Big Smallie Tackle is Like the Rockstar Lures of Jigs

No, Big Smallie Tackle and Rockstar Lures are not related. But they do seem to share a few of the same ideals like attention to detail and being handcrafted with care and flair. Not to mention making some of the biggest damn jigs I’ve ever seen like this monster 10-inch swim jig!

The legendary hair jig has brought in more smallmouth, walleye, and striped bass than any other artificial in history. Yet somehow the hair jig has become terribly underrated for adding weight to the livewell since the introduction of affordable rubber and silicone dressings. A good old fashioned bear hair, bucktail, or rabbit hair jig has become the necessity of only those who can’t buy a bite with anything else in the tackle box. Only after that mean cold front passes and the bass seem to all but disappeared will anglers tie on the dependable hair jig from their “panic box.”

We will be receiving some Big Smallie Tackle jigs in the next week or two for review, and I’m also working on a special trip to Mystery Lake before the end of October. Combine those two and you should be in a big bass treat when I get back!

Toronto Sportmen’s Show: Handmade Hotness From MacKinnon!

When I’m browsing the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show I always keep an eye out for things that are out of the ordinary, ideas and products that break the moulds of convention. One such company is MacKinnon Tackle, based right here in Ontario. Firstly, I totally respect anyone that makes their own lures, our own Clive Mathias created Rockstar Lures and these days is pumping out some serious gear. MacKinnon Tackle is no different in that respect, but their approach is all together something I wouldn’t have expected. But now there’s no turning back, colour me deeply impressed!

MacKinnon Tackle makes handmade lures, everything from bucktails and spinnnerbaits, to jigs and even crankbaits! These one-of-a-kind lures are like miniature works of art. The first thing I noticed that separates these lures from the others is the use of hand formed glass components instead of lead, tungston, or other heavy metals that can cause environmental damage. These components are made from a high grade thermo shock resistant Boro Silicate glass so they will take everything you, and your catch, can throw at them. On top of that, the glass provides several benefits, such as enhancing light refraction to attract game fish and creating attractive sounds and vibrations completely distinct and unique to each lure.

I spent quite a long time talking to the guys at this booth, in fact both days of the convention so far I’ve talked to them long enough that the convention room lights were turned off and we were asked to leave! Before they could kick me out though I picked up two lures from MacKinnon, two of each even, one set for me, one for Clive. Below and above you’ll find a salamander and frog pattern, made from glass, deer hair, and a few pieces of the plastic jig material. I personally can’t wait to catch something on these, but I dread the possibility of ever losing them.

These photos were all taken by Brandon Seibel, one of my friends and co-workers, on his Canon 50D.

Pass the Dutchie Baits

I stumbled across these videos on youtube while searching for something other than videos about lures to break up today’s posts. While this is a lure post, it has some mystery behind it. “Dutchbaits” are handmade wooden lures with some pretty awesome paint jobs, the music and camera work are great too. And that’s all I know! I’ve contacted the original poster on youtube for some background information.