Mepps Lures Chat
Category: chat
Dec 17th, 2002 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Dec 17th, 2002 at 12:00 AM
Jason_Smith: Welcome Chuck Nelson from Mepps to MF industry night……We have lots of good questions for you and your great product lines…..welcome and let start the chatChuck_Nelson: Hi everyone, glad you could all make itToddM: Any new products for 2003?mikie: Chuck, my dad fished Mepps for years for bass, did well. What do you have for muskies?Chuck_Nelson: Gander Mt. exclusive Aglia Long Musky Killer in 6 colorsToddM: coolOneida_Esox: How long is it??Chuck_Nelson: Musky Killers(single and tandems) Magnum Musky Killers and Giant Killers(single and tandems)Chuck_Nelson: Aglia Long Musky Killer is basically a baby Giant KillerJason_Smith: Magnum killers in tandems……NICEChuck_Nelson: great for burningMRoberts: That sounds very niceChuck_Nelson: Magnum Killers not in tandem yet, sorry if I miss typedChuck_Nelson: Rollie and Helens make the tandem MagnumsSchuler: Chuck, I noticed somewhere that some of the new mepps have glow blades…do they help a lot at night vs. regular blades?Jason_Smith: Those would be awesome….too bad….maybe in 2004mikie: how about in the slop? Glow better?Chuck_Nelson: The paint we use glows very bright and holds the glowChuck_Nelson: easy to see it coming backSchuler: any plans for glow hair?Chuck_Nelson: works well in low light, stained water and nightOneida_Esox: Glow blade is an awesome baitmikie: can we order off your website?Chuck_Nelson: Throwing any spinner into slop is hard unless you have seen the one Oneida has, oops, LOLChuck_Nelson: Yes, you can order off of the site, but I will let you know, it is much more expensivecrazycanuck: Any plans for using single hooks instead of trebles? I find hookup ratios to be the same and releases are easierGuest4791: how is the hooking percentage on the single hook top propChuck_Nelson: Single hooks have been looked into, but no plans as of yetJason_Smith: What about Spinnerbaits…..Is Mepps ever going into that market?Chuck_Nelson: The weedless super is actually a Mister Twister baitChuck_Nelson: As long as you wait until you feel them, the hook-ups are goodMRoberts: One thing I really like about the Mepps spinners is that they are all interchanable!Chuck_Nelson: that is ok guest, we own Mister TwisterChuck_Nelson: Mepps made a bass spinner bait several years agoChuck_Nelson: I would like to see it and I have put my 2 cents worth in, we will have to see where it goesSteve_Worrall: I remember that, I thinkGuest4791: what is the all around go-to mepps bucktail?Jason_Smith: okthanks…I wish they wouldOneida_Esox: Chuck, put a plug in for Buzz baitsChuck_Nelson: It was the Bass Killer, a great quality bait long before the market allowed a premium bass spinner baitmikie: wow, Mepps quality in a buzz bait; awesomeSteve_Worrall: If you can build a Muskie spinnerbait as tough as that lure was, it will be a winnerChuck_Nelson: The all around goto Mepps bucktail is the one that you feel most comfortable throwing, LOLOneida_Esox: For me the go to mepps is a Magnum Musky killerChuck_Nelson: Honestly, the old silver blade and black tail is probably the most popularSchuler: sorry my computer froze…is there any plans for glow in the dark hair?MRoberts: I don’t think you can miss with a Musky KillerToddM: Chuck, what size wire are the mepps made with?Chuck_Nelson: Sorry about that Schuler, forgot that question beforeChuck_Nelson: Right now no plans for glow hairSteve_Worrall: When did Mepps stop using the real silver on the blades of the straight line spinners?Schuler: dang, do you know if its doable?Chuck_Nelson: .063 I believeChuck_Nelson: I am not into all of the specific specs like thatChuck_Nelson: I believe that glow artificial hair is availableChuck_Nelson: but as everyone probably knows, all we use right now is bucktail