5 Unconventional But Effective Lure/Trailer Combinations

One of the coolest things about fishing is that every rule is made to be broken. Everyone’s had a day where they whacked them doing something unconventional like on a topwater in 50 degree water or on bright chartreuse baits in clear water.The reality is, most of the baits we have in our arsenals were invented by someone that was trying to do something a little (or a lot) different. In that spirit, we polled a bunch of our anglers and came up with this list of unconventional lure/trailer combinations. If you’re looking for a little variety the next time you’re on the water – try one out!

1. Swim Jig + Buzz Toad

People think buzz toads are only surface baits. Not so, they have flailing appendages and bulky bodies, which are excellent traits in a swim jig trailer. The bulky body will keep it swimming high in the water column.

2. Spinnerbait + 10 Inch Worm

When the bass are feeding on magnum gizzard shad, there’s nothing quite like the profile of a big ¾ or 1 ounce spinnerbait with a full size 10 inch worm threaded on the back. Slow roll it over deep channel breaks, ledges, or brush piles and hold on.

3. Buzzbait + 5 Inch Grub

In river systems, buzzbaits are one of the most effective ways to generate strikes, especially if the river’s got smallmouth in it. Unfortunately, the current only gives them a small window to track the bait – which ends up with a lot of short strikes. Try removing the skirt from a buzzbait and threading on a magnum 5 inch curly tailed grub. It creates a compact package that casts well and gives the bass a better target in the current.

4. Flipping Jig + Magnum Creature Bait

Flipping jig trailers are often designed to create a compact look. But what if the bass are feeding on bluegills or big crawfish? Flip the script by threading on a magnum creature bait like a full size Brush Hog or Strike King Rodent. Doing so adds bulk and creates a profile that big bass just love.

5. Vibrating Jig + Swimbait

Vibrating jigs and paddletail swimbaits are two of the hottest lure combinations on the pro circuit right now; so why not combine the two. Remove the skirt from a Z-Man Chatterbait or Strike King Rage Blade and thread on a 5 inch paddletail like the Berkley Havoc Beat Shad or Strike King KVD Swimmin Shiner – You can thank us later.What wild and successful lure combinations have you tried?