Winter 2024
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The result is a chunky bite-sized minnow-shaped bait made with the soft Mega Floater plastic formula which Yamamoto Baits recently developed.
The fat body is not just effective at showing up better on FFS. It is also effective in tempting wary bass to open their mouth and inhale the chunky morsel. One of the traditional drawbacks of a small lure was getting bass to notice them. In clear water the fat body attracts bass from a further distance than most 3-inch lures, and its lively appearance seals the deal when in striking range.
As a veteran tournament angler and fisheries biologist, I pay attention to the importance of water displacement in attracting predator fish to prey. As prey move through the water column, the water they displace creates vibrations felt by the lateral line of predatory bass. The fat body of the Scope Shad can be detected by bass even when not seen, making it ideal for FFS.
WATER DISPLACEMENT WITH THE SCOPE SHAD
Although used primarily in clear water, the water displacement and ability to transmit vibrations can be enhanced by using the Scope Shad with an underspin like the Gamakatsu Under Spin Head Mini. The vibration and flash of the willow leaf blade adds to the Scope Shad’s appeal even if the water is stained.
becomes immediately apparent is that the tail shakes rapidly even when holding the bait still. The perfect taper and plastic consistency enhance tail movement and mimic the nervous behavior exhibited by prey just before being swallowed by a bass.
Another feature adding to the nervous nature of the Scope Shad is a forked tail, which exaggerates the movement and appeal.
As a tool designed specifically for FFS in clear water, Yamamoto offers the Scope Shad in 13 colors that are proven to be attractive in transparent water. Realism wins out over boldness in clear water, so many of the available colors are translucent. For deeper use where sunlight and visibility is reduced, the standard Green Pumpkin Black Flake is particularly effective. Where brighter colors are needed, particularly where smallmouth bass exist, try the chartreuse/electric blue color.
SCOPE SHAD / SCOPE HEAD COMBO
Designed specifically to pair with the Scope Shad is a new jig head called the Buckeye Lures Scope-Head. Buckeye Lures and Yamamoto Baits are sister companies under the GSM umbrella. Their collaboration results in a lure that is easily seen on Forward Facing Sonar despite its diminutive size.
The Scope Head has a long lead bar that extends below the belly of the Scope Shad. Although it helps to keep the Scope Shad soft plastic in the correct position and increase its longevity with repeated catches, the primary reason for the bar is to reflect sonar signals so your bait is easily visible on FFS despite the small size. The Scope-Head also has a wire keeper which secures the Scope Shad to the hook keeping it in the optimal position. This allows the soft plastic to remain intact for multiple bass.
SCOPE GEAR
A spinning rod equipped with light braid and an 8-pound test fluorocarbon leader works best for targeting bass with the Scope Shad while using FFS.
SCOPE SHAD PROFILE AND AESTHETICS
Arguably the biggest factor in getting a bass to eat the Scope Shad is not readily apparent. But take a Scope Shad out of the package and hold it in your hand, and what
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