Testimonials

www.wincoscustomlures.com


I tried the new Helgraleech bait from Wincos during this extremely hot summer. They produced some decent bass despite the poor fishing conditions. Rigged w/ a 1/4 oz. Flutter head, It fished in the rocks very well with nary a snag. I managed smallmouth as well as large mouth with it. It is a well put together innovative bait. This seems to be norm from Wincos. AL, thanks for another great bait to add to my arsenal. 
B.H. -Pa. -1


Hit the gap solo at first light this morning. Water conditions were perfect and the weather couldn't be much better for a summer morning wade, I was hopeful that the fishing would be just as good. The first fish of the morning succumbed to the buzz and the river darter junior. The action was a bit spotty from 6-7 but after that things began to heat up and the darter ran away with the show. The remainder of the morning consisted of me casting and reeling in fish. At one point I went 4 for 4 on consecutive casts. This morning was not about the size of the fish it was all about the numbers... I fished till 1030 and then called it quits. 37 fish were landed on the 3.75" river darter jr and 3 on the buzz. The most notable fish were 14-15", while the majority were typical D summer smallies. I have a feeling that in the next couple weeks the bigger fish will be out-competing the smaller ones as the shad continue to grow. Now is the time to get out if you are looking for some good summer smallie action, just make sure you talk to Al and get ya some of the river darters before you go. 
F.R. -Pa. -2


Al, I have to tell you about this.  I just got back from a week long trip with my dad.  Caught fish on the river darter 4.75 inch until they were all gone, caught fish on the W.W.S.D. and C.W.S.D. until they were all tore up, caught fish on my Wink's Walker . . . I can honestly say I caught hundreds of smallies on your lures last week-  made a believer of my dad and his friends.  You'll be hearing from me soon so I can order more darters, I love the sjb bite. 
M.R. -Pa. -3


Testimonial from Mexico:  Posted from Anglers' Inn Lodge at El Salto, at 1233 pm.  Sorry, keyboard is Spanish and strange to me.  Did anybody hear three long yells at 9:30 am? That would be me. I caught an 11.3 bass on one of Al Winco's Magnum Wacky Stick worms.  Yes, I nearly had a heart attack. And yes, he nearly got away about 15 times.  It took a million years to get him in the boat and my husband is green with jealousy. He is also extremely happy and proud of me, to be completely truthful about it. He has vowed to get another 12 pounder like he got last time, and start up the ladder again.
    Al, the wacky worms cleaned up this morning, absolutely cleaned up.  We must have caught 85 fish on them this morning.. The O ring installed, which comes standard on that model worm, makes a huge difference. We ran out of Winco's and had to buy a Japanese company's worms here, they fall apart like wet Kleenex. . Yours went on and on and on....awesome.

V.T. -Pa. -4


 Al your baits have changed my life. Prior to speaking to you I was a chunk and winder fishing mono in 30' of water, getting jigs stuck in the rocks and loosing lures. Al, you make great products. That Bubba Craw reduced snag jig is a killer for both LMB & SMB and- the CWSD series of jigs is awesome for smallmouth bass in the offshore rock piles. I don't know why people would not give your lures a chance (they are missing the boat). Your soft plastics hold up better and last longer then any I've used on the market.
    I spoke to Al a few weeks ago and he asked me if I was using the Sonar blade baits he had made for me, I said "No" and he asked me "Why not." I told him" I was still using the CWSD jigs"- he also asked me what the water temperature was. I told him it was 52 degrees and he asked me why I wasn't using the Float n' Flies that he made for me.  I told him "Neither the Float n' Fly, nor the blade bait , had been working for me, and I was ready to throw them in the bottom of the lake."
He asked me how I was fishing them and I told him. He informed me I was lifting them up too high and fast. He explained the proper way to drag them for 5-8 wiggles-then pause and exactly the way smallmouth bass hit them. The next few days - BOOM!!!! I loaded the boat. In the rain, cold wind, flat calm it did not matter. We caught four fish that were over 18 in. in 48-52 degree water, and at a depth of 12-16 ft. of water-providing I fished them as Al had instructed. I only lost three blade baits in one day. I called Al from the lake to order 16 more and was delivered at my house by the end of the week. I can hardly wait for springtime to try the new Bronze Bushwhacker spinner baits.
R.W. -WI. -
5


