Lure makers venture into uncharted waters
This is the third in a series of articles looking at 2007 new fishing gear.
Check out the 2007 rods
Check out the 2007 reels
Check out the 2007 accessories
With rods and reels, the changes are also present, but often they're internal and can't be seen.
This year's Las Vegas extravaganza offered a lot to see and in more than one instance lure makers appeared to venture into uncharted waters.
The Best of Show award in hard baits, for example, went to MegaStrike for its Evolution Jig that offers some design features other manufacturers will almost certainly incorporate into their own jigs next season.
Even more innovative are the hard baits produced by Sebile USA, which are filled with light oil to add weight, produce a smoother action (the fluid moves slower than rolling BB's), and to create a lower frequency of sound vibrations that are more natural in the water.
These lures are sold all over the world, but just now coming into the United States and should prove popular among both fresh and saltwater anglers.
For deep diving crankbait fans, Bandit is offering a genuine 17-footer, and Lee Sisson Lures has a true 20-footer. Bagley is re-introducing the famous DB-3 Magnum, too.
There was plenty to look at in soft plastics, as well, including one of the best-looking swimbaits ever, an imitation trout designed for Spro by big bass angler Bill Siemantel.
There are also new floating/swimming frogs, finesse baits, and even a swimming Senko.
All in all, the offerings are more exciting than ever, which means the list of excuses anglers can use to explain getting skunked is growing shorter and shorter.
ABT LURES
In just 6 months of field testing the new Wag Tail swimbait, designer Allen Borden and his crew brought in more than 20 bass between 10 and 13-lbs. and several stripers in the 30-lb. range, so if you're after a monster, this slow-sinking, jointed hard bait deserves a serious look.
Weighing 1 ½-oz., and measuring 5 ½", it's available in 10 colors.
(877/228-5873; www.abtlures.com).
BAGLEY
Bass fishermen who remember the DB-3 Magnum as one of their favorite deep water bottom scrapers will be happy to know Bagley is re-introducing it.
The Florida-based firm has been re-introducing its older lures for years as part of its Original Series, so you can also get the Kill'r B, Balsa B, and Diving B, too.
New crankbaits include the G Force B Flat and the Kill'r B; these feature special ultra-thin diving lips that produce a more erratic side-to-side action.
Also new here is the Top Gun, Bagley's first injected plastic lure in 28 years; it's a shallow-running jerkbait available in 7 holographic finish colors.
In a departure from crankbaits, Bagley also offers a new Shaky Jig Head, in sizes 1/16 to 3/8-oz.
If you haven't done much topwater fishing for redfish, you've been missing some exciting opportunities, but two Bagley offerings will get you caught up in a hurry: the Pop'n B and the Super Stinger 3.
The Pop'n B is a ¼-oz. concave face popper with a waving rubber skirt that just begs to be eaten, while the Super Stinger 3 is a 3" darting wooden imitation baitfish with tail propeller.
(888/422-4539; www.bagleybait.com).
BANDIT LURES
For the first time in years, Bandit boss Chris Ross is heading into deep water; his new deep diving crankbait will hit 17 feet.
Special weight chambers make longer casts a cinch, resulting in even more bottom time.
Prototype testing at El Salto resulted in several 10-pounders so you know it works.
VMC hooks are standard, and more than 40 colors are offered.
(662/563-8450; www.banditlures.com).
BASS ASSASSIN
Among the new soft plastics offerings here for bass hunters is the Mud Minnow, a 4" imitation baitfish designed to be fished either weedless as a combination soft jerkbait/stick worm, or with a light jig head so you can hop it along the bottom.
Either way, it's gonna catch something with fins.
For anyone heading into brackish water, the Shrimp Cocktail imitates a favorite forage food for both bass and redfish; rigged correctly, this plastic shrimp appears to be crawling backward just like a real one.
(386/294-1049; www.bassassissin.com).
BITIN' TITAN
Getting a big thump with a slow retrieve is standard now with Bitin' Titan's titanium bladed spinnerbaits; reel faster and the vibes increase even more.
Several Colorado and willowleaf blade combinations are offered in ¼, 3/8, and ½-oz. sizes.
Titanium spoons are also offered; because of their increased fluttering action at slow speeds, these lures open up a brand new world of jigging. A dozen colors are offered.
(248/737-5951; www.bitintitan.com).
BOAT HOUSE BAIT CO.
This South Carolina-based firm, started by a life BASS member, specializes in spinnerbaits that have caught big bass from coast to coast over the past two decades.
Of special interest is the "Santee," which itself has produced dozens of 10-pounders; it's a unique three-blade model featuring a regular blade (such as a small Colorado) on the blade shaft, but then adds a smaller Colorado and a regular willowleaf on a floating wire attached to the normal blade wire.
Vibration and visibility are much stronger; there's even a small red wrap on the hook to make it more attractive. If you're a blade-thrower, look this one over carefully.
