When it comes to fishing on the Chesapeake, you can’t go wrong with “
do as the locals do.” Ask any angler on the dock what’s in their tackle box, and you’ll surely hear one of these name brands mentioned. Put your trust into the hands of Bay anglers who know what works, and check out some of these local lures at a tackle shop or an upcoming fishing show near you.
Bass Kandy Delights
It would be tough to find an angler on the Bay who isn’t familiar with Bill Montgomery’s trademark soft plastics. Ideal for light-tackle jigging, they can be rigged a variety of ways and are available in six and 10 inches. They come in several colors, though chartreuse and albino are our favorites. Hot rodding them by dipping the tail in garlic-scented dye seems only to increase the bite on an already effective lure.
bkdlures.com
Boiling Point Bucktails
Handmade bucktails from Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Contrasting colors and reflective materials within the hairs make these highly effective lures for trolling and casting especially when combined with a twister or paddletail. The white and chartreuse is a great combo.
boilingpointbucktails.com
Bullethead Darter
Joe Bruce’s hand-tied creation is an effective lure for a variety of species in the shallows. He ties several versions of this fly, specifically designed for salt or freshwater. Also available is the articulated crystal bugger, which features a segment body for more action.
joebruce.net
Jigged Up Customs
Handmade just outside Baltimore, these jig heads come with 3D eyes and can be dressed up with a skirt. They are made with strong nickel hooks, are doubled dipped, powder coated, and cured. Submit your custom orders to get you any color combo you desire.
jiggedupunlimited.com
Flippy Floppy Thing
Bill Pino of Tyaskin, MD, was awarded best soft lure at ICAST 2016 for the Squidnation Long Tail Flippy Floppy. This unique offshore lure imitates a school of scattered bait in distress and is sure to entice an agressive bite from one of several of the pelagic species.
squidnation.com
What is your favorite Bay brand? Email us at [email protected]