I have not tried them in a big lake, but I have had a LITTLE success with them in my neighborhood pond. They do seem better, and give more scent.......the only problem in my eyes (with the sinking minnow [only one I used]) is that they are not soft enough. I think it makes it a little more difficult for the hook to penetrate the plastic material and into the fishes mouth. I will stick to my Culprits and Zooms.