What these baits might have fetched last year on eBay, Introducing the Basstrix Fat Minnow Paddletail Swimbait.

Basstrix Fat Minnow Tube: But really, no discussion of non-weighted swimbait bodies would be complete without mention of the Basstrix Fat Minnow Tubes which despite being in existence for several years prior, just exploded onto the national scene a few short years ago to such an extent that it was impossible to get any for the better part of a year. This of course, spawned a plethora of similar products. Well, the craze has died down a bit and we were finally able to get our hands on some to see what the fuss has been all about.

Action: The big deal about the Basstrix paddletail? It's an enclosed hollow bodied tube with extreme detailing and just the right tail to give the bait an unorthodox, swimming, wobbly motion that just seems to drive fish nuts. Some of the similar baits tails only swim at certain speeds, some don't wobble, some wobble too much, but the Basstrix seems to have just the right combination of all the above factors plus unmatched detail in color patterns to demonstrate what quality is all about.

 
What's so special about the original? Part of it is in the finish...

Fall Rate: The other beauty of this bait and others like it is you can custom tailor the fall rate with your rigging of choice. Be it on a weighted hook or jighead or other, these baits will go where you want when you want but it's up to you to figure out how to rig it to get the most out of the bait and your presentation.

The other part is in the bait's action thanks in part to a properly sized tail.

Application: As with most lures really, the Basstrix minnow is best close to cover. Because of its size, it can be pitched up to and under docks, flipped into the weeds, and really, put just about anywhere you want. It's also a great bait to toss on spinning tackle for those uninitiated or just averse to baitcasting tackle.

These translucent colors are unmatched.

Features: The real benefit of the Basstrix product is in the superior finishes the baits possess. We understand it is a multi-layered process to produce these baits hence the time constraints in creating large quantities and when looked upon closely, you can really see the difference. Does a detail like this garner all that much worth to justify the shortfall craze? Well, apparently to many, yes, but only you can be the judge for yourself.

From every angle they are quite extraordinary.

One last look...

Conclusion: The effectiveness of these baits is undeniable and really, required little verification for us on the water. Really what we set out to uncover with our purchase of these handful of baits was to check out some colors and the quality of the baits, and in this, Basstrix did not disappoint one bit. It's hard to imagine the difference that can be made until you hold an original in your hand but when you do, when you hold a Basstrix paddletail in your hand in comparison to many of the other similar products now on the market, you can see why this bait has been so highly sought after. The realism is simply outstanding.

Next Section: Optimum Bait's Double Diamond