  "Here is the deal. So I posted on epfr.net about loving Senko baits. After chatting with Al I decided to make the switch and ordered his 4 1/4'' Stickworm Jr. It only makes sense. Al's baits are stronger sink faster and hold up so much better then a Senko. Winco's are where it's at. Catching the same amount if not more yet going through half the number of baits as normal, yet at almost half the cost. Al you have got a great product. Thanks for having me switch to the Winco way of fishing/Catching!"
K.B. -Pa. -6


Hello Al, my friend, got the package of lures today.  My husband and I had a great time looking over all the great stuff; thank you so much for all your help in choosing the colors and product for our lakes -  and thank you for making up a custom mix of weights of Bubba Craw rigs.  Really,  I don't know where to stop appreciating your customer service, because you were so giving of your knowledge, experience, and passion about the sport. I am sure we will be giving you excellent fishing reports. Thanks for  all the extra samples, and the demo samples to show us how to rig.  I just don't know where to stop.  What an amazing value, and what an amazing resource you provide. 
V.F. -Pa. -7


I fished the Neshaminy Creek today -late morning/early afternoon. Started out with some topwater nothing. Then jerk n minnows and wacky creek worms nothing. Tied on a Winco Stone Cattie and picked up 10 smallmouth right away. This is a hot lure.  I've used it on two occasions so far and each time it caught some fish for me when nothing else seemed to be working out. Thanks Al.
H.T. -Pa. -8


  The Bubba Craw,,, First cast with one put a nice 4 pound LM in the boat. You probably heard me laughing all the way over at your house. Nice bait ,,,I crawled it around in the rock and did not get hung up at all. My nephew also got a LM on one today. Tuff bite this AM.
B.H. -Pa. -9


For the last 12-14 months I've talked a few times with Al about artificial stone cats. Al and I talked about colors, sizes and perhaps most - how to rig or hook them so that they fall correctly. I had a modified jig I pour and Al had his own ideas and put far more time and $$$ than I ever did. When he finished the lure, he sent me 3 to try.

This weekend I hosted my daughter and her friend. They were using another "modified" bait I made and catching fish and I figured about an hour into the trip I'd toss Al's new Stone cat. Second cast I caught a 15+" smallie, (I think I was the FIRST person to ever catch a fish on this new Lure). Two casts later, I landed another decent fish, and then I tossed it in real fast current and bumped bottom, at the swing I had a vicious strike. After getting it in, it was just a mark shy of 18" and was the best of the 30+ bass we caught in 3 hours Saturday morning. The 4th bass came about a dozen casts later, but he tore the tail off and that was the end of the story.
C.G. -Pa. -10


Al,
Thanks for the great lures. Here is two photos of each 20 7/8 fish caught on the
Bubba Craw . "Bubba Craw , what more can I say, I caught 21 smallmouth bass, 17 inches to 20 and 7/8 inches. In six hours in 57 degree water temperature. This lure out fished my buddies lure 4 to 1 !"
R.W. -WI. -11


About 3 weeks ago I ordered a Bubba Craw Kit from Al and have used them in two lakes nearby my house with amazing success. One of the lakes holds some very big largemouth bass but is a hard lake to fish. Many bass fisherman including myself get skunked often. Well let me tell you I've been killing them (just an expression C&R only) on the Bubba Craw. I can't believe how well they've been working. My first trip out with the Bubba Craw I caught 9 beautiful largemouth bass. Last Saturday I took my father in law there and we were nailing them again. We actually had fisherman come up to us and ask us what we were using because we were catching and they were fishing. Al, the Bubba Craw is gold and my new go to bait! Your the man! Thank you so much!
H.T. -PA. -12


Yeah Baby....................That's what I'm talkin' about.
I got a chance to try out those C.W./W.W. Flutter jigs today. I did well with 1 that I took with me. I fished some very rocky areas and was very pleased with the way that jig worked thru the rocks. On that 1 jig I caught 6 smallies, 2 largemouth, and 3 pickerel. You can bet there'll be another order for more, before I make the Canada trip. Thanks again Al
K.D. -PA. -13


[Air temperatures 28-29 degrees, water temperature 35 degrees w/chunk ice flows in the Susquehanna River]
After cleaning up the snow from around my house I decided to try some of the new stuff I got from Al Winco.  
Got some  Cold Water Smallie Delights on the flutter head jigs. Fished the hook "texposed."