(803/568-3044; www.boathousebaitco.com).
BOMBER BAIT CO.
The new Model B balsa crankbait features a polycarbonate frame through the lure body that insures true running.
Weighing ½-oz. and measuring just 2 ½" long, this wide-ranging shallow runner is sure to fool its share of bass.
(479/782-8971; www.lurenet.com).
BOOYAH BAIT CO.
Among the lures to look for here are the Boogee Bait, a 3/8-oz. bladed jig featuring an interchangeable blade, Booyah's flexible hook design that insures more hookups, and a multi-strand silicone skirt with a Boogee tail.
Six colors are offered.
Also new is the Counter Strike Buzz, a buzz bait with counter-rotating blades. The flat head helps in coming through thick cover. Sizes include ¼, 3/8, and ½-oz., and 8 colors are offered.
Also new from Booyah is the Bedbug, a compact round head jig suitable for light lines. Sizes include 3/16, 5/16, and 7/16-oz.
(479/782-8971; www.lurenet.com).
CHARLIE BREWER
The latest in a long line of Slider baits here is the Double Action Grub, a 3" grub with a vibrating boot-type tail as well as a notched body-style.
It wiggles even when it's not moving, so you can only imagine what smallmouth will do to it.
Rig it with any of the special Slider Head hooks and 6-lb. line and the fun will come to you.
(800/762-4701; www.sliderfishing.com).
CANYON LURES
This year the famous Garland Spider Jig is being reintroduced; this is one of the lures the late Bobby Garland and his brother Gary used so effectively in years past.
All the original Gitzits, as well as the big Tora Tubes, get new colors this year, too, including Garland's Goby, Lavender Blue Glitter, and Watermellon Candy.
(800) 770-0575; www.canyon-plastics.com).
CASTAIC SOFTBAIT
California's big bass are already falling for Castaic's new Platinum Series of swimbaits, notched soft plastic lures made to imitate a variety of big bass foods, including gizzard and threadfin shad, golden shiners, rainbow trout, and others.
They're available in 6", 8", and 10" sizes and in slow or fast-sinking models; big fish pro Mike Long suggesting ripping the 6" sizes for even better results.
(520/281-5108; www.castaicsoftbait.com).
CREEK CHUB
This year Creek Chub introduces the Wooden Pikie and Jointed Wooden Pikie, two over-sized versions of a famous Creek Chub lure from years past.
Both feature wood bodies with wire-through construction and extra-strong hardware to handle big bass.
The Wooden Pikie is 8" long; the Jointed Wooden Pikie is 11" long. Both have erratic swimming actions.
(479/782-8971; www.lurenet.com).
CRÈME LURE CO.
There's a big selection of both soft and hard baits available from this famous company, ranging from the famous Rigged Worms to much smaller tube jigs and insect imitations.
Bass fishermen may want to try one of the Lit'l Fishie lures, available in 2", 3" and 4" sizes and representing shad and perch.
Bass fishermen may also like the Mad Dad, a plastic crawfish with a swimming tail that comes pre-rigged.
On the saltwater side Crème has designed two soft plastic shrimp, the Crème Shrimp and the Shrimp Tease. Measuring between 3" and 4", each can be crawled along the bottom, hopped and dropped, or slowly twitched across shallow sand openings in the grass.
(903) 561-0522; www.cremelure.com).
DAVE'S LURES
The balsa Ka-Boom! Goodie Minnow is available in both medium and deep-diving models and in three sizes for each; the 4" deep diving Goodie can dig down to 15' while the smallest 2 ¾" medium diver makes it down to 4'.
These well-constructed minnow baits feature wire-through construction for added strength; 11 colors are offered.
There are three body sizes in the new balsa Ruff Guy crankbaits, which will reach depths of 6, 8 and 20'.
(405/329-7112; www.daveslures.com).
DO-IT CORP.
Do-it-yourself lure makers will love creating their own sinkers, jigs, and spinnerbaits with special kits offered here, each of which includes everything necessary to turn out dozens of items.
More advanced tinkerers will find practically anything they need to make or improve their lures in the company's 69-page catalog.
(319/984-6055; www.do-itmolds.com).
FISH HARDER
Bass fishermen will want to look closely at the Tru-Tungsten spinnerbaits and buzz baits designed by veteran pro Larry Nixon, as well as the jigs designed by Elite angler Jason Quinn.
All feature tungsten, rather than lead, heads; the result is an overall smaller, more compact lure that weights as much as a standard lead head.
Increased sensitivity, longer casts, and better cover penetration are among the benefits.
The spinnerbaits and buzz baits are available in five sizes ranging from 1/8 to ½-oz; the jigs in 1/4, 3/8, and ½-oz. sizes.
(724/349-2260; www.tru-tungsten.com).
FOODSOURCE LURES
FoodSource Lures produces molded fishing lures made entirely out of real food, and this year the Birmingham-based company offers five new freshwater lures to its ever-expanding lineup.
