Critters and Craws
New options for your tackle box
Nearly everyone already has a tackle box overflowing with soft baits. That said, there are always more to try. If you’re looking for something new, the following might do the trick.
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Missile Baits Baby D Stroyer
The Baby D Stroyer is a smaller version of the 7-inch D Stroyer. It comes in at a little under 5 inches and could be a dynamite option when you need a small presentation with a lot of movement. Mark Daniels Jr. has made the regular D Stroyer a staple as a swim jig trailer or on a wobbling jighead, so the smaller size seems likely to be a winner as well.
The Baby D Stroyer will be available by the end of August, and you should be able to get a 10-pack for $4.99.
Tightlines UV Whiskers Series ZB Hy-Brid
Tightlines UV debuted a few models of Whiskers Series baits last year – the company had entirely sold out by this spring. Adding whiskers to the baits allows Tightlines to do two things: increase color contrast when UV light hits them and have “motionless motion” when you aren’t moving the bait.
Due to the success, Tightlines has added a bunch of new Whiskers Series baits this year, including FLW Tour Rookie of the Year Zack Birge’s baby: the ZB Hy-Brid. The Hybrid is essentially a craw with two sets of whiskers, but there is also an optional rattle (that sounds pretty sweet) embedded in the body to further set it apart.
The ZB Hy-Brid will sell for $6.99 per four-pack and comes in 21 color combinations that are unlike anything else on the market.
NetBait Paca Slim
Building off the popular line of Paca Craws, NetBait has added a solid-body version for 2015. The Paca Slim has a smaller profile than some craws, and looks like it could shine on a shaky head, drop-shot rig or Texas rig. The solid body also offers a little more durability than past Paca Craws, and NetBait says that it could be a nice finesse flipping bait.
The Paca Slim is just under 4 inches long and should be in stores in January. It figures to be priced about the same as the rest of the NetBait lineup.
Big Bite Baits Swimming Mama
Built out from the beaver-style YoMama, the Swimming Mama has twin tails instead of the typical beaver tail. The rest of the bait is a standard ribbed body with side pincers. It seems like there are a lot of companies trying to add baits for wobbling jigheads this year, and Big Bite says the Swimming Mama should shine in that application. The Swimming Mama also figures to do well on a Texas rig or perhaps as a bulky jig trailer.
The Swimming Mama is 4 inches long, available in nine colors and comes in packs of eight. It should be available early this fall.
Bass Assassin Heavy Punch Craw
The Heavy Punch Craw is another bait sized for big punching hooks. It has a thick body with ribs, features the trademark Bang scent and is designed to be accompanied by a Punch Rattle inserted between the claws.
The Heavy Punch Craw is 4 inches long, comes in 12 colors, will cost $5.39 for a six-pack and is available now. The Punch Rattles project to be on the market in about two months.