Man! I've been using "real" minnows like this for years! I sien for them in the shallows, put as many as I can on my bare hook, & just cast & retrieve. Now my secret is out. Sigh. I used to burn big bass up using a "live" baitball. Try it. I bet these lures will work just as well, if not better, since my weren't "top water" style.