Included among these are three that should be of interest to bass fishermen: the Craw Chunk, which can be fished either as a trailer or rigged by itself; the 6" El Sal, a swimming tail lizard; and the 3" Leech, which can also be fished by itself, or used as a trailer.
This year, Foodsource has also developed a special saltwater lineup.
Among the lures now available are a 7" Bloodworm; 4" Saltwater Minnow; 3" Saltwater Shrimp Tail; and Saltwater Cut Bait.
Each is available in several color and scent options; what makes FoodSource baits attractive is the fact they leave a true food scent trail in the water as you fish them.
(866-375-8737; www.fslures.com).
GAMBLER LURES
Four new products highlight Gambler's 2007 lineup, and all will draw attention from serious bass anglers. Among the offerings are the Swim Blade, a bladed swimming jig that differs from the Chatterbait in that the blade is attached with a split ring to increase strength.
The Swim Blade also incorporates a J hook design to improve hook ups, and there's an improved keeper behind the jig head to hold trailers better. It's available in 3/8 and ½-oz. sizes.
Also new is the 7" Loco Lizard, featuring a wider body profile, boot-type legs that kick better, and a ribbon tail, all of which let you fish this lure on the surface, on a Carolina rig, or as a Texas rig.
The 4" Tail Chaser is a re-designed split-tail trailer with a thicker body but thinner tails; and the 8" Flapp'n Tail is a larger version of the popular 5" model.
(954/969-1772; www.gambler-lures.com).
HARRISON HOGE
The Vivif Swimbaits are now available in 12" sizes, and even though they're probably better suited for saltwater (weight is a hefty 9.8 oz), it might be fun to wind one through your favorite bass lake.
There are three new colors in the 9" Vivif, however, that will definitely fool a bass, including the ever-popular rainbow trout. Two separate eyelets allow for different rigging options, and each features a dual hook design when Mr. Big does attack.
(800/852-0925; www.panthermartin.com).
HART TACKLE
Nearly all spinnerbaits today have two blades, most often two willowleafs or a willowleaf behind a small Colorado; imagine doubling that so you have four blades.
You can do it with Hart Tackle's X2 Spinner, which incorporates a second blade wire extending from the head. The result is a spinnerbait that really does look like a school of baitfish.
Sampo swivels and a Mustad hook are standard.
(800/543-0774; www.harttackle.com).
HEAVYCOVER.COM
This company does something unique with its spinnerbaits: you create exactly the custom model you want on the internet.
It's not as easy as you may think, as the company offers more than 370,000 total combinations, but you can create exactly the size, color, and blade combination you want for the specific conditions you fish.
(214/298-2903; www.heavycover.com).
HEDDON
The next time you're after a super fish, like maybe one of the Amazon's peacock bass, consider packing along either a Magnum Zara Spook or the Super Magnum Zara Spook, two over-sized versions of one of fishing's most famous lures.
The wood lures feature wire-through construction so even a peacock can't rip out the hooks.
The Magnum is 7" long and weighs 2 ½-oz.; the Super Magnum is 8" long and weighs 3 5/8-oz.
(479/782-8971; www.lurenet.com).
IDEA AMERICA
The Luscious Lure Series here features four jigging spoons in three sizes, each painted with a 1940's-style pin-up model fashioned into a mermaid.
They're fish-catchers as well as eye-catchers.
(406/449-6508/ www.lusciouslure.com).
JEWEL BAIT CO.
Following their motto of "making tools to do specific jobs," Jewel offers its new ½-oz. Heavy Cover Finesse Football Jig, joining an earlier 5/8-oz. model.
Featuring a specially-made Mustad hook, shorter skirt, a brush-type weed guard, and a head/line-tie design that makes the lure weedless, this is one of the jigs Elite pro Mike McClelland used in winning at Grand Lake earlier this year, leading all four days.
Most football-style jigs are heavier and not nearly as weedless; McClelland routinely pulls this one through brushtops and laydowns. Nine skirt colors are available.
(800/458-7370; www.jewelbait.com).
KONEZONE
Fishermen aren't in the habit of sharpening hooks much anymore, but that should change once they begin using KoneZone's USA Hook Sharpener.
Easily one of the more outstanding products at this year's ICAST show, this sharpener is faster and easier than previous sharpeners.
Worn on a lanyard, around your neck, all it takes is inserting any hook (up to 2/0) into a small hole in the unit's cap, then slowly turning the cap. Forget about correct angles or time, as this unit takes care of both. Best of all, it's less than $10.
(503/348-9442; www.konezone.com).
L & S BAIT CO.
This Florida-based firm has been making lures for fresh and saltwater anglers for nearly 70 years, with many lures suitable for both bass and redfish.
Among the introductions this year is a beautiful redfish/speckled trout lure the bass hunters really should consider.
