CRASH TEST: Pautzke Orange Deluxe & Yellow Jacket eggs

Info: Pautzke Bait Co.

Ave. Retail: $3.79 (ave.) per jar

Wild Country Rating:

There's no denying that Pautzke's famous Balls o' Fire eggs have been the standard bait for trout fishermen for decades. Every one of us grew up with a couple of the old green-label jars rolling around in our tackle boxes.

But on the eve of the 2009 general trout opener, it's about time to update your tackle box with two Pautzke products that perfectly complement the old tried-and-true red egg: Yellow Jacket & Orange Deluxe eggs.

More colors, more options: When you think about it, there's really nothing natural about a bright red salmon egg. Matter of fact (the original Balls o' Fire color was borrowed from an Easter Egg). The red serves as a visual attractant, which, of course, works in many, many water conditions.

But if you're looking for the most natural presentation - for example, on small streams where wild trout spawn, or in creeks where trout are spooky - Orange Deluxe and Yellow Jacket eggs are your best options. They're the perfect addition to the bright-red presentation of the original egg.

Key attractants: In addition to the natural look of Orange Deluxe and Yellow Jacket eggs, these eggs provide the bite-enhancing qualities of the original Balls o' Fire, thanks to Pautzke's patented cooking and curing process. The formula is the most trusted in America, with natural sugars and scent components that have been part of the Pautzke egg-preparation process for four generations.

Keep the old Balls o' Fire around, for sure, but if you're looking for an extra edge this trout season, introduce Orange Deluxe & Yellow Jackets to your tackle box.

PAUTZKE ORANGE DELUXE & YELLOW JACKET SPECS
Packaging: 1.5 ounce jars
Key Features:

• Natural orange and yellow coloration
• Proven trout-attracting scent

-J.S.