Fishbelly is an exciting new company with several great products. Fishbelly Hawg Shad™ and Helix Buzzbait are Japan made baits with enticing looks and action. Natural colors, realistic appearance, and great minnow imitation are just a few characteristics that make these baits winners.

The Helix Buzzbait is what I call a bloop – bloop buzzbait. The unique design of the blade makes a different sound than standard ticka-ticka buzzbait. The blade design allows the angler to reel very slowly yet keep the lure running and churning on top. The bait I used travel slower than conventional buzzbaits. This one feature gives the bait a place in any tackle box. Since the slower you reel a buzzbait, the more strikes you will receive. A great skirt and minnow like head completes the package. I found the head to be heavier than other buzzbaits. This allowed me to cast it farther without generating that end over end tumbling of other baits. The blade was large enough to keep the bait on top despite the heavier head. The lure ran straight and true right out of the box.

Fishbelly Hawg Shad™ baits are a soft plastic minnow imitation. The baits look so lifelike; they could have been dipped out of your bait bucket. The big eyes and natural colors really come alive on a drop shot rig. Their website (www.fishbelly.com) has several tips for rigging. As a drop shot or jighead trailer, the minnow bait’s unique tail causes the minnow to swim like a baitfish. Available in various sizes, the Hawg Shad come in sizes ranging from 2.8 to 6 inches.

Fishbelly has two exciting new products. These products include the attention to detail that Japanese angler come to expect when fishing highly pressures water. The baits with their natural patterns are sure to be a hit with U.S. anglers. Stop by their website for more information.

About the author: Jeff Bruhl is a member of the Louisiana Outdoors Writer Association, pro angler, and a pharmacist. His website, www.marshbass.com, covers freshwater fishing across Louisiana and the gulf coast. Each Saturday morning between 5-7 am CST, a bass fishing report can be heard on the Outdoors with Don Dubuc Radio Show (www.dontheoutdoorsguy.com) on 870 AM from the New Orleans station. Jeff has made numerous television and radio appearances on shows like Paradise Louisiana, The Big Fish, and ABC26.com. From tips on youtube.com to weekly reports on his website, his articles and reports provide tips and tactics for bass anglers in the sportsman paradise. Jeff’s sponsors include Abu Garcia, Xpoint hooks, Bud Light, Louisiana Fish Fry Products, Power Pole, Stanley Jigs and Spinnerbaits, Skeeter, Dockside Marine, Rat-L-Trap, and Berkley. For more information about fishing in Louisiana, drop Jeff an email at jeff@marshbass.com.