It's the MirrOlure 17MR, the MirrOdine Suspending Twitchbait. Weighing in at a perfect 3/8-oz. and featuring a wide body profile, rattles, and a luminescent finish, this one has "bass" written all over it.
Cast, let it sink about 2' and just start twitching.
Other new suspending twitchbaits include the Series III Catch 2000, which suspends about 10 inches under the surface; the MirrOminnow, a 3/8-oz. lookalike that works depths down to about 18 inches; and the MirrOdine that sinks to 24 inches.
(727/584-7691; www.mirrolure.com).
LASERLUR
LaserLure is a series of crankbaits and topwater poppers, each with a water-activated laser beam.
Once in the water, the lure emits a bright red light; your cat will chase a laser beam all over the house and Laserlure has done tests indicating bass sometimes do the same thing. Different crankbaits cover depths from 2" to 7" so you can cover all the dark, fishy places bass live.
(877/527-5873; www.laserlure.com).
LEADHEAD LURES
New from this Toledo Bend company is the innovative Talon Series of hand tied stand up finesse jigs, stainless steel light wire spinnerbaits, and extra-noisy buzz baits.
Also new are Lipstickers, round ball jig heads featuring a spring that firmly holds a shaky worm in place.
All the lures utilize Mustad Ultrapoint hooks, and are available in numerous weight/color choices.
(409/625-1261; www.leadheadlures.com).
BILL LEWIS
This year's selection of new Rat-L-Traps not only includes 18 new colors but also the incorporation of Liv-N-Sound into the lures.
Everyone knows how noisy 'Traps are during a retrieve, but now those sounds have been refined to more closely match the sounds emitted by distressed baitfish.
The company has been doing research in bioacoustics for several years, and this is one of the results.
The new 'Traps also include new Eagle Claw hooks designed specifically for the lures. (800/633-4861; www.rat-l-trap.com).
LINDY
This year the famous Minnesota-based company has made some important changes in its Big-Fin Spinnerbait line, including new colors on heads, blades and skirts.
These are big ¾-oz. spinnerbaits, suitable for deeper water and bigger fish. Both tandem and single blade models are offered; 8 color choices are available.
(218/829-1714; www.lindylittlejoe.com).
LOBINA LURES
This Arizona firm offers a long line of tournament-tested lures, including the famous topwater Rico, Westys Worms, and the Fish Arrow line of hard plastic swimbaits.
New this season from Fish Arrow is the Slide Jack, which features a mid-body line tie. That's right, you tie on at the middle of this 6 ½" jointed wooden swimbait (there are two tie points, so you can make the lure swim right or left) rather than at the head.
The Slide Jack just sort of slithers and rolls along; a soft plastic tail adds realism.
(800/498-9520; www.lobinalures.com).
LUCKY CRAFT
Five new crankbaits, a jointed swimbait, and a jig highlight the new products from this well-known Japanese lure maker.
The Real California Premium is a 3-section, 5 ½" swimbait that runs comfortably a few inches below the surface, and even in shallow water it's going to get a lot of attention because of its jointed action. Five colors are offered.
New crankbaits include the B.D.S.O., a small diver that digs down about a foot and a half; the Marty 1.2, a 3/8-oz. diver that gets down to 2'; the Skeet Trap that hits about 5'; the Mini DR that covers depths down to 6"; and the Mini SSR that plows along just 6" deep.
They're all 3/8-oz. (the B.D.S.O. comes in at ¼-oz.) and have typically beautiful Lucky Craft finishes. Also new is the Twin Jig, a football-style jig with a twin brushy weedguard.
(714/241-8484; www.luckycraft.com).
MACDADDY'S
For the anglers who thought they had it all, MacDaddy's proved them all wrong at ICAST by exhibiting a single lure valued at $1 million.
Even though company personnel said the lure, designed for saltwater use, would actually be fished, it's difficult to imagine.
The firm also offers a selection of diamond and gem-studded lures designed as gifts.
(805/234-4789; www.macdaddysfishinglures.com).
MANN'S BAIT CO
New this year is the Baby 1-Minus Elite Series, featuring the ¼-oz. version of this famous shallow runner.
The smallest in the family is now the Tiny 1-Minus, weighing in 1/8-oz., the largest is the original 5/8-oz size.
The Elite lures have textured bodies, 8 new colors, 3D eyes, and red hooks; this is the lure's first real facelift since its introduction in the late 1980's.
Two long-popular deep diving crankbaits, the 15+ and 20+, have also been given an update and are now part of Mann's new Go2 Series.
Both lures have textured body surfaces, more realistic paint, and 3D eyes.
In the HardNose soft plastic line, there are several new items: the Mosquito Hawk, the original creature bait; the HardNose Worm, a 6" crawler with a swimming tail; the Psycho, a 6" worm with the nard nose in the middle for wacky-style fishing; the NardNose Grub, in 2", 3", and 4" sizes; the Finesse Worm, a 5" thin-bodied worm suitable even for drop shots; and the Freefall, a 5" slow-falling stickworm.
