Category: Gimmick Bass Tackle

Bass Fishing Darwin Awards

Posted by Terry Battisti | Jul 30, 2026 | Gimmick Bass Tackle |

One of the craziest ideas ever to come out was the Roland Martin-backed Helicopter Lure. Another would be the Ron Popeil Pocket Fisherman. Both are obvious entries for a Darwin-esque fishing award.

The Rebel Blackstar

Posted by Terry Battisti | Jun 9, 2026 | Gimmick Bass Tackle |

The first, and probably the craziest, was the “ultra-sensitive” line-tie made from graphite. This concept was supposed to increase sensitivity and allow you to feel a fish when it hit.

Hardbaits – Batteries not Included

Posted by Terry Battisti | Jun 8, 2026 | Gimmick Bass Tackle |

We even put a call out for you readers to send us in your nominations for the Bass Fishing Darwin awards. Hardbaits – Batteries Not Included is along the same lines, and we’ll add these gems to the list of Darwin-esque baits.

More Innovative Rod Handles

Posted by Brian Waldman | Jan 22, 2026 | Gimmick Bass Tackle |

The “Bass Handler” was packaged more as a component item, most likely intended for use by custom rod builders. Word is they were designed to hold Lew’s Speed Stick ferrules.

Langley De-Liar Fish Scale

Posted by David Smith | Nov 3, 2025 | Gimmick Bass Tackle, Retro Ads |

There was a time when it was a safe bet that practically any and every tackle box in America held...

Chuck Woolery MotoLure Brochure

Posted by David Smith | Oct 20, 2025 | Gimmick Bass Tackle |

A couple weeks ago I published a story on Chuck Woolery’s Moto Minnow, a mechanical lure...

Jenson Froglegs Mechanical Lure

Posted by David Smith | Oct 13, 2025 | Gimmick Bass Tackle |

Last Monday we looked at the Chuck Woolery Moto Minnow, a mechanical fishing lure promoted by...

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written by Terry Battisti