GEARING UP
6 bill lewis gnat
$ 4.49 | rat-l-trap . com | Available December 2023
The newest squarebill from Bill Lewis takes the emerging trend of downsized crankbaits to the extreme . The GNAT measures 1 1 / 2 inches long and weighs 1 / 8 ounce , making it the perfect tool when bass zero in on tiny baitfish , according to BPT pro Mark Daniels Jr .
“ So often , those fish get keyed in on that little , tiny bait ,” Daniels said . “ And it ’ s like , I don ’ t even have anything in my box to match that . Well , now you ’ ve got something .”
The GNAT profiles as a bit of a niche bait for tournament anglers , especially given that it probably can ’ t be thrown effectively on traditional casting gear . However , its diminutive size should make it an ideal multi-species offering . The GNAT dives to three feet and will be offered in eight colors .
BILL LEWIS GNAT
COLOR : OYSTER
7 bill lewis hammer trap
$ 8.99 | rat-l-trap . com | Available December 2023
Bill Lewis ’ Hammer Trap will provide a new spin on the original Rat-L-Trap , offering a larger profile and more aggressive action that is designed to trigger bigger bites .
“ It feels like a ChatterBait when you throw it ,” Daniels said . “ That thing hits hard . It ’ s very loud , it ’ s very aggressive , and I just think in the right conditions , it is going to out-perform all other lipless baits .”
The Hammer Trap features three distinct sound chambers that emit different frequencies as it vibrates . As a result , Daniels said it shines in dirty water . He also believes it could generate strikes from bass that see lipless crankbaits on a daily basis .
“ When fish are pressured , I tend to go one of two ways ,” Daniels said . “ You either go the stealthy , finesse-y way , or you go obnoxiously large , loud , crazy . So I think this will play a role in that scenario , too , on places like Sam Rayburn , Toledo Bend , where they ’ ve seen just your traditional Trap year in , year out , and here you come with this big , loud , obnoxious one .”
The Hammer Trap will be available in both 3 / 8- and 5 / 8- ounce sizes and 16 colors .
BILL LEWIS HAMMER TRAP
COLOR : RAYBURN RED CRAW
8 lunkerhunt boshi blade
$ 9.99 | tacklewarehouse . com
Whispers about anglers affixing bladed treble hooks to their hard baits have grown louder in recent years . Lunkerhunt ’ s latest creation saves you the trouble of swapping out a hook to do so . The Boshi Blade crankbait comes with a plastic blade attached to its belly by a split ring . The blade is intended to give the relatively small-bodied bait ( 2 ¼ inches ) a little extra drawing power . The plug dives 4 to 6 feet and is offered in nine colors .
LUNKERHUNT BOSHI BLADE
COLOR : SASSY
62 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2023