Hm, maybe if I give feedback earlier on I can have more influence on how these baits come out... Let's give it a try :D

That 10" bait looks promising, very promising. I know making baits like this is not easy and I know all the lure makers pour their hearts in to their baits but let's push things forward a notch and set the bar higher. Here's my criticisms of the 10" prototype:

Size of the tail: I have hundreds of pictures of planter trout and they don't typically have big tails like that.

Fin size: I think the fins could be smaller in general and rounded on the ends. I know Jerry's thing is the fins, that's cool but we just disagree :) The fins on that bait look cool from a stylistic perspective, but if you look at planter trout, their fins don't look like that. Most are stubby if they have any fins at all.

Fin Color: I'd like if the fins and tail were clear with silver/black flake. I could see not even painting the fins and tail, just putting dots on them. Fins are transparent, not opaque. Think from the bass' perspective underneath the trout.

Open Mouth: The open mouth looks neat too but I don't want to pick up weeds or get that awkward bottom hang up you get with open mouth baits. You know what I mean when you're reeling along and the open mouth hits something and catches on it, it jerks your rod almost like a bite?

First hook placement: I'd put the first wire loop on the belly further forward. Like draw a line from the trout's eye to the belly and put the loop there. Yes, that looks weird but sometimes I think stuff gets done with lures just because everyone else does it a certain way. Don't just do something because other people do it. Put the hook where it should be logically. Big fish grab trout by the throat, the hook should be right there, not back behind the gills.

Jerry - if it feels like I'm picking on you it's only because I see so much potential in your new baits. Good luck with all your endeavors.