When Davy Hite won the 1999 BASS Masters Classic with a "creature" bait (in that case, the Gambler Bacon Rind), sales of creature baits boomed. But as happens so often in the tackle industry, many of the new baits were knock-offs of the Bacon Rind or similar lures.

But Lake Fork Tackle's 5-inch Fork Creature is different, and like every bait designed by Lake Fork owner and pro fisherman Mark Pack, it's for a reason.

"When I make something, I don't want to copy anyone," he says. "I want something unique that the fish will key in on."

In this case, Pack wanted a bait that would act like it was alive right when it hit the water. To make that happen, he tipped the arms of the Fork Creature with shad, or swim bait-type, tails. "I've fished shad baits with that tail and they really look alive," he says. "That's what I wanted for the Creature, something that looks alive.

"Others creature baits didn't have enough action for me," he notes. "You'd throw them in there and they'd be dead. They'd just fall straight to the bottom, and the only action they would have is when you hopped them up and down."

In contrast, the Fork Creature "swims by itself in the water. When you flip it into a brushpile, it's alive."

The Fork Creature also has bubble-producing rings like the Lake Fork Tackle Ring Fry, and is scented with garlic and salt.

Good for Flipping and Carolina-Rigging

The Fork Creature was designed for flipping -- in both clear and muddy water because the appendages on it move a lot of water.

Texas guides have also found that the Creature is also really good for Carolina rigging in deep water. Because of its vibration and action, fish can find it a lot better in the darker, deeper water.

The Fork Creature can be purchased at retail tackle stores. If you can't find any near you, click here to order.