Well, 11 smallies and 3 walleye later I was still using the C.W. Never got hung up once and I make a lot of casts upstream and fish down current. I lost 2 regular jigs today and keep pulling leaves and grass off of the round head jig but I didn't touch the C.W. once and no snags. It certainly appears to be a snagless lure and picks up no grass or leaves.

Five of the bass were in the 15-16" class. You will note that the C.W. attracted more than smallies. And it was very consistent in winding up in the corner of every fishes mouth. All those fish came on the same piece of rubber. They last! You know that CWSD has that single bodied worm-like configuration with the silicone strands attached and looks somewhat like a "stickworm." I call the CWSD a "stickworm on steroids.
B.Y. -PA. -14


Al, here are a couple of pics of my very 1rst winter smallies off your baits. Caught them yesterday on the New. My second cast of the day I hooked up on the free sample of the   C.W. Stand up jig worm. My 3rd cast, I lost it. So I would like to order one of the kits you have. Just thought I would let you know how pleased I am with your lures.

S.G. -VA. -15


 Al,  Just wanted to let you know I love the jigs/plastics.  This Saturday, the C.W.S.D. 3" soft-bait jig was the ticket on a local reservoir.   I caught several smallies, including a 19", along with several nice largemouth.  It was supposed to be a tough day with bluebird skies, post-frontal conditions and still caught quality fish.
E.S. -TN. -16


 I need to purchase a couple of Wink's Walker plugs.  Ive got one of the 2.75" models This has become my absolute favorite "spook" type plug.  For my smallie creeks here in Central Kentucky, it seems to be the perfect size/weight and these fish love it.   It has been crunched, chipped, blasted out of the water, smacked around, paint worn off, stuck in trees that you had to climb to retrieve it, and more for the past yearstill walking easily and catching fish.

B.Q. -KY. -17


 Al, got a chance to use the Reduced Snag jigs on the River Craw and [Smallie] Crawlie on Sunday.  We were fishing clear cool moving water about 3.5' deep and impossible rocky bottoms.  When the top-water, Wink's Walker and Jerk n' Minnow were not on the menu, I switched to the 3" Baby Stickworms (nose hook and wacky style) and tubes but got snagged on every cast.  The Reduced Snag jigs were too perfect at avoiding snags and the smallies agreed.  I let them hit bottom, count to 4 and give 'em jerk.  Usually hit on the first or second fall.  We landed 50+ smallies and I lost exactly one jig in 2 hours of fishing them.  Great product - I may never drag a tube again.

D.A. -PA. -18


[Case SSS vs. Jerk'n Minnow (rate of fall test)]: Got my Jerk 'n Minnows today, (thanks Al) and decided to do a sink test in my pool. Jerk 'n Minnow sank at at much faster rate.  Both look like stunned baitfish on the fall. Actually they both looked lifelike on the fall.  So if the bass are hitting falling baits I will use the Jerk 'n minnow.  If they are up on top, probably go with an SSS.

D.H. -NJ. -19


Top-water hits are just so darn much fun. My companion favored a Pop-R and I used a little Winco Quad-wing buzz bait with a grub instead of a skirt. Bigger fish (over 15) liked the buzz bait Tuesday evening...The bigger fish came from deeper spots, tubes, and a Winco Stone Cattie jig w/a special belly weighted swim-bait hook. I got my largest 2 fish from the Winco Stone Cattie softbait jig . This stone cattie jig is going to get a lot more research from this fisherman. I tied it on because I promised Al I would try it out. I had doubts because it is bigger and heavier than I typically use in a jig. It is a nice-looking soft-bait that Al pairs with a custom hook with a weighted shank that is T- rigged. The shank weight keeps the Stone Cattie moving belly-down, and the T-rigging, as it turns out, never caught a rock until late the second day. Anyway, I threw it in a deep drop-off near moving water that we had pulled a few normal-size fish from with flukes and tubes. As soon as the Stone Cattie spiraled down to the bottom, it stopped. I said, crap, it found a rock. But then as I pulled back on the rod to free it, it moved a little, then moved away. When I got it to the boat, it had an 18+ on the end. I threw it again and got a 16. Over the course of the next 2 days, I used it here and there. It worked best for me in slower, deeper water where it can be allowed to fall and be worked along slowly.
F.S. -PA. -20


