I have nothing against live or dead bait. My PB 29" Speck was caught on cut bait. There is an art to catching big Specks on cut bait. My great uncle taught me how to prepare and rig the bait.
However, I have converted to mostly arties over the last couple of years. I agree there is something about working the bait to find fish. Feeling the strike. Being more in tune with what’s going on around you. Drinking less beer while fishing. I also do a lot more catch and release.
The only problem I have is my two 14 year old boys. To keep them interested, they have to catch fish. So we do use live or cut bait just so they can catch something. They don’t really care what is on the hook at this point. I have started teaching them about arties, but it’s a slow process.
As far as tournaments, I think that’s up to the sponsor running it. I could see a case for lure only tournaments as more companies try to get their products out into the saltwater community.
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