Lure of the Month: Lure #1 - Flaptail

[johnny ducketts]

What the heck,
Do I need to lead this discussion or just provide a start to it?

How about a Flaptail? who started it, the history of it, and proper techniques

[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)

[numbskull]

Here is our hero with a fish on a flaptail.....after he missed/dropped about three that were twice that size

[JohnR]

Cool - looks like our first discussion is on the Flaptail. Appropriate.

[Chunkah]

Thanks for the info regarding the history of the plug and the way it works numbskull. Sounds like a fun build for the winter. Anyone have any general measurements they could share? Also, do you have to make your own flaptail or are they available somewhere?

Thanks!