Spinnerbaits for redfish? Absolutely, and one to consider is the Tidewater, a ¼-oz. tandem blade model featuring 22-carat gold plated Colorado and Indiana blades.
Dress it with Mann's HardNose plastic Mullet as a trailer and all you do is cast and hang on. If you like sashaying spoons over and through grassbeds, Mann's Tidewater Spoon features a re-designed keel that prevents line twist.
(800/841-8435; www.mannsbait.com).
MATZUO AMERICA
Headlining the long list of new products here is the Sterling Series of hard baits designed specifically for bass.
Included are 2 topwaters, a suspending jerkbait, a lipless crankbait, and three crankbaits that will reach depths of 4 and 6 feet.
All seven lures have remarkable finishes and enticing actions; the Huntin' Dog topwater bait should be especially attractive to those who like to sashay or "walk" surface lures.
The new P-38 is a wooden prop bait with noise-makers at both ends; it's 4 ½" in length and comes in 7 color choices.
For plastics users, Matzuo has the Tournament Shad Series of grubs/swimbaits in 2", 3", and 4" sizes, all with a swimming tail and available in 11 holographic color patterns; there's also a 3 ½" flat tail model.
The Jitter Rat is a hard plastic floating imitation rat with over-sized ears that help move water. (800/941-2029; www.matzuo.com).
MEGASTRIKE
The new MegaStrike Evolution Jig won the Best New Hard Bait Award at ICAST, and many who saw the jig think it ought to be called the "revolution jig" because of its features.
One is Skirt Forward Technology, in which the skirt fits on a collar behind the head (as usual) but the jig's main weight is then hidden underneath the skirt.
This allows for a smaller head for better brush penetration and a more compact size overall, provides better weight distribution so the jig falls and sits straight up; produces a natural flare in the skirt itself; and also hides the ribbed trailer holder on the Gamakatsu hook shank.
Second, the brushy weedguard is Seaguar fluorocarbon line, so it virtually disappears in the water.
The line-tie eye is recessed in the jig head so there's less chance of it snagging or collecting grass.
Finally, it's not lead, it's tin, so if lead gets banned in future fishing lures, MegaStrike is ahead of the game.
Models include a Finesse Plus in 3/16, 5/16, and 7/16-oz. and also a Heavy Cover model in 3/8, ½, and ¾-oz. sizes. A choice of 11 colors is offered.
(866/454-6487; www.evolutionjigs.com).
MIZMO BAIT CO.
For the first time, Mizmo is branching out from strictly tube lures into other soft plastic products and even jigs, all of which deserve a close look for fresh and saltwater.
In injected plastic, there are two Swamp Monster creature baits (4 ¾" and 4 ¼"); a new 6" Gecko lizard; a revised Diamond Craw trailer; 4", 5", and 6" worms for shaking and finesse fishing; as well as the Rabid Shad minnow/grub with a boot-type swimming tail; and a 5" Diamond Darter fluke.
There is also a slow-sinking lipless crankbait, the Barracuda.
Jig-wise, Mizmo offers the Stump Jumper Flippin iig, and also the Torpedo Swimmin Jig.
The ScrewBall Shakey Head is offered in 1/16, 1/8, and 3/16-oz. sizes; the KnotHead football-style jig head is available in ¼, ½, 5/8, and ¾-oz. sizes.
(870/932-2490; www.mizmo.com)
NORMARK
This year Rapala brings out the first flat-sided balsa crankbaits in the company's long and storied history, the DT Flat Series.
These are tight-wiggling lures that dive to about 7', a coffin-shaped lip helps deflect the lure over obstacles. Six color choices are offered.
Also new is the Twitchin' Rap, a balsa twitch bait that covers water depths from 6" to 2' with a wobbling wounded-minnow action; the Jointed Shad, a neutral buoyancy swimming crankbait that's probably better suited for striped bass; and the Limited Edition Rapala, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Lauri Rapala's birth.
It's slightly heavier than the original so you can cast it further, and it runs a little deeper; three colors are offered.
(800/874-4451; www.rapala.com).
NORTHLAND FISHING TACKLE
In the past, Northland has been known best for its jigs, spinners and live bait rigs, but this year the 31-year old Minnesota firm gets into soft plastics in a big way with its Slurpies Series of swimming lures.
Included are the Swim Shad (3" and 4"), Swim Shiner (2", 3", and 4"), Swim'n Grubs (2", 3", and 4"), Minnow Shiner, 4" Ringworm, 5" Jerk Shad, and 5" Dip-Stick Worm.
Several are also available with spinnerbait harnesses, and all are offered in various colors.
The Mimic Minnow, with its paddle tail and holographic finish, has been Northland's top seller for three years, and this year it has been re-designed to make it even better.
(218/751-6723; www.northlandtackle.com).
OPTIMUM BAITS
New here is Crashing Thunder, which combines a tandem willowleaf spinnerbait with a small swimbait to produce huge water movement and vibration.