Got back last evening from my annual Canadian fishing trip. The largemouth were willing to play so we targeted them mostly. Flukes ... From 7" to 3.5" from Zoom, CaseSSS, [the] Winco's Jerk'n minnow Sr & Jr. Wink's 3.75  in blue glimmer hologram outperformed them all. These lures had the best sink rate and there was no mistake on the pick up. The bass just hammered them.

K.D. -PA. -21


Fished south of 332 from 1300 to 1615 today and managed to land nine Smallies and about a dozen assorted panfish. I slapped the waders on covered a lot of ground to get the fish. The highlight of the day was my personal best NESH smaliie coming in at 17.5". Another 4 smallies at about the legal limit with a couple of dinks thrown in. Water was fairly clear and somewhat chilly, glad to have the waders on for sure. I have to give a shout out to Al Winco for his 3" Baby Stick worm as all fish were caught with this excellent soft plastic. It is extremely durable and only three were needed for the entire day of fishing. Had I been using Senko's I most likely would have had to go through 2 packs. If you don't fish with Al's gear, do yourself a favor and get some, it will definitely increase your success rate. Thanks again Al for the Great Products!!!

R.C. -NJ. -22


For those of you that would like to continue your fishing success well into the Winter Months, you must have a few of the Winco's Sonar Blades. I have caught some of my best bass ( Largemouth & Smallmouth ) with these baits with the water temps into the very low 40's. These baits offer sticky/sharp hooks and high quality split rings. My favorite flavor has been the silver holographic in the 1/2oz or 3/4oz models. Try a few, I promise you won't be disappointed.

D.S. -PA. -23


If you haven't tried the Rigged Smallie Crawlie from Winco's yet your missing out. This bait flat out catches fish. It has been a big producer for me this season so far, bringing in my two biggest bass of the year, The smallmouth love it, as well as the LM. It is definitely a big fish bait. I seem to consistently bring in better quality fish when I use this bait. I find myself throwing the hard jig less and less and turning to the soft rigged Winco jigs. It didn't take long to get confident using it, and it is now a go to bait for me. I have caught good fish in all kinds of lake and weather conditions with these baits. I really like the roadkill Camo. Thanks for the heads up on this bait Al.

B.H. -PA. -24


After reading fishing reports posted on EPFR referencing Al Winco products, I contacted him to order some supplies. I explained to him I am a newbie to Delaware River smallmouth fishing. He then devoted about an hour over the phone giving me tips & techniques to catch smallies. He suggested some hot products & shipped them the same day which I received the next day with some free extras. This past weekend I was able to try his products out. I hooked into smallies with everyone of his products I threw at them. The products I used were Winco's Jerk'n Minnows, Wacky Stickworms & Wink's Walker. I got bass on all of these. The products & service he provided were great, give him a try. Thank you Al for a great first outing on the Delaware River

P.G. -PA. -25


 My dad and I finally got out for only the second time since early June and had some of our best fishing ever as far as numbers in this stretch. The water was very low and clear and the smallies were ready to go. On Friday night we managed 66 smallies in 4 1/2 hours and Saturday under bright blue skies we pulled in another 52 over the course of 6 hours. Fish were caught in slow water and fast water, deep and shallow water. It didn't really matter as any where you could find shad fry you found feeding smallies. The trips were great for action, however bigger fish were few and far between as a half dozen fish in the 15 to 16 1/2 range had top billing. 99% of the fish were caught on soft plastic jerkbaits in the smaller sizes. We must give props here to Al Winco's Jerk'n Minnow Jr. in the pearl fantasy and blue glimmer colors as they clearly out fished the Case plastics, are much more durable and hold up way better against the vicious strikes of the smallies. In fact I managed to catch 8 bass on one Winco Jerk'n Minnow before it was so beat up it flew off on a cast. Hopefully it won't take us this long to get out again and I would advise anyone with the time to head out and fish now when the bite is so good. Also, if you don't have any, do yourself a favor and pick up some Winco's Jerk'n Minnows.

