“The rod is a Winch model, which is built for running baits with treble hooks,” he said. “It’s strong enough for rigorous hooksets, but provides a slight delay so you don’t rip hooks out of the fish’s mouth.”
Lucas uses a
Lucas uses a “Crazy Alberto knot,” which is a solid line-to-line knot. He said the reason for a leader is due to the extremely clear water in Chatuge. The invisibility of the fluorocarbon line reduces the number of fish that spook away from his offering.
The leader then goes to a Chrome Cane Walker. He chose that color because it kicks out maximum flash that when matched with the internal rattling system really drives the bass crazy.
The leader then goes to a Chrome Cane Walker. He chose that color because it kicks out maximum flash that when matched with the internal rattling system really drives the bass crazy.
Lucas' reel of choice is an Abu Garcia Revo STX in 8.0:1 gear ratio.
Lucas’ reel of choice is an Abu Garcia Revo STX in 8.0:1 gear ratio. “Since the water is so clear, making extra long casts is important,” he said. “And the bass will eat the bait way out at the end of the cast. Being able to pick up line quickly to make a solid hookset is a serious consideration. The STX gets the nod from me.”
That's his rig top to bottom. And interestingly, he's not weighed a fish on any other presentation. Clearly it's working well.
That’s his rig top to bottom. And interestingly, he’s not weighed a fish on any other presentation. Clearly it’s working well.
He also said he keeps a pair of pliers handy to change out hooks, which happens a few times each day. And to help remove hooks from the extremely hard bass lip. Spotted bass are known for having a hard mouth, and these Berkley pliers get the job done on both accounts.
He also said he keeps a pair of pliers handy to change out hooks, which happens a few times each day. And to help remove hooks from the extremely hard bass lip. Spotted bass are known for having a hard mouth, and these Berkley pliers get the job done on both accounts.
He also said his Humminbird and Minn Kota command center has been absolutely essential in locating and staying on feeding bass.
He also said his Humminbird and Minn Kota command center has been absolutely essential in locating and staying on feeding bass.