Top 5 Artificial Trout Lures

A recent comment left on the Trout University's Top 5 Artificial Trout Lures suggested that theSuper Duper Lure by Luhr-Jensen should be on the Top 5 list. The Super Duper Trout Lure was invented by Luther-Jensen.

In 1942, Luhr Jensen Sr. was 41 years old and the grip of the Great Depression had strained the ability of his family's fruit growing business to support them. With time on his hands and a manually-operated printing press, for which Luhr had dies made from old truck parts, the skilled angler began stamping, assembling and polishing meticulously crafted salmon spinners. The knowledge behind his spinners assured their performance and the quality of their construction solidified their value. Friends and associates began demanding them, and so a business was born in his little backyard chicken coop factory. Read more about the legacy of Luhr.

The Super Duper Lure was first recommended to me in 1989 by an old time fisherman that I found fishing in Deep Creek near Bryson City, NC. He went on to say that the best place to use them would be on Slickrock Creek where they were irresistible to the trout. After his prompting, I decided to try them in Slickrock Creek in Western NC, which is a stream known for browns. So I purchased a few of them relatively cheaply and made the long hike into Slickrock Creek. Since I practice catch and release trout fishing, I clipped off two of the hooks leaving only one hook, and then I proceeded to Slickrock Creek.

I choose to take the southern route to Slickrock Creek which necessitates a hike along a narrow ledge about 8 or 10 feet above the water. As I was inching my way over the ledge, my backpack lurched to the right nearly causing me to take a nasty fall. In the process of saving myself from the fall I wrenched my knee causing a severe injury.

As I continued to my destination, I kept wondering how could a twisted piece of metal possibly attract a crafty brown trout? The lure does not in any way resemble anything edible for a trout. I know that the browns are not capable of falling for anything that odd. Also, I was suspicious of a mountain fisherman giving up the name of his secret lure so easily. After all, the only thing that I did for him was to offer him an apple. With my natural distrust of fishermen giving up secrets, and my bias toward metal, coupled with my frustration and hurt resulting from the injury, I may not have given the Super Duper a fair trial.

Sure enough, after a few casts it did not live up to my expectations, so I went with my favorite brown trout lure, a yellow 1/8 oz. Rooster Tail. I was able to catch and release several nice brown trout that day. As a result of that experience I declined to list it as a Top 5 Artificial Trout Lures on the Trout University web site. Since then, however, I have heard some others recommend the Super Duper so I started to do some research and here is what I found about the Super Duper.

In the world of trout fishing, if there ever was an "America's Lure" it may very well be the Super Duper. Its simple unconventional "U" shaped design catches water and creates a wobbling swimming action that game fish find irresistible. Equally effective cast or trolled on light line, the Super Duper will take trout, bass and panfish in a variety of water conditions. A deep selection of finishes assures the Super Duper will perform on your local waters. Corrosion-resistant finishes ensure these lures will maintain their rightful place in the top trays of your tackle box year after year. It is available in 1/12, 1/10 and 1/16 oz. weights and a variety of colors. Super Duper lures are available at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shop as well as other outfitters.

Please use the comments form to weigh in with your thoughts, should the Super Duper be listed in the Top 5 Artificial Trout Lures in the Trout University web site?