R.C. -NJ. -26


Wow what a crazy day yesterday!!! (Upper Delaware River) I've never had a better fishing day in my 2 year fishing span (i know short span) we launched out of Eshback on our kayaks at 7:30 am and fished until 2 pm. we got 30 smallies up to 17" and i caught a nice 24" pike on Al Winco's W.W Smallie delights!!! speaking of Al's products WOW.... his Jerk'n Minnows #12 and #28 were really hot during the stretch as were his Wacky Magnum Stick Worm in #6,7,5. there were 3 of us on kayaks and man Al's products came thru in the clutch for us. Al has been working with me (amazing support) to create a new color for his Wacky Worms (perfect sinking rate) which I will hopefully get to use this weekend coming up. I don't want to sound like I'm working for AL or anything but dude his stuff works! I can't say enough about those lures thanks Al !!! I've only been fishing 2 years but man I've never had soo much fun catching fish as I did this past weekend.
I.M. -PA. -27


Went out at 3am today smallmouth fishing. Ended up leaving the river at 12noon. Ended up boating around 70 smallies, had one 28 channel cat an 1 musky hooked up but was cut off. All fish were caught on Winco Rigged Smallie Crawlies and salty Jerk 'n Minnows-both 3.75 inch an 5 inch models.

T.J. -PA. -28


I have been using Winco's lures for years! (I would have to say for about 15 years now). I can not tell you how convinced I am in these salty delightful baits.  I am a jig fisherman - I probably throw a jig 70% of the time, and have won many tournaments on Winco's jigs. I have tried them all, just like everyone else, but I always came back to Winco's jigs. That is until this June, when I was picking up an order and Al showed me these " new, gonna knock their socks of wide bite jig" That's what he said at least, and all though I know his regular jigs worked, I said yeah we'll see, and I grabbed 1 Black and Blue and one Crawdad. Oh- by the way I am a pork man! I have tried the zoom chunks, etc... but I throw pork!!! So like I was saying, I grabbed these 2 jigs, and said "Al I don't have any pork that would match that crawdad color" so of course he threw me a couple of his 3" Claw chunk salt and scent impregnated jig trailers and said he would convince me that plastic is the way to go.
Well.... I now have nothing but his Mega-wide bite jigs, and yes, I have switched over to Winco's chunks. (Sorry Al, I do still use pork on occasion LOL) This is in part to the 22Lb limit I caught on these jigs, The 6+ lber that is attached to this letter and many other fish i have caught on these jigs. I can't believe the hook/catch ratio I have had since going the wide bite jig. Just awesome is all I can say. Good Fishing
N.F. -PA. -29


The Winco worms are less expensive than Senkos AND are more durable. more importantly, un-weighted, the sink rate is just perfect and they catch fish.  I use 3" and 4" for smallmouth and 4-5" for LM.
D.A. -PA. -30


I'm hardwired frugal and won't pay for a name brand that doesn't perform. Until recently, I used Yum Dingers because they worked just as well for me as the next guy in the boat fishing Senkos at twice the price. That is, until a recent trip to the Schuylkill with Al. I became convinced when Al started to out fish me 5 to 1 with his Wacky Stickworm. Whether it is the weight, the density, the flexibility, or whatever, it drops and wiggles in a way that entices smallies. And as a frugal guy, because they work better and last longer, they are even cheaper when you calculate price per fish caught!
F.S. -PA. -31


I've been meaning to send you this for some time only it seems that darn fishin thing keeps getting in the way. A couple weeks ago I placed an order for some wacky worms and some WW Smallie Delights. I don't know where you came up with that idea for the smallie delights but I love it.
They have produced fish when tubes, worms and spinners won't. Like yesterday (8/18/07) I went wading over in the Delaware and the WW Smallies Delight jigs were the big producer. Caught 9 smallies in 3 hours, 1 on a spinnerbait and all the rest on the WW Smallies Delight jig. Most in the 10 -12" range. Large was 17". Happened the same way 2 weeks ago on the Delaware and a week ago on the Schuylkill. This bait just saved the day when everything else wouldn't produce a thing.  Kudos to ya!  Thanx