and squirrel tailMRoberts: Chuck what about adding a little tinsil for a little extra flash? Ever tried?Schuler: does mepps outsell all bucktail companies?crazycanuck: I remove the rubber from rubbercore sinkers and crimp them onto the bucktail shaft to improve casting…….ever think of incorporating this into Muskie Killers and similar products?Chuck_Nelson: Actually I have a few tails with some Flash-a-Boo tied in itGuest4791: any acton on the jigging spoonsSteve_Worrall: How much for a squirrel tail these days? I used to sell a few each year there.Chuck_Nelson: No plans for it right now thoughChuck_Nelson: Mepps sells very well in the Musky marketSchuler: When did mepps get started?Chuck_Nelson: We do add some weight to the tandems now, they are brassChuck_Nelson: Syclops for ice fishing for walleye and perch, never tried jigging them for muskyChuck_Nelson: We need all of the tails we can getOneida_Esox: Chuck, any plans for Mepps to branch out into other styles of lures??Chuck_Nelson: price depends on quantity and qualitySteve_Worrall: used to bring in 25 at a time, greysChuck_Nelson: Mepps actually got started in France back in the 30’s if I am not mistakenChuck_Nelson: Todd Sheldon bought the rights to Mepps US late 40’s early 50’sChuck_Nelson: Oneida, that is not a fair question, it is loaded, LOLOneida_Esox: sorry!!!!Schuler: the hair on a mepps is tied to a hook as are other bucktails but some are tied to a coil…what advantages/disadvantages does tying to the hook vs coil have?Chuck_Nelson: Actually, yes we areMRoberts: Musky baits?Chuck_Nelson: I like it tied directly to the hook because it does not seem to come undone very easyOneida_Esox: I think tails that are tied to the hook seem to hook betterjlong: Chuck, any advantage to squirrel hair over deer hair?Schuler: good point, how many mepps employees accidently stab themselves in year requiring a trip to the hopsital?Chuck_Nelson: Yes Mr Roberts, Oneida has seen them, you have just heard about them, LOLToddM: schuler works for oshaChuck_Nelson: Squirrel hair seems to pulsate a little more, but does not take die as welljlong: Has Mepps ever studied the different vibrations produced by various blade shapes and sizes?Chuck_Nelson: I do not know of anyone that has had to go to the hospital yet, kind of surprising as we use VMC Cone CutsOneida_Esox: Chuck talked about a secret lure that is tearing up the muskies on the Ottawa river!!!!!!Chuck_Nelson: Yes we have jlongjlong: Any conclusions to those studies Chuck?Guest4791: any luck trolling the bucktailsGuest1098: Has mepps ever thought about making solid body lures like rapala or heddon?Steve_Worrall: Mepps has a very unique clevis on their spinners, did the company design that part?Chuck_Nelson: Magnum French lots of thump, French more hi pitched, Willow Leaf fast tinging, if these make any senseChuck_Nelson: best way to describe the noisejlong: Do fish respond differently to those different pitches/frequencies?Chuck_Nelson: We have people trolling bucktails out eastMRoberts: Jason, they all sound different and will all work in different situations. Chuck_Nelson: Not as of right now GuestSchuler: ever thought of using a wide willow blade on a mepps? Was my secret blade this year when no others could find fishChuck_Nelson: Yes we did Steve, that is kind of our own little secret, LOLSteve_Worrall: I have actually taken apart a Mepps to use thart clevis on a big bucktail…Chuck_Nelson: Yes jlong, water clarity plays a large partTrophymuskie: Any plans on making some huge tails like the eagle tails and the likes in the 10-12 inch range?Chuck_Nelson: Darker water was the MagnumOneida_Esox: Magnum is awesome in dark waterChuck_Nelson: Not as of right now SchulerGuest4791: how about counting them down in certain locations any tipsjlong: Why would water clarity affect vibe selection?Jason_Smith: Chuck, How