The Sincerest Form of Flattery
Every year we see new lure introductions that build on existing shapes and styles. Whether you call it “reinventing the wheel” or “building a better mousetrap” or “new wine in old bottles,” it’s part of the iterative process of our industry. Sometimes it improves on a past product, or replaces one that’s been discontinued or changed. Other times, it’s just a slightly different offering. After all, there are dozens of ribbontail worms and we all have our favorites.
Some people get offended by the most blatant copycats. I’m not going to get into the ethics or other related philosophical issues in this blog, but I do intend to point out that last year’s ICAST 2023 was just like all the rest in this respect – accordingly, here are a few newer lures that build on past products.
New Product: SPRO Sashimmy Swimmer Swimbait
Old Product: Sebile (now Berkley) Magic Swimmer
The Story: The Magic Swimmer was a brief wonder, particularly in blueback country, but seems to have fallen off the map. South Carolina pro Bryan New burns it in his backyard as well as for a topwater substitute.
New Product: Strike King Gravel Dawg
Old Product: Original Wiggle Wart
The Story: As the pre-Rapala OG Warts become harder-to-find, anglers in the Ozarks and around the country are trying to find a replacement. A lot of them think that the SPRO RkCrawler is an equal or better option, but now Strike King is expanding the possibilities.
New Product: Strike King Rage Hawk
Old Product: Mann’s Mosquito Hawk
The Story: I don’t think that the original Hawk was a huge hit, but my friend Dale Steele swears by them in Mexico, and buys them in bulk when he can find them. Someone must’ve been listening, because Strike King has built one that’ll handle a 5/0 hook.