H.P. -PA. -32


Just received my order in record time after talking with you--the spinnerbaits look fantastic (got the ones you described above plus black), as do the Wink's Walkers, the Buzzbaits, the Smallies Delight jigs, and the Jerk 'n Minnows. I'm getting out on the water with them ASAP! You were very responsive and accommodating, and these will definitely give my smallies something different to look at. Great to have a sponsor like you on RiverSmallies.com. Thank you!!
T.E. -VA. -33


Last week I asked for some help on jigging for bass. Al Winco (smallmouthaholic) offered some advice and posted some pictures of jigs. I figured I'd support a local business who helps support my favorite web site. So I gave Al a call. We had a great chat about what I fish for and where I go plus a few other things like early season bass fishing, the crappie Bassmaster Classic and the Dead Sea - Beltzville. He said he would call me back the next night with some ideas. He called, made recommendations and I placed the order.

They came today, just 2 days after I placed the order!!! Top quality stuff !!!!! I got some Ultra Point Weedless Jigs - black n blue & crawfish, football bass jigs - black n blue & crawfish, warm water and cold water Smallies Delight - all the jigs have a trailer on them! Plus some Pro's Soft-Bait Glue. Those jigs look BEAUTIFUL!!!!! BUT There's MORE!!!! He threw in samples of some Rigged Creatures, Hootchie Worms, Jerk 'n Minnows, Finesse Worms, Baby Stickworms and Magnum StickWorms. All those samples look AWESOME!!!!

Now I have a problem! These baits all look so good and I can't use em yet!!!!! REALLY looking forward to launching the canoe!!!! I will be bagging some Bass on Winco's Custom Lures!!!!!!  THANKS for the advice AL!! Great looking baits!!! I'll be back for more!!!
L.N. -PA. -34


I like Winco's Wacky Worms. The fall rate of his worm are perfect. Drifted with the occasional twitch and you have one life like artificial worm. The o ring on them also helps the worm last longer, prevent cast offs, or a smallie running off with it. They really work great and are good to have in the arsenal!
J.R. -PA. -35


I really like this little bait Al!! When I placed my order for hair jigs earlier this spring, you sent me a couple freebies. These smallies really enjoyed the #28 Jerk'n Minnow Jr. this past weekend!!! I will be placing an order for a few more very soon. Thanks again

S.H. -PA. -36


This warm water Smallies Delight jig has been the ticket for me the last 2 weeks of fishing. The Roadkill jig is definitely the ticket today on the Juniata
P.H. -PA. -37


Got my order of WW Smallies Delights today. I couldn't wait to try em' out so I went to my honey hole on the flat water and from the shoreline I had a good night. I'd have to rate them with a big thumbs up. I had one smallie take 3 swipes at it till he finally hooked up. I didn't have a ruler but my guess would be in the 18-19" range. I can hardly wait for the weekend to try them in the Schuylkill to see how they work in the moving water. Thanks Mr. Winco for rushing the order
K.D. -PA. -38


I'm preparing for some upcoming spring fishing and I just had to give Al a call at Winco's. What a great guy to deal with! He took my order and then we spoke for awhile about fishing in general.
I really wanted to try the C.W. Smallie's Delight Jig. I ordered the 1/4 oz. size since I expect to use them in spring water which may be high and cold. As a fly tyer, I know that making these jigs take some time. Al will have them from November thru March. So, if you're thinking about picking a few up, you only have another month.
The smaller Jerk'n Minnow Jr. caught my attention. Al had sent me a sample and I really liked the weight and size. I ordered the Blue Glimmer Hologram and the Blue Glimmer Hologram/with Chart. tail. I have a sneaking suspicion that these will be killers on smallmouth this year!  Thanks for taking the time with me this evening, Al.
T.B. -PA. -39


