Article by Larry Jock
A few years ago, Sebile Fishing Lures was the first company to come out with a hard bait that had more than 2 segments, and it took the fishing world by storm. The additional segments really created life-like action to their lures and caught the attention of a lot of fishermen. Sebile lures aren’t cheap, which I think kept them from acquiring market share in the hard bait category.
Well, after 2 years of research and development, the Mann Bait Co. has released their new Stretch Textured Alive, a 9-inch hardbodied trolling lure with a floating body segmented into 4 separate sections.
The textured body is made from a polycarbonate material and is able to withstand a direct pull on the tail hook of 100 lbs. and a sideways pull on the tail hook of 80 lbs.
The segments are connected with a unique hinge design that creates a combination of mobility and strength.
The lure runs with a really smooth swimming action but doesn’t have any quick, jerky movements that might stimulate fish to attack. Mann is producing the lure in 9 different colors, including the popular Cabo Sunset design that fall striper fishermen in the Delaware Bay and off the Ocean City coast found to be the hot color the last 2 years.
The Stretch Alive is retailing for around $25.00, which is significantly more than their popular Stretch 25 and Stretch 30 lures that cost between $12.00 and $18.00 but right in line with their Imitator series, which I am a huge fan of.
Is this new lure worth it? I guess it all depends on whether it produces, which I?think it will since Mann Lures are known for hooking fish. I just don’t want to be around when some hungry bluefish decides he wants to separate my $25.00 lure from my line.
Have you ever been fishing at an ocean wreck and wondered what happened to cause the vessel to sink?
Last fall, as I was heading to the Jack Spot and passed by the Blenny, African Queen and Gordon S. Cook wrecks, I decided to search the Internet for a good book on shipwrecks off the Delmarva coast. I found a book called “Shipwrecks of Delaware and Maryland” that is part of Gary Gentile’s Popular Dive Guide Series. I have to tell you, this book is fantastic. It is loaded with information on over 60 wrecks and also gives the readers the LORAN and GPS coordinates for each wreck.
The book retails for $20 and is worth every penny. Some of the stories behind the shipwrecks are fascinating and it does make the fishing trip a little more interesting, knowing the details behind the wreck you are fishing.
You can pick up the book at various tackle shops or online.
