Ugly Lures for Beautiful Bass?
By Paul Strege

One of the recent innovations in the fishing tackle industry is the refinement of soft-plastic creature baits. These developments have led to the introduction of smaller, compact baits. Compared to predecessors such as the Bacon Rind, new-age creature baits like Gambler’s Ugly Otter and Little Otter have eliminated long appendages, introduced a wide-body profile, and utilized paddle tails. The result is quite appealing, to both fishermen and fish alike.

Above: Gambler's Ugly Otter (left) and Little Otter (right).

You may wonder if this is just another bait to take up valuable space in an already cramped tackle bag. The Ugly Otter is the “big-brother” of Gambler’s product line, while the Little Otter is a scaled-down version of its sibling. I can testify that both of these baits not only catch fish, but they are easier to fish. The Otter’s compact design combined with shorter appendages, allow fishermen to cover water more efficiently. Longer

baits are prone to tearing when flipping heavy cover. Thick weed mats in particular continually test a lure’s durability. In addition, pitching to emergent structure such as wood can cause worms and other long-profiled plastics to inadvertently wrap around a dry stick or branch. If you’ve ever experienced this, you are well aware of the results: a torn bait, an embedded hook, or a combination of both. Less time spent re-rigging, pulling weeds off of the lure, or repositioning the bait on the hook, results in more time spent with the lure in the water. The ease of using the Otter is also apparent in its versatility. Creature baits of the past have really been just one dimensional and were used primarily for flipping. Flip-it, swim-it, drag-it, or trim-it; the applications are only limited by one's imagination. The paddle-like appendages of the Otter can be cut for topwater applications, while the bottom tail can be split for use as a jig trailer. These are just a few examples of how an angler can utilize this versatile bait.

Equally important, the Otter appeals to fish. The process of pouring these baits has led to a wide variety of fish-appealing colors. If you fancy the bass fisherman's staple colors of watermelon and green pumpkin, try "Ripe Melon". It uses a watermelon bottom side and green pumpkin top. There are many other color combinations, too. I have experienced greater success when using multicolored baits. The bass' forage is naturally two-toned; biologists call the effect counter-shading. It provides essential camouflage against backgrounds of the sky or lake bottom. As an additional feature, lateral ridges run down the length of the lure body. This creates turbulence and displacement within the water column, making the lure easier to locate for the hungry bass. I also consider the use of a paddle tail a unique design. Reaction strikes on the initial flip or on the retrieve of the cast are common; the erratic motion of the paddle tail provokes this strike. The combination of all of these characteristics helps to put more fish in the boat.

Above: A Smallmouth Bass that thinks the Otter is not so Ugly.

Rigging the Otters is easy. I have used the Otters in a wide variety of situations. Unique to the North American Midwest is the presence of glacial lakes and rivers. These bodies of water have clean or stained water; the fertility of their ecosystems encourages vegetation growth which serves as natural filtration. Northern-strain largemouth competing for food with their smallmouth cousins is commonplace in these environs. I often pursue these species with two techniques: flipping and Carolina Rigging. When flipping, I like to rig the Ugly Otter on heavy gear. Punching the Otter through weed mats is not difficult. Once the surface canopy is penetrated, the Otter goes to work. On the fall, the tail flails in all directions.

Subsequent lifts and drops will entice even the most wary bass into a strike. Flipping the Otter as a Florida Rig, or as a jig trailer are my favorite presentations. Another technique that is a proven success with these baits is Carolina Rigging. I especially like to target smallmouth with this rig. I have experienced many situations where offerings of a stick-bait or tube on a Carolina Rig go untouched. The moment that a Little Otter is dragged past, however, an immediate hook-up is made with a bruiser bronzeback.

Whether you are just looking to experiment with a new lure on a familiar lake, or trying to gain a competitive edge in tournament situations, Gambler's Ugly Otter and Little Otter are cutting-edge creature baits with great appeal and versatility.

For more information on the article presented above, feel free to contact Paul Strege at pstrege@hotmail.com . To order the Ugly Otter or Little Otter visit Gambler Lure's website at www.Gambler-Bang.com .

For more information on the article above, feel free to contact Paul Strege at pstrege@hotmail.com