Spring/Early Summer 2026
page 38
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in a downsized version. These baits, with added sound in addition to the vibration from the blade, help them stand out from other baits and can lead to more bites in dirty water or when everyone else around you is fishing traditional vibrating jigs.
BLADE MATERIALS AND DESIGN CHANGES IN VIBRATING JIGS
The standard vibrating jig features a metal blade affixed to the bait, giving it a hard thumping action and adding flash from silver, gold, and painted blades. Metal is still the standard material, but some baits use other materials, such as clear plastic or soft blades. Many popular baits are also now available with tungsten heads, which allow for a more compact profile and tend to have the bait run slightly deeper than lead versions, opening up more places that you can fish these baits.
One Japanese bait with a flexible blade is the Kaesu Tranquil Series. It’s made of soft PVC and still vibrates, but the vibration is much more subtle. Others, like the Stealth Blade of the Z-Man Jack Hammer, use a clear plastic blade that still thumps, but it offers a more natural look and makes a difference in ultra-clear water and when bass are highly pressured. The Picasso Circuit Shaker Pro is another version of this, as it uses a circuit board for the blade, resulting in a distinctly different sound and vibration.
NEW VIBRATING JIG STYLES AND HYBRID BLADED JIGS
One of the hottest baits right now is a spin on the vibrating jig that also encompasses some of the feel of the spinnerbait, the Bass Puzzle Grass Piece. This bait has already gained a cult following in America and has been very hard to track down until recently. They are a small company,
just breaking into the market
here, and are still trying to
keep up with orders. This
bait has a square-style blade
that vibrates and runs much
tighter than a traditional
vibrating jig. They are truly
unique and work well for
bass accustomed to seeing
vibrating jigs every day.
Since the Bass Puzzle can be hard to find, other American brands have entered the market with similar baits. These include the Game Changer Bait Double Take and Pulse Fish Lures Side Piece. These two versions are much easier to find and roughly half the cost if you are looking to jump into this bait style.
WHY VIBRATING JIGS CONTINUE TO EVOLVE IN BASS FISHING
Like everything else in bass fishing tackle, companies are continuing on the path of innovation and trying to make something just different enough to help you catch more fish. Vibrating jigs have come a long way in the last two decades and continue to evolve every year. If you are a fan of this style of fishing, there are some great new options for you to try out the next time you are on the water. •