best hard bait manufacture???

[captainhook813]

looking to get some new cbs and topwater baits any ideas on the best ones and why?

[20_lb_sack]

The best one is the one they are biting that day, problem is it's not any one bait.

[Phoenix Jim]

depends on your budget. Lucky crafts to me are by far the best but cost the most. They are quality baits. Strike king makes decent baits if you are on a budget but you will get some bad baits. Academy sporting goods make some good lucky craft knockoffs for under $5 and you can buy them here from Al Basser

[steve1206]

A Lucky Craft is hard to beat for quality, availability, and selection. But I also have non-LC preferences for certain types of baits. It would be easier to pinpoint if you pick an exact bait-type/technique. You can fish very effectively, obviously, without touching a $15+ bait. Component/hook quality, paint finish, consistency to run perfect out of the package, or just plain "it fits the situation"...these are a few of the "why's".

I'll just throw out some baits that are VERY good without purchasing a Lucky Craft (and there ones I throw a lot even though I have a ton of LCs)..
Strike King Red Eye Shad for lipless.

Spro Little John DD, Fat Free Shad, Norman DD-222sand Strike King Series 6 for deep cranking.

New Zara Spook One-Knocker for topwater.

Rapala Shad Rap and Storm wiggle wart for late winter cranking.

Bandit 100, 200, and 300s can cover a ton of your cranking needs.

You can get Bagley original series or KVDs new sqaurebills for less than the LC RC series.

Hope this helps a little. I'm sure I left plenty out.