Koppers Hfc Craw Crank...very Wart-Ish

[Quillback]

I went to the TW website to gaze upon them - they're sold out except for the least desirable chartreuse and red version. I'm visualizing hundreds of folks out on Table Rock, on the next warm day after ice-off, tossing HFC dads.

[dtrs5kprs]

I saw them on www.landbigfish.com Check it out.

Everybody forgets LBF. They have a huge selection, some decent sales. Often in stock when TW is not. S&H is not as prompt. Lots of good smallmouth gear.

Northern Bass Supply is another surprisingly good one for the brown fish stuff, all the way back to the Billy Westmorland show days. Among other things they have B&C hair jigs, full line Lucky Craft. Sorry Quill, one more place to look.

[Champ188]

Actually ordered my two Spinbait 80s from LBF. Glad to hear the good report on them. Always a little apprehensive of using someone the first time.

[dtrs5kprs]

Actually ordered my two Spinbait 80s from LBF. Glad to hear the good report on them. Always a little apprehensive of using someone the first time.

Have been ordering from them since 2006? 2007? Only things that occasionally come up are backorders-TW's site is much better about live inventory, and the S&H. There are some items they drop ship from the manufacturer, usually the more obscure things. They do have a rewards program also. Not a ton of points per purchase, but it does add up, and gets you on the sale list.

Which might not be good...

[Quillback]

I buy occasionally from LBF, sometimes they have stuff that TW does not. Their prices seem in general to be higher than TW, so I avoid them unless it's something I just gotta have. I really don't need any more HFC craws (I have 2), I just thought it was funny that TW is already sold out.

[dtrs5kprs]

They have been out off and on since January 1. LBF is a little higher, but of course they are up north. Add about 5% the 100 miles farther north you get of I-70

[Guest]

I don't mind paying a premium price, especially if it truly hunts like a wiggle wart.

Here's the deal, they totally missed on the paint scheme.

It leaves a lot to be desired.

So I would only buy it knowing that I will have to repaint it.

I can buy pre-rapalas cheaper, so I'm out.

If it really hunts like a dog, then I will buy a few.

[Champ188]

Picked up one of the root beer-chartreuse craws at Hook Line & Sinker in Rogers. Anxious to give it a whirl. The color should work pretty good in the Kings and maybe some river spots on Beaver. If not, I know where to get it painted.

[Guest]

Im anxious to hear feedback on its hunting action from our members.

If its a real hunter, Im going to buy a couple.

[dtrs5kprs]

Picked up one of the root beer-chartreuse craws at Hook Line & Sinker in Rogers. Anxious to give it a whirl. The color should work pretty good in the Kings and maybe some river spots on Beaver. If not, I know where to get it painted.

Couldn't take it any longer huh?

For comparison, first pic is, top to bottom:

Generic (in process)

Old Wart...very well loved

Generic (in process)

Brad's

Kopper's at right side of image

Next is, top to bottom:

Generic

Old Wart

Generic

Brad's

For the life of me, I can't remember why I pulled the Kopper's out.

Sides in final image. They hopped around on me, but you can figure it out.

Might also be useful if you are shopping repaints. Know what to look for. A generic with a killer paint job might still be worth $15-$20. But it also might not be tune friendly. Similarly, a listed "pre-rapala" wart without the "WIGGLE WART" under the bill might not be the real deal. There are painters I would absolutely trust in that circumstance (Hughesy, for one), but might expect others to provide a pre-paint job photo. It could certainly be inadvertently removed during the paint prep process.