Lure of the Month: Lure #1 - Flaptail

[numbskull]

Pretty esoteric plug to start with, since they are not easily available.

The first I know of suitable for saltwater use were the Heddon musky sized. Jerry Sylvester adapted these plugs for saltwater and was turning them out around the canal @WWII. Some higher end NY companies Lido and Emmerson turned out some real collectible versions, as did Pt Jude. More recently Pt jude, Atom, and Poe made a version.

The best ones are the lido design, although front hook fouling is an issue. Prof M is the only guy making those of which I am aware, so ruin his winter and place orders now.

The plug is a fantastic daytime lure, and bass hit it harder than any other plug I've fished. The best ones (the lido and most recent Pt Jude) can be worked slowly like a spook with some zig zag. Most (like the older Pt jude) come in straight like a torpedo. They work, but I like the zig zag option better. I've not tried them at night (but plan to on a full moon). They cast poorly. The ones with the offset tail attachment work better.

Here are some photos.
First is the heddon, pt jude older, sylvester.
Next the pt jude "flap-along", and an Atom
Last a Steve Shiraka original (about 20-25 years ago), then an exact Prof M copy of the Lido, then a Greek version.

If you want to fish them you will need to build them (unless salty comes up with a kit)