New Age Blades

While they may all look very similar, spinnerbaits carry stark differences not unlike the fish they are used to target or the waters they are fished in. From the shallow fringes of Lake Mulwala to the depths of the Murray River from giant Murray Cod to bass or Golden Perch, each water and species requires its own approach and style.

Understanding where and when to use these lures is only part of the process, it’s their design and the way in which they are rigged that has made the greatest difference. This evolutionary road of tinkering has seen Lismore based lure manufacturer Glen Casey take bladed lures to the next level and provide the missing piece of the puzzle. The Codman series could best be described as the revved up spinnerbait on steroids. These muscle bound coat hangers are designed specifically for large Murray Cod. Heavy gauged wire; larger hook size and upsized blades create maximum vibration and strength. With the addition of a stinger- hook and soft plastic trailer, they produce almost as much resistance and pulse as many hard bodied lures.

The wire frame of the lure itself has been tested for tensile strength up to the point we have now landed giant Murray cod in excess of 1.5 meters for little effect on the lure. These are impressive results when you consider it all takes place on a single strand of wire.

The Harmonics or pulse emitted by the larger blades on these lures is far easier for fish to detect over distance or in poor water clarity. This pulse is of benefit to the angler also as it can be clearly felt through the rod tip allowing for upgrades in rod weight for tight timber slugfests. The heavy vibration makes this model far easier to use and stay in touch with than many conventional spinnerbaits. In clear water, the flash these larger blades send off can be viewed up to several meters under the water. Combine a soft plastic and stinger hook and the overall bulk and size of the offering makes it an impressive meal, if not a noticeable intruder.

New ideas

Glen decided to add another product to his arsenal when he introduced a age hybrid that is a Heinz cross between a spinnerbait and a wobbler. Dubbed the mumbler these lures come equipped with a much larger blade, and carry a 7/0 Gamakatsu hook an all-round up grade in both size and strength. An omega clip has been fitted on the blade in place of the standard snap type swivel. A far more reliable tow point when dealing with heavy line and cranked up drag settings. The mumbler has been built specifically to target large native fish and withstand the brutal punishment they deliver. In a short successful trial period, this lure is proving to be the new bully on the block and quickly becoming a recognized big fish favorite. This lure can be worked at incredibly low speeds emitting as much if not more water disturbance than noted large hard bodied cod lures. It too creates plenty of flash, even when rigged with a stinger its ability to ride the snags is better than that of most spinnerbaits.

We have found when rigging either the spinnerbait or mumbler with a soft plastic trailer, it is important to get the combination correct. From both a visual and balance stand point, the two should gel so that the whole presentation is viewed as one single entity. To run any bladed lure straight off the shelf commando style, is to tempt fait and ultimately miss opportunities. Not only does a stinger and accompanying plastic create bulk and increase the hook up ratio, it also improves the overall visual appeal.

On the larger spinner baits we are running a 100mm Bozos shad with a 4/0 stinger hook; this combination looks awesome in the water, the paddle tail working in unison with the blades. In the areas we are fishing, these include both pool water and sections of river that contain average current. Head weights for different waters will often vary but we have found that 5/8oz is a good all rounder. On the Mumbler using the same head weight we opt to fit a larger 125ml Bozo shad, this creates the illusion of more size and bulk. The strong action of these lures has the effect to throw these larger paddle tailed plastics into gear; the overall rolling effect is nothing short of brilliant.

These are exciting times for those of us that enjoy targeting native fish. I for one am sold on the ability of the Bassman range to bag big fish with consistency.
As an angler the familiar crunch of giant green jaws slamming home the metallic meal looses none of its punch and it hangs in weight with every turn of the reel. The cod fishing arsenal continues to grow more intense and these new age blades from Bassman are just one more way to bring these elusive giants undone.

Rod Mackenzie.