much muskie fishing do yo do? and if so, does that help in product development?Guest1098: A tandem style magnum musky killer would be great for the market. I buy a tandem tail and place on the magnum blade body.Chuck_Nelson: Unfortunately the market does not demand it right now TrophyChuck_Nelson: Count down the Giant KillersChuck_Nelson: They run deep anyway and will stay downTrophymuskie: Whos trolling tails out east? have you ever fished up here? the big OOneida_Esox: The magnums also countdown very wellChuck_Nelson: Lateral Line jlongMRoberts: Come on jason, you know the answer to that. More thump needed to draw fish from farther away. Chuck_Nelson: Well, Boom Lake is probably home during the summerjlong: So if dark water fish are more dependent on the lateral line…. why is more thump better?Chuck_Nelson: We have some field staff trolling them, not sure of names. They have been doing welljlong: MR… if the fish living in stained water are more accustomed to using the lateral line… perhaps it is more sensitive and LESS could be better????Chuck_Nelson: Can’t exactly answer that one for you jlongjlong: Chuck.. do you at least have an opinion on the subject?Jamie_Schmidt: Chuck, how are the maraboo Mepps coming along?Trophymuskie: My first muskie bait was a giant killer, wish they made bigger onesChuck_Nelson: I think that a musky in dark water can sense that thumping more as it travels through the water betterjlong: Chuck… how long are we going to have to BEG for the Magnum blade in your yummy glow color?Chuck_Nelson: SSSHHHH, Jamie, LOLChuck_Nelson: Glow Magums available at Rollie and Helensjlong: Be right back… gotta log onto Rollie and Helens (haha)Chuck_Nelson: Glow blades available with any of our tails through RolliesTrophymuskie: anything new and exiting from Mepps in 03 like spinnerbaits and othersGuest1098: Tandem magnums? Tandem Magnums? Tandem Magnums?Chuck_Nelson: Well Trophy, we have Aglia Long Musky Killers that are a Gander Mtn exclusive in 6 colorsTrophymuskie: hmmmm maybe I can find one on the way to Pittsburg :-)Chuck_Nelson: The Aglia Long Musky Killers are Musky Killers with our size 4 Willow leaf bladesChuck_Nelson: Great for burningSchuler: what is the aglia long musky killer?MRoberts: Chuck you also rep for Mister Twister Right?Jason_Smith: Every tried combo blades?Chuck_Nelson: Yes, we own Mister TwisterChuck_Nelson: Tried combo-ing up our Musky Killer and Magnum blades, I did not like how they ranSteve_Worrall: What kind of paint are you using on the lure bodies?Chuck_Nelson: We are looking into 2 other types of spinners, one is weedlessTrophymuskie: I want to see those aglia long muskie killers, soon!Steve_Worrall: weedless…Guest1098: Mister twister ever making large musky twister tails and jig combos for late fall jigging?Chuck_Nelson: Not sure the actual brand SteveChuck_Nelson: I do know it is expensive and we bake them to make them durableToddM: Chuck, the spray paint for plastics, any new colors? black, white, etc?Chuck_Nelson: I have put a word in for them GuestSteve_Worrall: That’s what I wondered, looked like it is baked onJamie_Schmidt: Chuck…why don’t they package a few Twister tails with the Muskie baits…like they do with the Timber Doodles?Chuck_Nelson: Color Burst? Not white right nowJason_Smith: One thing I look for is “teaser” tails for my bucktails……I know Mister twister makes some good ones, maybe a combo kit for us muskie anglers?Chuck_Nelson: Black is actually hard to do, believe it or notTrophymuskie: Hey Chuck what percentage of your business comes from the muskie market?Chuck_Nelson: Good idea JasonChuck_Nelson: I will pass it alongGuest1098: How about pure orange?Chuck_Nelson: Very small Trophy, musky is a nitch marketChuck_Nelson: A good pure orange has been asked for GuestTrophymuskie: I actually had pike maniacs who had to catch muskies on #5s LOL