ICAST Report: Hard Baits
Originally Published on Aug 5, 2011 “From the Docks” NBC Sports
It’s impossible in the space here to provide full coverage of the dozens of new hard baits unveiled during the 2011 ICAST show, so I’m not even going to try. I will share a bit about trends because there are some definite trends we are seeing and all revolved around the need to develop products that appeal to today’s pressured fish.
There are several new baits already out (and coming), like the new Silent Bomber Fat Free Shad, that are specifically designed to run silently (no rattles). Additionally, there is a very strong push toward realistic finishes. Several bait companies like XCaliber and others have new offerings set for late 2011 or 2012 that look so real you nearly reach for the fillet knife. XCaliber calls its new finish Real Gill.
In an earlier post, I mentioned the incredible number of new, realistic soft frogs coming out. Well, realistic hard baits are even more incredible. Companies like Rapala, Koppers, ima, Yo-Zuri, Sebile, Matzuo, Live Target, Spro and others have been busy of late and you and I now have a new crop of lures that fish have yet to see…
Honey, I need a new tackle box.