I use there soft baits, only in the winter. I use baits with them. Small smelt work well, but i find the best bait for lakers, is a thin strip of bacon, maybe 2-3 inches long. When u bait up, just hook into the end of bacon. U'll see u get really nice action, off this rig up. Ive used the wild eye soft bait in the summer, with not much luck for trout, much more luck with the pike, Could'nt keep'em off. well good luck guys