Fishing Q and A is a column within the Little Rock Fishing Examiner column that showcases different people in the fishing business. The Fishing Examiner recently had the opportunity to do an internet interview with Brian Moore of Basshunters Custom Crankbaits in Knoxville, TN. Ole Brian is originally from Texas, but relocated to East Tennessee several years ago and now is one of the premier builders of “handmade” crankbaits in an area known all over the world for the craft. We did a short Q and A not long ago to let our readers know a little more about Brian and Basshunters Custom Crankbaits. Below is the short interview.
FE: There are a lot of Basshunters being fished here in Arkansas. For those that don’t know, tell us a little about Basshunters Custom Crankbaits. How did you get started in the crankbait business?
BM: Basshunters is a family owned and operated business that I started five years ago. I wanted to make a bait that would be more durable than anything out on the market today, so people would not spend their hard earned money on baits that would only last one fishing trip. With many years of trial and error, I came up with a formula for the MOST durable bait on the market today. I also wanted to make a crankbait that was affordable for the everyday fisherman. It all started out of necessity, because I was one of these consumers that would have baits break and come apart during critical times. With my knowledge of fishing and my woodworking skills I went to work and developed a line of baits.
FE: Why do you think your area of the country produces so many “handmade” cranks?
BM: There are so many handmade crankbait builders in this area because it is deeply rooted in the fabric of this society of the do-it-yourselfers that did not want to spend a lot of money on baits. They have passed down the knowledge to others.
FE: What is your biggest seller here in Arkansas?
BM: My biggest seller in Arkansas is the BB3 (Big Boy 3). It is a three inch wobbling round bait.
FE: Why do you think you sell more of these?
BM: They are great in the shallow cover that Arkansas is known for. In the stumps, logs, and around cypress trees, that’s where the Big Boy Series is right at home.
FE: Why are so many pros starting to use the “hand-made” crankbaits?
BM: Handmade crankbaits that are made from balsa wood have their own unique action that no plastic can reproduce. The pros are always looking for that edge over their competitors.
FE: What seems to be your best selling color here in Arkansas?
BM: The best selling color is either basshunter shad or sexy shad.
FE: Is that pretty much the same as other areas?
BM: No. It varies with water clarity and water conditions. In the shallow off colored water like in south Arkansas the Basshunter Shad, Sexy Shad, and Chartreuse/Black back sell really good.
FE: I know you build flat-sided crankbaits along with the round baits. When is the best time to use the flat-side over round bait like the BB3?
BM: Early spring is a great time to use flat-sides and when the water is colder. Also, during the fall and when the bass are heavily feeding on the shad.
FE: Creative minds like yourself are always coming out with new stuff. What do you have on the drawing board?
BM: I am currently working on a new line of “Micro finesse style baits” and a new line of topwater baits including a 3” popper. These will be available
in Spring 2010. I will be taking pre-orders in December.
FE: Where in Arkansas can our readers find Basshunters?
BM: We have several stores in Arkansas. We are currently in Sport About in Crossett, Sportsman’s One Stop in El Dorado, Donaldson’s Gun Shop in Monticello, and Winston Outdoors in Sheridan. Also, Baits N Blades in Texarkana, Texas is selling a bunch of baits in Southwest Arkansas.
For more information about Basshunters go to Basshunterscustomcrankbaits.com.
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