contraption for the traditionalist accustomed to spoons and plugs. But, within a year, the Tout was the hottest thing on the market. Many imitations quickly followed, and several elongat- ed versions by Texas companies im - proved on the stubby original. All soft plastics share certain virtues:
They are inexpensive and easy to fish, covering a wide range of depths (depending on jig weight). Most important, fish strike them with reck- less abandon. All plastics have several draw-
backs: They tear easily and don’t cast well for distance, tending to pinwheel. And, there’s the aesthetic issue. The soft tails, especially those impregnat- ed with scent, are sort of borderline “artificials,” not too removed from nat- ural bait. There’s nothing wrong with this. Most inshore anglers, myself included, use soft plastics religiously. But, compared to “hard baits,” they forfeit style points. Aesthetics aside, here’s the bottom
line: Probably more specks and reds have been caught on soft-plastic tails during the past 30 years than on all other lure types combined. And the Boone Tout gets the nod for starting the coastline craze. As a foot-
note, it’s odd that soft plastics took so long to dominate in saltwater. Plastic worms were SOP for freshwater bass anglers on nearby lakes and ponds throughout the 1960s.
were major factors in bringing us to where we are today.
Agree? Disagree? Make the case for
your favorite lures on the CCA Facebook page,
facebook.com/CCANational.
Probably more specks and reds
have been caught on soft-plastic tails during the
past 30 years than on all other lure types combined.
These are my choices for the bench-
marks in the evolution of Gulf Coast plugging. Of course, many innovative lures are out there and a fresh concept may be waiting beyond the next green tide. But I submit that these choices
All lures pictured in the story are from the private collection of Ben F. Kocian.
Joe Doggett was an outdoor columnist
at the Houston Chronicle for 35 years. He retired in February, 2007, but continues to write occasional guest features. He also is a contributing editor for Field & Stream, and senior contributing editor for Texas Fish & Game. Doggett's writing has been recognized by Outdoor Writers Asso ci ation of America, Texas Outdoor Writers Asso ciation, Associated Press, United Press International, and the Houston Press Club.
TIDE
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