The swimbait is easily changed with a wire frame snap. Also new is the Furbit Frog and Poppin' Furbit.
The Furbit Frog is a hollow-body floating frog but with rabbit fur for legs. The Poppin's Furbit is a hollow-body popper with a rabbit fur tail.
Optimum has also become the distributor of lures from the Japanese firm DEPS.
Among their four lures are the Radscale, a 4 ½" topwater lure, which, with its body shape, "walks" easier than most surface plugs; and the Silent Killer, a jointed swimbait featuring a hard inner core body covered with a soft silicone skin.
(951/676-6384; www.optimumbaits.com).
PANTHER MARTIN
New here is the 4" Stinky Shrimp, complete with a natural shrimp scent, to say nothing of a truly realistic appearance.
They're already rigged with a weedless hook so all you have to do is tie it on and cast.
(800/852-0925; www.panthermartin.com).
PERSUADER AMERICAN
The electronic age has now reached the spinnerbait world, with Persuader's introduction of the E-Chip Spinnerbait.
The E-Chip is actually a tiny tube mounted on the hook shank with a small BB inside. As the BB rolls from end to end, it contacts ceramic crystals in the tube that then send out electric impulses into the water.
These electrical charges are said to very closely match impulses sent out by live bait when danger threatens. Best part is, the system is sealed and never wears out.
Both 3/8 and ½-oz. sizes are offered in 7 colors and both Colorado and willowleaf blade configurations.
(925/820-5543; www.persuaderamerican.com).
PERSUADER AMERICAN
Jig fishermen may want to look at the Fishskin Jig, which features a bucktail skirt with added Fishskin Glow Fins, and a lifelike fish shaped head; the Glow Fins don't affect jig action but do increase visibility in dark water.
Bass fishermen may want to consider sizes ranging from 1/8 to ¾-oz.
(866/677-6346; www.profishco.com).
PURE FISHING
Berkley introduced more than 700 new lures this year.
In the Power Bait lineup, Berkley offers the new Sabertail Bug, a 3" jigging or flipping bait characterized by three differently-designed sets of arms so something's flapping or twitching all the time; and the Floating Bat Wing Frog, which can be fished around heavy cover, stopped by a target, and then twitched to bring bass in for a look.
At 5" it's a little larger than many floating frogs, so think big bass.
In the Frenzy lineup, there's a new ¾-oz. Rattl'r lipless crankbait featuring realistic colors and 3D eyes.
Several new Berkley Power Baits should interest redfish pros, including a larger 5 ½" Saltwater Shrimp, which works really well when you rig it weightless for the shallow flats.
The Saltwater Mullet is available in both 5" and 6" sizes and now comes pre-rigged; its swimming tail design makes it ideal not only for slow swimming retrieves in shallow water but also for deeper fishing, as well.
The Saltwater Shrimp is now available pre-rigged, as well, in 3", 4", and 5 ½" sizes.
(877/777-3850; www.purefishing.com).
RIVER2SEA
Several new items introduced by this California company deserve a look by bass fishermen. Among them is the Croaker Series of hollow-body frogs, which includes three different sizes. All feature a small keel along the bottom of the lure body that improves the frog's "walking" action.
Another new hollow-body frog is the Crawlin Croaker, which has a plastic lip like a Jitterbug. With a slow retrieve, the Crawlin Croaker wobbles over the surface and right through matted greenery.
The Hula Shad is a spinnerbait with polycarbonate-coated head that allows the designers to produce some truly beautiful finishes; 8 colors in 3/8, 5/8, and ¾-oz. sizes are offered.
The Crystal Buzz buzz bait features the same polycarbonate-coated head design, and comes with dual blades.
Swimbaiters will be impressed with the S-Waver, a 6 ¾" jointed imitation trout designed to be fished slowly near the surface; Elite pro and swimbait expert Byron Velvick did the testing on this lure.
(510/237-2405; www.river2seausa.com).
SEA BAY
Redfish hunters should look carefully at Sea Bay's Crippled Crab, a 3" specially weighted weedless crab that swims just like the real thing; just twitch this one across the sand flats and see what happens.
The 4" Twitchin' Shrimp has a wide tail that gives it lifelike swimming action, too.
(513/489-6483; www.greatlures.com).
SEBILE USA
French angler Patrick Sebile has fished all over the world and used his experiences to create some of the most innovative lures shown at this year's ICAST.
Sebile has filled his lures with a glitter-filled fluid that not only provides weight for casting but also improves a lure's action by its smooth, rolling movement.
He's also put small beads in the fluid to create a lower-than-normal frequency sound, which is much more natural in the underwater world.
The lures are clear so fish see the liquid moving even when the lures are resting in the water, producing a life-like effect.
Sebile's lures include topwater poppers, a lipless swimming minnow, and several different jerkbaits; you have try them to understand how effective his design really is.