I gave Al a call and placed an order on 3/1. He told me my merchandise should come on Tuesday (3/6). I got home from cutting firewood on Saturday afternoon, my wife says a package came for me. I was quite pleased to see a package from Winco's!! Thanks Al for fast service and for the extra baits you sent along. Those Creature baits look awesome, also like how your Wacky sticks already have the "O" around them. Can't wait to get on the water and throw the Rabbit hair jigs along with the Smallie Delights!! Thanks again
S.H. -PA. -40


Fished this past weekend with a Wink's Walker and a I must admit it was outstanding. In 5 hrs of fishing I landed about 25 smallies and had at least 15 more blowups. Fish jumped out of the water for that thing. I started the morning fishing a soft plastic jerk bait and was getting very slight hits. Switched to a walker and the fish seemed to get a lot more aggressive. Bait is real nice.
J.B. -DE. -41


Awesome bait [Wink's Walker]. I've caught a bunch of fish on mine, just not really been a "big fish" year for me.
B.Q. -KY. -42


Jake and I met for another trip with Blaine from Backwoods Angler today. The weather was not the best, rained steadily until about 1 or 2 pm and was cold as all get out! None of us had any feeling in our hands by lunch time, but we kept at it. I dropped a few fish because I could not close my hand around the reel. We ended up with 24 Smallies and a Walleye. Ranging from 13-19". We had to work for them, but we would get into a couple per hole and some holes gave up a few. We had a couple 17" and one 19" or so.

A few came on tubes and Jerk Baits, but 90% of my fish came on the Winco's C.W. Smallie's Delight jig. The rest of mine came on a River craw [#27] Winco's Rigged Creature. I only had 3 CW's  and was lucky enough to make them last all day, the one held up for 5 or 6 smallies and a walleye and then I lost it!
V.K. -PA. -43


I was able to field test these jig and worm combos (Enticer Jig / Wonder Worms) this year and I love the jig head style. It does everything you want it to do. It will stand up on almost anything and comes through cover really well. The Wonder worms screw on the jigs easily and perfect every time with their concave head design (very slick idea). This is custom, high end tackle that works!
K.F. -PA. -44


I just wanted to take a moment and thank Al Winco for the great service I received during my last purchase. Al was helpful and did everything he promised. The lures look great and are very well made. Looking forward to giving them a try in the coming weeks. I have tried to support all the sponsors on this site, and will continue to do so. Give Al a call the next time you are looking for a quality line of lures that you won't find at Wal-mart. The freebies were cool too.
D.R. -W.VA. -45


After a successful trip to the Susquehanna, I was using a small Wink's Walker on a private pond shore fishing in Virginia.  It snapped off during a cast and landed in the middle of the pond.  Just like a scene from the movie "Creature from the Black Lagoon" (and to the surprise of my fellow fishing buddies on shore), I swam out to rescue it. The dark murky water sure appeared different from eye level (did wonders for the imagination). Even though my car alarm keys didn't work afterwards (forgetting they were in my pants pocket), I am proud to say that I was able to withstand the 'laughter' knowing that I rescued my favorite bait that had given me multiple top water strikes during that summer.
A.W. -VA. -46


Fished the Skuke yesterday with a friend in our kayaks. We launched at the Linfield ramp and floated to the 113 ramp. Had a pretty good day. Between us we caught over 40 fish, all smallies. The largest were right around 14-15 inches. The water was generally clear until we got around the power plant upriver of the 113 ramp. All fish were caught on plastic worms either deadsticked or wacky rigged. Most fish were caught in fast water except where we were able to find deeper holes. The plastics of choice were Al Winco's Wacky Worm and his Baby Stick worm. The colors of choice were watermelon and green pumpkin.

J.M. -PA. -47


 

As for the topwater bite, Anyone who has not seen the Wink's Walker in action, your truly missing out. With an early morning water temp. of 61.4, Al casted a topwater plug. Two wobbles and POW, fish on!! These baits are by far the best 'walking the dog' baits I've ever used. They cast a mile, easy to walk (even in wind, current, debris, etc...) and have great pause position. I am not great at 'walking the dog', but a few hours of casting this lure, I was receiving a lot more strikes, so the fish approved.

M.K. -PA. -48