[Skeeter]

Ok. According to the site here, Takahiro used a Tim Hughes/Jeff Thompson (H&T) crankbait to help him win the Classic. However, the bait being talked about in all of the magazine articles and websites is a Bagley BBII. Do you think that Takahiro has an obligation to say the correct bait that he used? What is your opinion and why?
Skeeter

[JIGMAKER]

Give credit where it is due.

[alsworms]

Very strongly agree. Give credit where credit is due. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen much with major tournaments now. I think we'd be surprised to find out what some of those pros really use.

[siebler_custom_baits]

Yea i know guys use stick baits by other guys and they call them senkos hoping to get credit and maybe sponsorship from the larger companies like yamamoto

[WidowMaker]

I dont know about crankbaits or soft plastics. But you would be surprised at the number of semi-pro/pro fishermen who use jigs and spinner baits produced by the "little man". They were using them before they went big time in return they worked well enough to help them go big time. So why stop using them. Ive had a few guys tell me that when they are out on the road that their wives are busy at home pouring and painting jig heads and assembling spinner baits.

[cullin8s]

It all depends on what he has in his contract with bagley, if they are a cash paying sponsor then he would take care of them before taking care of someone who is not. I'm not saying its right, just saying thats how the game works, they have to make a living and that means taking care of those who take care of them. I have looked on Tim's site and can't find any mention of sponsoring Tak, that would lead me to believe even more that he would not get credit (not to be confused with not deserving credit) Maybe this is something we painters/luremakers need to think about when writing the agreements for sponsorship, to make sure the obligation exists to give you credit.

[ckarren]

Callin8s is right, but Tim Hughes/Jeff Thompson is also trying to make money off selling their baits not Bagley?s.

-Corey

[n2bassfishn]

Takahiro is sponsored by Lucky Craft, in articles I have read about the Classic they mentioned the fact that he was using the Bagley even though he isn't sponsored by them. Lucky Craft responded and said it doesn't mind their pros using other baits in order to win. As they see it, use what is necessary.
I fished a Tour event last year and I was surprised to find the pros I fished with caught their fish on one thing but then when they reached the stage, the said a totally different bait, one made by their sponsors.
I talked to one of them about that and he said some sponsors are very strict about another company's baits. He even said some even show up at tournaments and go through tackle boxes as sort of a surprise inspection and depending on the pros contract with the company, violators are disciplined accordingly.
This sounds a little extreme to me, I wish more corporations were like Lucky Craft, do what needs to be done to get the win, but the competition out there for sponsorships is tough and I guess some pros will do what they have to, to pay the bills
Now if Tak was using a custom bait instead of a Bagley, maybe he didn't mention it to keep it as a secret weapon for the next tourney.
But I'm sure if he did us it; H&T would like him to own up to it.

[Dean McClain]

I am willing to accept gray areas in many aspects of life: one who does not is obviously not dealing very well with reality. However, Bass tournament fishing's most basic tenet since day one has been honesty :!:, and IMHO truth and honesty should not be compromised at any level of tournament fishing, much less at the top. How does this reflect on the sport, what kind of message does this send? To BS is one thing. This is lying for financial gain. It has no place in tournament fishing, if the integrity of the sport is to be maintained!
Dean

[Richoc]

The Pro's I deal with like to keep my stuff secret.
They want the advantage in there boat not every ones boat.
Doesn't make me any extra $ though.
If they helped come up with a bait, I tell them I will keep it under the radar for one year.
Some of them resell the stuff to the other guys they work with but never let them know where it comes from in the first place.

It is a hard call on how to look at it.
They talk you sell , you get swamped.
That is what has happen to me in the past.
Also depends if this is how you are trying to make your living or just as a hobby.

A RCL event was won on my stuff this year and the angler dosn't even know my name.
But has hundred's of dollars of my jigs in his boxes now.
All went through another Pro that I work with.
Now they do not work together.
I have wondered if I should contact him or not.
Could use the sales, but my word to the first guy stops me from doing that.

It is a hard call because they are sharing with the enemy.