(325/660-4575; www.sebileusa.com.
LEE SISSON LURES
Early in 2006, lure designer Lee Sisson spent several days evaluating lures at Lake Fork, building a special test trap to determine exactly how deep his crankbaits were running.
The results of that test include the new P-20, which does reach an honest 20 feet with 10-lb. line and a long cast.
Part of the secret is a new ultra thin circuit board Sisson uses for the lure's diving bill. The thin lip also makes the lure much easier to retrieve, too.
Other new creations from this master craftsman that are suitable for fresh or saltwater include two new balsa topwaters, the Walking Stick and Stick Bait (which can also be fished as a shallow-running twitch bait); and the Thumper Series of three crankbaits that reach depths from 1 to 8'.
The Thumpers are known for being able to come through vegetation as well as for their strong vibration.
(863/967-4036; www.leesissonlures.com).
SNAG PROOF
The latest from Harry Ehlers's frog shop is the Bleedin' Frog, featuring a custom-made wide-gap red Owner hook.
A slight re-design of the basic body shape and the lure's unique weight system also improves the lure's side-to-side walking action; this is one you can fish in open water near cover and expect big results.
For those who enjoy tinkering, the Frog Works kit includes everything you need to customize your own frogs: weights, rattles, color markers, glue and extra hooks.
(800/762-4773; www.snagproof.com).
SOUTHERN LURE CO.
New here is Bigfoot, one of the better-looking new hollow-body frog designs.
Bigfoot features two big plastic paddle legs rather than skirt strands. More than a year in development during which bass up to 8 lbs. were caught, this frog isn't so much about being subtle as it is about being noisy, but unlike most noise-makers, you can stop this one any time and vary your retrieve.
Whenever it moves, it kicks and leaves a wake. Seven colors are offered.
(662-327-4548; www.scumfrog.com).
SPRO
Spro has developed into a leading player in the lure industry, largely by letting experienced tournament anglers design their bass lures.
Last year's Bronzeye Frog by Dean Rojas was a prime example; this year the Elite pro is back with a downsized version, the ½-oz. Bronzeye Jr., which comes with a new Gamakatsu 3/0 EWG Double hook and in several new colors.
There's a new Aruku Shad Jr. vibrating lipless crankbait designed by Roland Martin (3/8-oz., 14 colors) that you can actually crawl along the bottom withoug getting snagged because it runs nose down.
Big bass pro Bill Siemantel has designed Spro's entry into the swimbait world, the BBZ-1, an extremely realistic double-jointed swimbait available in floating, slow sinking, and fast falling models.
(770/919-1722; www.spro.com).
STORM LURES
In hard baits for bass fishermen, Storm offers the SubWart, a surface-waking plug with a maximum running depth of 12".
It has exaggerated side-to-side action, plenty of rattles, and is offered in 10 colors.
There are two models of the new ThunderCrank, a loud rattling, thin-lipped crankbait that dive to 8 and 15'; and for light tackle fans the new MinnowStick will certainly fool its share of bass.
It's a 1/8-oz. minnow-type twitch bait that sinks slowly to about 4', which is ideal bass country. In soft plastics the Storm Kickin' Minnow is a segmented-body swimbait available in 4", 6", and 10" sizes.
(800/874-4451; www.stormlures.com).
STRIKE KING
It's been a busy year for this Tennessee lure maker, which is fast becoming as well-known for its crankbaits as for its spinnerbaits.
New this year for cranking fans, for example, is the Custom Shop Series of premium balsa lures that feature extra-thin circuit board bills so they run deeper and get there faster, VMC hooks, and oblong line-tie split rings so you know these are serious baits.
The Series includes a tight-wobbling Flat Shad (3-5') and a wider-wobbling Stealth Shad (4-6').
For swimbait crankers, Strike King offers the King Kong in both 6" and 8" models. These jointed/hinged lures work best with a slow, steady retrieve that really enhances their swimming action.
The 5" King Shad is a flat-sided jointed swimbait that dives to about 5'. Strike King's staff of bass pros designed the new Red Eye Shad, a ½-oz. lipless crankbait complete with 3D eyes, free floating rattles, VMC hooks, and gorgeous paint jobs.
"Pure Poison" is what Strike King has named its new blade jig, available in ¼, 3/8, 3/16, and ½-oz. sizes.
For those who've wondered why there aren't more tailspinner/drop baits out there, Strike King offers the Sand Blaster, featuring an in-line French blade for a different type of vibration. It's available in ½ and ¾-oz. sizes.
From the soft plastics dept. there's a new 8" Iguana, a high-floater you can Carolina rig or just swim by itself when you're looking for giants; and a new Denny Brauer Magnum Chunk trailer that will totally change the way your jig looks and acts.
On the salty side Strike King offers the Redfish Magic, Bay Magic, and Magic Minnow saltwater spinnerbaits, each featuring a single #4 Colorado blade and a swimming tail Glass Minnow in place of the skirt.
