O.K. I'm turning to the pro's here. Is the Osprey a good investment for a swimbait "beginner"? I'm looking at the 9" model. I know they catch fish, but is it like other baits that I'll have to replace after 1 or 2 big hits? I'll be throwing it on a Shimano Cardiff 301 with a 7'6" 1 piece heavy rod w/25 lb big game. It's the only rod I can come up with right now. Does this sound like a good start. I just can't afford those $30 slammers right now. The Osprey is on sale for $11.99. I don't know what colors they have, but for the price I figured I couldn't go wrong?! Thanks for any input.

osprey swimbaits an the ms slammer are two completely different trout plugs. the osprey sinks...slowly but it does. the slammer floats. you can't really choose one over the other. you kinda need both. both plugs are for different applications. it seems like more fish are caught on the floating plugs. whether that be because ppl don't have as much confidence in the sinking models or the sinking models don't just get hit as much. ~Angler Andy

You'll probably find more 'educated' trout plug responses on Rob's other CalFishing 'Trophy' site (click on the 'Calfishing.com Message Boards' link at the top of the Bass-n-Tubes Forum site & look for the 'Trophy' page). Not to say that some of the tubers here can't give you some good advice, as well. It's just that more guys on the Trophy Forum probably have more experience with the nuances of the different plugs and their uses.

In addition to that, you might want to check out the latest BASS WEST issue. I just got mine in the mail over the weekend. It's got all kinds of good stuff on the big trout plugs (Byron Velvick's on the cover holding up a big hawg with an Osprey (I believe) hanging out of its mouth). They have a half-dozen or so different articles from different CA fishermen -- Mike Long, Bill Siemantal, Byron V. and others -- all with their different perspectives, tips and tales of how & when they use them, what modifications they make, sources for the various plugs -- all sorts of good, useful information!

Heck of an issue! Got me *all* excited! :o

- jeff

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