How do you modify baits?

[mhall]

That packing peanut deal is cool, never thought of that one, thanks.
Topwater chuggers, Pop R's and the like. I file the bottom lip down to make them go side to side and spit more water.

Trim Jigs like Elwood said and also spread the weedguard out to for better hookset. That's an ole Lonnie Stanley trick.

Peg worms, and use alot of dye's to alter color.

Use Suspend dots to alter actions and bouyancy on cranks and jerkbaits, these are just a few that I do regularly.

[porky0454]

if you have trouble finding packing peanuts you can also use foam ear plugs,i will borrow a few from work and keep in the box
also like coloring up crankbaits with sharpie colored markers.

[Shimano4Life]

Like the other guys, I trim my jig skirts and change to quality treble hooks on my topwaters and crankbaits. Sometimes I add a rattle to jigs and soft plastics if the water is stained to muddy to help the fish find the bait better.

I have taken the holographic eyes out of swimbaits that can no longer be used and stuck them on the front of spinnerbait blades to make the blades appear more like shad.

Other than that, sometimes you can take parts off like arms or legs off plastics (like brush hogs, etc.) to give them a more subtle action when the fishing is tough. Basically I will try just about anything when the bite is tough and I'm not getting results.