Originally Posted by
bsp
American swimbaits are by and large the better swimbaits available, and can be bought a lot more easily. A lot of Japanese baits are hard to find and not really worth the major mark up you have to pay to get a decent color. I'd stick with US baits since you are just getting started. The BBZ-1 is a good starter hard bait. Mattlures and Tylures are two other brands that are hand made, catch fish, and are still pretty affordable. I'd personally go with a Tylure's bait since they are hand made, about the same price as the BBZ for the 6in kicker trout, and the guys who make them fish/test the bats on the local lakes (mainly Castaic/Pyramid).
If you want premium hard baits, check out 3:16....