I hear you there the murky water I'm afraid is here to stay, I still stick with the #5's just adding some differant colors this year. They still find them the larger baits haven't really helped me this year as I those were my thoughts exactly. did try a new bait new to me anyway with some sucess it's 2 for 3 on the fishin trips and they were slot browns. Did loose one at $12 a piece. And your right about the $8 shad raps. Helps to be able to get that motor fired up fast and try to save them bad boy's. I should be a diamond member with Rappala as much as I support them. I'm hoppin to skip work Thurs. and give er a go.