Lucky Craft Pointer 78

The Lucky Craft Pointer 78 is a suspending jerkbait that possesses an erratic action that mimics a dying baitfish. The Pointer 78 jerkbait, from Lucky Craft Lures, provides an excellent profile and action to imitate a number of forage species bass feed upon across the country. The Pointer 78 is definitely one of the most popular jerkbaits for bass, but it also boasts a cult like following among lake trout fishermen who target the aggressive predators with trout and shad colored jerkbaits. The Pointer series of jerkbaits was designed with a very low center of gravity through the use of special brass weights. The low center of balance causes the lure to wobble and vibrate whenever the retrieving motion is stopped. The Pointer 78 is fairly small and quite light, therefore many anglers prefer using spinning gear when employing this lure. The application remains the same however, and retrieves, although highly variable, usually consist of a twitch, twitch pause cadence. The duration of the pause is the key to catch fish and should be decided upon by gauging the fish's response. The Lucky Craft Pointer 78 measures 3" in length and weighs 3/8oz with a diving depth of 4-5feet.

• Length: 3" (78mm)
• Weight: 3/8oz.(9.2g)
• Class: Suspending
• Belly: #6
• Hook Tail: #6
• Line: 10-12lbs

Within each Pointer 78 is the essence of Lucky Craft’s dedication to precision in design and function. “The Pointer 78 is Lucky Craft’s crown jewel,” says Skeet Reese. “As long as the visibility is 18 inches or better, I’ll have one tied on.” Due to its size and vast array of intricate color patterns, the 78 mimics nearly any baitfish, from shad and herring to sunfish and shiners. “Originally, the 78 was used as a schooling bait when targeting bass in open water during the summer and fall,” Reese says. “But as more fishermen began using them across the country, it became apparent the bait had no boundaries in terms of seasons, species or regions. It’s deadly on summer smallmouth in the northeast, pre-spawn largemouth in the south or wintertime spotted bass. It’s truly a universal lure.” Reese ties a 78 to a 7-foot medium action rod and casts it on 8- to 20-pound line. “Ideally a 78 will reach 4 to 5 feet on 8-pound test,” he says. “But if I’m jerking the bait around shallow heavy cover like grass or wood, I have no problem tying it to 20-pound test. It won’t go as deep, but heavy line does not impede the action.” Reese also warns anglers about over working a Pointer 78. “There’s no need to violently jerk or snatch this lure,” he adds. “It’s most effective side-to-side cadence is found with firm twitches and short pauses.” “It’s deadly on summer smallmouth in the northeast, pre-spawn largemouth in the south or wintertime spotted bass. It’s a truly universal lure.” — Skeet Resse