The Glass Minnows are made of new tear resistant materials so they're extremely durable; the heavy gauge wire is gold plated.
(901/853-1455; www.strikeking.com).
TERMINATOR LURES
New here is the Hybrid Blade, a combination spinnerbait/buzz bait on the company's famous titanium frame.
The blade features a 90-degree bend on the end that churns the water like an outboard.
It works best with a fast retrieve, which also adds action the lure skirt. When fished just below the surface it creates a huge wake.
(800/944-4766; www.terminatorlures.com).
TTI-BLAKEMORE
Bassmaster Classic watchers may remember how close Aaron Martens came to winning the 2004 world championship, primarily with a small, homemade lead body/spinner-type lure.
Blakemore now offers that lure, the Rollin' Runner, in ¼ and 3/8-oz. sizes and in 6 colors. The Rollin' Runner features an angled lead head, Gamakatsu hook, and willowleaf blade attached by a ball bearing swivel; all you do is add your favorite soft plastic shad trailer, cast to deeper structure, and retrieve slowly.
Randy Howell's version of the same lure features a red Bleeding Bait hook.
(800/421-5768; www.blakemorelure.com).
UNCLE JOSH
This famous 78-year old Wisconsin company has purchased several other lure firms in recent months, so now goes far beyond producing only pork trailers.
The most recent purchase was Kalin, the soft plastic grub maker; their newest offering is the 3" Scrub, a double paddle tail grub that can be used on jigs and spinnerbaits; 9 colors are offered.
There's also a 4" Kalin Lunker Grub that offers plenty of vibration even on a slow retrieve. From the Sizmic Lures side of the house comes the new Popn' Toad, a 4 ¼" high floater; if you know of any lily pad fields, take one of these along.
The Propwash Toad is a 5 ½" big brother of the Popn' Toad, and features the same long leg/oversized paddle feet design. You need a huge 6/0 hook for this one.
Uncle Josh owns Bass Stalker Jigs, too, and the latest from there includes the Swim Stalker and Rock Stalker jigs.
The Swim Stalker features a concave, bullet-shaped head that lets it slide more easily over cover; the Rock Stalker is a football head jig that stands up whenever you pause from hopping it around in the rocks.
Naturally, both jigs work better with one of Uncle Josh's pork trailers, such as their new Mini Frog trailer.
(920/563-2491; www.unclejosh.com).
WAVE WORMS
New from this Lake-Fork-based company is the Tiki-Monkey, a creature bait with six arms and legs, all with paddle feet to produce continuous action whenever you even breathe on it. Both 3" and 4" sizes and 18 colors are offered.
Also new are the 10" Tiki Ribbon Tail, a big bass lure for summer night fishing or maybe when you go to El Salto; the Tiki-Finesse, a pencil-thin 4 ½" crawler designed for shaking, drop shots, or just twitching with a dart head; and the Tiki-Toad, a 4" kicking-leg frog that will definitely stir up the water.
(903/383-3573; www.wavefishing.com).
XCALIBUR
The new Xw6 Wake Bait is just that: a hard plastic, wide wobbling, rattling crankbait that pushes out a wake no matter how fast you reel it.
It runs so shallow some part of the lure is usually out of the water all the time. Weighing in at ¾-oz., you can make long casts with heavier tackle, too.
(479/782-8971; www.lurenet.com).
GARY YAMAMOTO
There are two new lures here every fishermen will want in his tackle box: the Swimming Senko and the larger 5" Swimbait.
The Swimming Senko is actually a combination of a regular 5" Senko and the swimming paddle tail of the Swimbait.
Yamamoto tested the first prototypes in a national tournament on Kentucky Lake and brought in four bass over 5-lbs., including one over 7. It's designed for flipping or swimming in relatively shallow water and for fishing a little faster than a Senko.
The larger Swimbait will see plenty of action in both fresh and saltwater, as the paddle tail produces its own unique Yamamoto action to attract bigger fish.
Just rig it hook exposed with a Yamamoto Swimbait Jig Head (¼ or ½-oz.) and swim it, jig it, or hop it near the bottom; the swimming tail will provide all the action you need.
(800/645-2248; www.baits.com).
YO-ZURI
New lures here are the Wack-O, a 3/8-oz. rattling topwater lure that walks erratically and spits like a popper; and the Jerk-O, a rattling, suspending jerkbait with a special sloping head that creates an erratic side-to-side motion whenever you move it.
Both lures have Yo-Zuri's patented weight transfer system that produces longer casts, and the finishes are exquisite.
(888/336-9775; www.yo-zuri.com).
YUM BAIT CO.
The new Forktail Dinger adds more action and sight appeal to this popular stick worm; it's available in 4 ½" and 6" sizes and 14 colors.
You can fish the Forktail the same way you do regular Dingers, including on a leadhead, weightless, or even flipping.
(479-782-8971; www.lurenet.com).
