So many factors go into whether a fish will hit a particular lure that it is almost impossible to compare the catch rate of a name brand lure with an off brand lure. I agree that tackle has become expensive and losing high priced lures could be a problem. You could also search the classifieds like e-bay and craigslist. There are a number of postings from people who are selling entire stocks of their fishing tackle at deep discounts. The tackle is used, but so is your lure once you fish with it. Either way the most important factor is fish location. No lure will catch a fish that isn't there.