and we didJamie_Schmidt: Chuck…is that Aglia long Muskie Killer heavy enough to burn…or do I need to add a rubber core to the hook shaft?Guest1098: Orange has been the best color for my musky hunting!Jason_Smith: TM..I have boated nice muskies on #5’sChuck_Nelson: A lot of labor goes into these baits and labor in the US is not cheapChuck_Nelson: Should be heavy enough for you Jamie, but with the way you burn, 2 ounces would be enoughTrophymuskie: I pay top dollar for my tails, hand made ones at that but well worth it. They don’t fall apart after a couple of fishJamie_Schmidt: (I was thinking 3oz)Oneida_Esox: Neither do MeppsChuck_Nelson: Our #5 Aglia is probably our best selling bait for musky/pikeTrophymuskie: exaclyOneida_Esox: I Had a Magnum this year that had over 20 pike and musky on it!Oneida_Esox: Still have itJamie_Schmidt: magnums are hard to burnTrophymuskie: #3s to #5 must be top3 in pike fishingJason_Smith: What color…OEChuck_Nelson: Bill Sandy is on my Pro Staff and had 40+ fish on one tail before changingChuck_Nelson: Very true TrophyChuck_Nelson: I will have a video at the Musky Shows this year where we have a 53″er on videoChuck_Nelson: we got that this past summerChuck_Nelson: Magnums are not a good choice for burning, will “burn” you outjlong: Chuck, any chance of beefin’ up the split ring on the Magnums and Killers?Chuck_Nelson: good question jlongChuck_Nelson: I have brought that up in the past and we were talking about that in the office todayChuck_Nelson: playing with different split rings to see what they doOneida_Esox: try some 4 million pounders if you have them!!!!!!Chuck_Nelson: Oneida, MRoberts and I talked about that this past late summer, early fallTrophymuskie: when are we going to see those weedless baits?Chuck_Nelson: Not sure if they are a definite go Trophy, we put a good 3 years into our baits before releasing themMRoberts: They don’t need to be bigger just sprung tighter.Chuck_Nelson: I just came up with this one the very very end of last yearSteve_Worrall: sure would like to see that one, though!Jason_Smith: Does Mepps and Mister Twister have a website?… if so what is the address?Guest1098: Why are mister twister topwater prop combos in musky size so expensive?MRoberts: I have used the weedless tail from the Super Top Prop with a musky killer body, it works great.Chuck_Nelson: www.mepps.com and www.mistertwister.comTrophymuskie: well Chuck you can always mail a few out my way and I can tell you if they work ;-)Oneida_Esox: Chuck, I gotta go, keep up the good work at Mepps and thanks for a good chatjlong: Giant killer that is. The willowleaf.MRoberts: Did the split rings recently change, because i have never heard of this problem until this year.Chuck_Nelson: I have a Magnum Giant Killer Prototype, it is a beast to retrieveGuest1098: I’ve seen topwater mister twisters for as much as $25 bucks WOW! Is this because of labor cost?Chuck_Nelson: changed the way they were put on Mikejlong: Need field testers (wink wink)?MRoberts: Maybe the extra thump of the Mag blade cause the ring to vibrate off easier. All the failers we saw where on the Mag bladed baits.Chuck_Nelson: No guest, someone trying to make a good buckMRoberts: Got you!Chuck_Nelson: Actually jlong, I am always lookingRAZE1: Chuck, ever hear about drilling tiny holes in the bladesChuck_Nelson: Been there done that RAZE, LOLjlong: Just give some to MRoberts… and I’ll make sure they mysteriously disappear (haha)Chuck_Nelson: I am also a charter captain, I love to experimentRAZE1: A tip I heard 20 yrs agoOneida_Esox: Chuck it was fun other than the Hockey kids causing a few problemsJason_Smith: Chuck Nelson, thank you for sharing with us on Industry night here on muskieFIRST. You did a great job and no doubt have a product line that is a proven producer. Thanks and see you at the shows!Chuck_Nelson: Thank you all