ICAST 2011: Koppers

Koppers, the company who has produced the Live Target series of baits is at it again this year, expanding and fine-tuning their baits. To begin with, they are introducing new colors in the Live Target Crawfish Crankbaits. The idea is to get even more realistic with the use of transparent palettes. These baits should be more effective in clear water than they have been up to this point.  

Koppers has also decided to add a new, smaller size to their last years award winning Live Target Hollow Body Frog. The new 45 size is constructed just as well as its bigger brothers but should do better during the spring when typically, bass will often key on smaller bait.

New for this year is a brand new crankbait from Koppers named the Live Target Square Bill Sunfish. This little bait has flat sides and will run in the 4 to 5 foot depth range, has the rattles and will come in two finishes, matte and metallic.

They are introducing the Live Target Trout this year. The finishes mimic either a rainbow or a brown trout in the fry or parr stage. These baits come in count-down and floating versions, a couple of sizes and should be available soon.

As you’re probably aware, last year the Live Target Hollow Body Frog won the “Best of Show” in the soft bait category. This, from a company known for their ultra-realistic hard bait finishes. Was that lightning in a bottle or could lightning strike twice in the same place?

The answers are, no and yes. This year Koppers presented their new Live Target Field Mouse and once again, it won “Best of Show” in the soft bait category. This little rodent is a floating mouse imitation that is a hollow body that looks just like a mouse. Yes, there is a tail, a custom hook for the lure, four colors and was designed by actually observing mice in water and how they swim. As usual, the folks at Koppers did their homework!