They tell me it works for anything.

I'm not so sure about that, but I do know this: When guide Chris Russell introduced me to the Mepps Aglia lure last week, he introduced me to the most effective spinning lure for smallmouth bass I've ever used. It's got that twitch-and-flash combination that makes smallies -- and, certainly, largemouth bass, too -- have to strike just out of curiosity.

The Mepps comes in different sizes, with the size 3 being primo for the bass population. The French Mepps company also claims that the size 1 and 2 versions work great for perch and crappie, as well as trout. They come in silver and gold, dressed and undressed with marabou tails and such.

Stick with the undressed gold or silver and you're, uh, golden.

Chris told me his father only fishes the Aglia -- no matter where he is or what he's fishing for.

A lifetime on the water. That's enough proof for me.

The story of Chris' father raises an interesting point for me. Most of us become attached to what works for us and don't bother to try out new things. Granted, I'm in a unique position as an outdoors writer -- most of the time, I'm fishing out of my element. I'm with new people in new places fishing for new targets, both with spinning and fly tackle, and I'm wide open to suggestions on what to try or how to attack a game plan.

But if I'm out fishing with my brother or with a buddy, then chances are, I'm going to my comfort zone -- rubber minnow bodies on jig heads (works for most warm water species, I've found) or a small floating Rapala that attracts interest close to the surface.

But, like I said, I'm open to suggestions.

Technology becomes refined, friends stumble onto new combinations and pass those along, or a registered Maine fishing guide tells you to use something specific.

Take the advice. It's the only way to find the next Mepps Aglia.